5 Calming Herbs for Winter: Balance Vata and Ease Stress
calming herbs for winter
You work away during the spring and summer, and everything rolls smoothly. Then September arrives, and suddenly, everything feels too much; the days don’t seem to have enough hours to fit all the tasks. A sense of stress develops. You start doubting yourself, wondering why you get so stressed. But it isn’t just you; this seasonal shift affects us all.
Have you ever wondered why the cooler months make you feel more scattered or anxious?
The Reason Why We Experience Stress More in the Autumn
As the warmth of summer gives way to the cooler, windier days of autumn, the qualities of air and space begin to dominate, leading to an increase in Vata energy within us.
During the autumn and winter months, the mind is particularly affected. Vata dosha, the space and air elements, dominates these months. It governs the nervous system, and not coincidentally, our mind is primarily made up of these elements. That makes our mind particularly susceptible to Vata dosha and its imbalances.
The vast and empty qualities of the space element affect our mind; there is no structure to the mind. The mobile quality of the air element lets our thoughts move super quickly from here to there. One moment, we think about what to eat, and the next minute, we lie on the beach in Bali.
The flurry of thoughts brings unrest to our minds. This unrest leads to feeling overwhelmed, indecisive and, eventually, stressed.
In Ayurveda, the mind has its own constitution. If the mind is Vata dominant, the autumn/wintertime will be more turbulent. In the case of a Pitta-dominant mind, its heat and intensity can lead to more activity and mobility as heat creates movement; think about the movement of the air above the fire.
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Herbs and Spices to Balance the Mind
There are several ways to calm the Vata dosha of the mind.
Food is always the first port of call to bring change. The autumn harvest is naturally Vata calming. The abundance of root vegetables and grains is excellent for grounding the mind, just as warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom. They not only enhance the flavour of dishes but also aid in grounding the light and mobile qualities of Vata. Rosemary and thyme can be used in soups and stews for warming and grounding. Chamomile, lavender, lemon balm and valerian are used for their calming effect.
There are excellent herbs that directly affect the mind.
How to Use Ashwagandha for Stress Relief
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is a popular adaptogenic herb known for increasing our resistance to stress and promoting calm, relaxation, and restful sleep.
Ashwagandha has warming qualities. If your constitution is Pitta-dominant, this wonderful herb might have an imbalancing effect.
Benefits of Brahmi for a Calm Mind
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
This is my absolute favourite and life-safer on many occasions.
Brahmi works with the nervous system. Its bitter taste is not ideal for Vata, although bitter reduces tissues, which Vata doesn’t need. Brahmi is a rasayana, a tonic that nourishes, restores and rejuvenates. In addition, Brahmi is cooling, which feeds into Vata’s qualities.
You might ask yourself, why mention it if it is not suitable?
If Ashwagandha is not suitable for the Pitta-dominant constitution because of its heating nature, in this case, Brahmi comes in. Brahmi also reduces stress and calms the nervous system, but is cooling instead of heating, which makes it ideal for Pitta. Brahmi is excellent if you suffer from headaches or migraines, which are a sign of heat in the body. Brahmi also brings mental clarity, helps with focus and reduces anxiety.
Why Choose Tulsi for Vata Season
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi has many benefits, but today, we talk about it because of its adaptogenic properties, which, like Ashwagandha, help develop stress resistance.
Tulsi helps with anxiety, stabilises mood swings and lifts the mood a little.
Also helpful through the winter months, Tulsi strengthens the immune system.
A daily cup of Tulsi tea is an excellent helper.
Jatamansi: A Sleep-Promoting Herb for All Doshas
Jatamansi (Spikenard)
Another herb that is excellent for the nervous system and brain tonic for all doshas. Jatamansi also helps with clarity, focus and mental exhaustion. It promotes sleep, which can be disturbed during autumn and winter by Vata’s light and mobile qualities.
Liquorice for Stress and Adrenal Support
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Liquorice is known for its harmonising effects, particularly in supporting adrenal function and reducing stress. It helps soothe Vata-induced dryness and nervousness.
How to Use These Herbs?
You might ask, how do I take these herbs?
Fortunately, apart from Tulsi, all the above herbs can go into a cup of hot milk in the evening before bed, so they can work their magic when you sleep.
To make a calming herbal milk, warm a cup of your favourite milk (dairy or plant-based) and stir in half a teaspoon of your chosen herb powder, such as Ashwagandha or liquorice.
Sweeten with half a teaspoon of coconut sugar or a touch of honey for added warmth (avoid honey if you’re using it while hot, as it can become toxic in Ayurveda).
Final Thoughts
As the cooler months settle in, it’s common to feel more scattered or stressed—Vata’s influence is at play. But there are simple ways to help yourself feel more grounded. Incorporating warming foods, spices, and herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Tulsi, Jatamansi, and Licorice into your routine can make a big difference. A warm cup of herbal milk before bed or a daily tea can be a soothing ritual to calm the mind and body. With small, mindful changes, you can find a sense of balance and calm during the Vata season.
Now I’d love to hear from you: Have you noticed that you feel more scattered or stressed during the autumn and winter? Feel free to share your thoughts!
Let’s start a conversation. Leave a message on Instagram, Facebook, or even an old email OR comment below :)
I love hearing from you!
Katja x
P.S. Of course, establishing healthy eating habits is beneficial through all seasons :)
