We like to think about the solstice and the new year as an opening, not an assignment. A little more light and possibility comes in, without the pressure to immediately do something with it.

This time of year can feel tender. Energy is often low, rest feels essential, and yet life continues to ask for our presence. Rather than pushing forward or setting lofty intentions, we find ourselves returning to a different kind of support - one that focuses on repairing, replenishing, and steadying the nervous system so movement can arise naturally, when it’s ready.

Sometimes care looks less like motivation and more like creating the conditions for ease.

Below are a few of the plants we reach for during this in‑between moment - when we want to keep showing up for our people and our lives, but without overriding what the body is asking for.

1. Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)

Often called the happiness herb, mimosa has been used for centuries to gently lift the spirit and ease emotional stuckness. What we appreciate most about mimosa is that it doesn’t numb feelings, it helps them move.

We turn to mimosa for grief, winter blues, and moments when the heart feels heavy or constricted. It brings a sense of lightness and emotional circulation, like being able to take a full breath again after holding it too long.

We include mimosa blossoms in our Big Hug Tincture, alongside rose and motherwort, for what we like to think of as a gentle, uplifting hug in a bottle.

2. Lemon Balm

Bright, gladdening, and quietly reassuring. Lemon balm is one of those plants that seems to meet people exactly where they are.

It’s both calming and uplifting - supportive when the mind feels foggy or overwhelmed, and especially helpful when stress shows up as tension, nervousness, or restlessness. Gentle enough for daily use, lemon balm often helps people feel more like themselves again, without pushing or overstimulating.

You’ll find lemon balm in our Brain Wave and Soothe Yourself tinctures, offering support for focus, clarity, and stress relief.

3. Milky Oats

Milky oats are true nourishment for the nervous system.

Rather than acting quickly or dramatically, they work over time to help the body recover from stress, calm frazzled nerves, and rebuild depleted reserves. They’re especially supportive if you’re feeling worn down, emotionally tender, or quietly overwhelmed - and still need to keep showing up.

We love milky oats for their steadying presence and long‑term restorative effects.

You’ll find them in our Milky Oats Tincture, Sleep Tincture, and in our Village Tea Mineral Infusion.

4. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a grounding adaptogen that helps rebuild resilience over time. It supports the body’s stress response while nourishing systems that have been running on empty.

We reach for ashwagandha when we’re tired but still engaged - when strength is needed, but stimulation isn’t. It’s steady, restorative, and deeply supportive without being pushy.

Ashwagandha is included in our Resilience Formula tincture and is also available as a single‑herb powder for a simple daily ritual.

Ashwagandha Harvest at Kestrel Herb Farm by Kara Perry

5. Hawthorn

Hawthorn is for the heart, in every sense of the word.

Traditionally used to support emotional vulnerability, grief, and boundary‑setting, hawthorn reminds us that softness and strength can coexist. It’s especially helpful during stressful seasons, when care needs to be consistent rather than dramatic. Hawthorn is also a great herb to support heart health and the cardiovascular system.

Hawthorn berries appear in our Resilience Formula, blended with ashwagandha, tulsi, and other adaptogens to support steady strength, emotional composure, and heart‑centered resilience.

6. Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulsi helps the body adapt to stress while offering clarity and balance. It’s calming and energizing at the same time - supportive when you want to feel protected, centered, and gently motivated rather than pushed.

We often think of tulsi as a plant ally for quiet confidence and grounded forward motion.

You’ll find tulsi in our Resilience Formula and in Tulsi Trinity Tea for a soothing cup any time of day.

Meeting the Season Where You Are

These plants are some of our favorites for seasonal support - allies to meet the body where it is and help create the conditions for ease, steadiness, and gentle forward motion.

If you’re feeling the return of light but not quite ready to sprint toward spring, we’re with you.