Living with the seasons.
A major health tenet of herbalism is living with the seasons. This basic principle means that, as the seasons change, the foods we eat, the herbs we use, and the way we live our lives should change too.
The goal is to be in balance with the forces of nature. Many of us do this even on an unconscious level. We crave watermelon and iced lemonade on hot summer days and relish hearty stews during the cold winter months. Winter is the time of rest and nourishment. Especially for those of us living in cold climates, winter is a time to recharge our energy in preparation for the busy months ahead.
Ways to live with the seasons in the winter, include sleeping more, spending more time in introspection, and eating warming and nutrient-dense foods. Foods like: root vegetables (beets especially are important for liver health - a main detox organ). Healthy fats such as coconut oil, olive oil and rendered tallow and lard from grass-fed animals. Bone broth based soups, grass-fed meats and farm-raised eggs.