Grief is an emotion that everyone will experience but may not talk about openly. Whether it’s the loss of a job, partner, or even a way of life, the heartache that comes with grieving can feel especially painful during the holiday season. With the hustle and bustle of gatherings, gifting, decorating and cooking, our stress levels tend to soar. When grief strikes, these added stressors can leave us with brain fog, fatigue and anxiety. During times like this, we recommend focusing on adrenal support to restore vitality.
The adrenal glands are essential for regulating our hormones and our fight-or-flight response. When dealing with ongoing stress caused by grief or loss, they might struggle to keep up. Adding adrenal-supportive herbs to our routines during times of grief can help make everything feel a bit easier to navigate.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your health care practitioner before adding any new herbs to your wellness routine.
Herbs for Coping with Grief and Loss
Reishi
In Chinese medicine, Reishi is known to nourish Shen and harmonize the spirit. Reishi opens the heart, calms the mind and promotes emotional balance when we’re facing grief, loss and anxiety. This grounding mushroom regulates our cortisol levels, creating a more balanced nervous system (1).
Feel the benefits of this functional mushroom in powder, tincture or convenient capsule form.
Rhodiola
This energizing adaptogen helps our mind and body build resilience to chronic stress and burnout, especially when we feel emotionally or physically drained (2). Rhodiola can uplift our mood, concentration and emotional stability as we move through uncertain times (3).
Ashwagandha
This soothing herb lowers cortisol levels while increasing our ability to cope with high stress (4). When grief leaves us feeling foggy or overwhelmed, leaning on Ashwagandha can improve sleep quality and give our executive function a much-needed boost (5).
Eleuthero
Eleuthero contains an active compound that stimulates the release of acetylcholine. This is a neurotransmitter that helps moderate motivation, attention and restful sleep (6). When taking on the day feels draining, Eleuthero’s stimulating effects energize us while improving clarity and vitality.
Motherwort
Motherwort is a heart-supportive plant ally. It maintains blood flow and pressure, keeping energy and nutrients flowing through us. Motherwort can calm the unease and anxiety that comes with tough emotions. It tones the nervous system and promotes restful sleep, helping to soothe us in the midst of heartache (7).
Find Motherwort in our Feel Calm tincture. This blend is formulated to nourish the nervous system while inspiring deep relaxation and peaceful sleep.
Adrenal-Supportive Herbal Tea Ritual
When our days feel overwhelming, taking a moment to prioritize self-care can help to recenter us. One of our favourite ways to infuse moments of calm into busy days is by cultivating a soothing herbal tea ritual.
Many of the herbs mentioned above can be found in our Adapt Artisan Tea. This tea blend is formulated with adaptogens that ease tension and restore balance to a frazzled mind and body. To make a comforting infusion, place 1-2 teaspoons of this loose-leaf tea in a small saucepan with two cups of water and simmer for 20 minutes. The sense of calm will be worth the wait!
Click here to shop our Relaxation Collection, featuring more soothing teas and tinctures to support you through grief and loss.
