Recipe: Ashwagandha Golden Milk
January ushers in a time of stillness, where the Earth element dominates. This season encourages grounding and introspection, ideal for nourishing our roots. For those constitutionally inclined toward dryness (air) or coldness (ether), the Earth element’s grounding nature can provide balance. However, individuals with damp or cold tendencies might feel sluggish or unmotivated.
January whispers the wisdom of winter: rest, reflection, and quiet growth. In our fast-paced lives, the season's call to slow down can feel unfamiliar. Yet, embracing rest is an act of self-love—a replenishment of the mind, body, and spirit.
Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, oatstraw and reishi help support our nervous systems and build resilience. Warming herbs like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg help warm our bodies from the inside out and can be a tasty comfort through the colder months.
I often find myself resisting rest—always anticipating the next task or goal. I have realized that rest is not unproductive; it’s essential. From that stillness, clarity emerges and we can find ourselves renewed and revitalized.
The winter solstice, which just passed on December 21st, marks the longest night of the year and the return of the light. It is a time to honor the darkness and to nurture the light within ourselves—a symbolic turning point that invites us to reflect on our inner shadows while welcoming renewal and hope. The solstice reminds us that cycles of rest and rebirth are natural and necessary, mirrored in nature and in our personal lives.
Self-Discovery Prompt: To honor the solstice energy, consider lighting a candle as an act of intention, symbolizing the growing light. Try some restorative yoga poses which encourage inner reflection and flexibility of the body and mind. Reflect on what you are ready to release from the past year and what seeds of intention you wish to plant for the year ahead. What does rest mean to you, and how can you create more space for it in your life?
My teacher, Brittany Nickerson, shared a profound insight: our bodies require energy to facilitate restful sleep. One way to support this process is through Ashwagandha Golden Milk, a warming and nourishing beverage that calms the body and mind and can promote a deeply restorative night's rest.
Recipe: Ashwagandha Golden Milk
Ingredients:
1 cup of your favorite milk (dairy or plant-based)
1/2 tsp ground ashwagandha powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of black pepper
1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the ashwagandha, turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper until smooth. Sweeten to taste. Sip slowly, perhaps as part of an evening ritual.
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 – Wolf Moon in Aquarius
The Wolf Moon marks a time for setting intentions around self-reflection, personal growth, and self-awareness. It invites us to embrace solitude, listen to our intuition, and connect with our inner voice. Join our Sacred Fem New Moon Circle which meets every month on the new moon to align with the energy and cycle of the moon and connect with community.
With love,
Justine
Healer's Harvest
The Herbalist's Collaborative
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