The campus was dusted in the first snow of the season, for a Week 11 that felt – weather-wise – like we’re getting down to the final stretch of the trimester. We’re all completing multiple deadlines and finishing up exams, wrapping up projects and working to keep our energy and wellness high.
Herbs & Foundational Wellness Support
We were privileged to be able to attend a featured presentation by Dr. Darin Ingels, author of The Lyme Solution last week. His talk of chronic infection, immune resilience and blueprint for the body’s detoxification pathways couldn’t have come at a better time. One of the biggest messages he drove home was that holistic medicine is not just a supplement to care: for many people, especially those grappling with chronic or recurrent infections, herbs can be foundational support.
As we head further into winter, this naturally got me thinking about botanicals that see us through the colder months. Burdock root, for instance, offers consistent liver and lymphatic support to help the body continuously remove waste effectively. Red root is a lymph mover, and it also makes us feel “flowy” internally, something that can be especially nice when our immune system needs to kick up circulation. Astragalus is a consistent tonic to help fortify the body before illness can set in, and echinacea will always be a classic friend in those initial moments when you start to feel yourself “coming down with something.” Warming, antimicrobial actions are even available in the form of some common kitchen herbs as basic as ginger and garlic that can be felt when cold temperatures begin to set in.
Balance & Boundaries
With finals just around the corner, balancing academics and stress management are even more important. Simple breathwork, particularly anything that has a longer exhale, can help to settle the nervous system and regain focus in the moment. Other ways to manage stress include adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, holy basil or rhodiola that can help provide either grounding or gentle stimulation, depending on what you need for the day. Even short movement breaks might reset mental fatigue better than hours of sitting for uninterrupted study. Creating clear study windows can also help ward off the kind of burnout that comes from attempting to work without boundaries.
With winter looming, it’s also a good time to strengthen habits that promote long-term health. Hydration helps keep the body functioning smoothly, which is reason enough to drink up, even if it’s not usually at the top of mind when temperatures drop. Alkalizing, warming foods, teas and broths are used to improve circulation and digestion, as well as providing comfort on the longer study days. Starting to support your immune system before you feel rundown is just a better foundation, and sleep ranks as one of the best ways to protect both learning and immunity.
When snow comes, there is always the sense of a changeover, and it reflects what we’re doing as we wrap up the trimester. With intention, supporting herbs and a steady rhythm, we can enter into finals and winter with resilience, clarity and maybe even a little more ease.
Important: This blog does not constitute a medical recommendation or recommend a course of treatment. Consult with your health care provider before taking any pharmaceutical or supplement to ensure it’s right for you.
