February is an interesting in-between time. It is the month when our hearts begin to thaw to thoughts of spring, even while the ground remains frozen and cold in more northerly areas like mine. We have Valentine’s Day, which not everyone leans into the romance of – but we can all use a reminder to love ourselves a bit more!
Here are a few of the herbs I love to lean on in February for a happy heart & mind!
Rose: the ultimate heart-loving botanical! A calming, soothing plant that benefits the cardiovascular system as well as the emotions. Rose is a relaxing nervine, which means it has gentle nervous system-calming properties that help to relax us, aid sleep, alleviate anxiety, and nourish the spirit. This gorgeous flower also helps to replenish and tone skin when used topically, which ties right into its folk association with beauty.
Hawthorn: another member of the Rosaceae family, hawthorn soothes grief, calms, benefits the heart and digestion, is anti-inflammatory, and contains a high amount of antioxidants. The leaves, berries, and blossoms of hawthorn are all used in foods and medicines. This flowering tree is strongly associated with faeries and faerie magic! It often marks doorways to the faerie realm, and so is sacred to the folk. Its ties to the heart, as well as its ritual uses for fertility and love, make it a wonderful February plant.
Cacao: February’s other essential botanical! Cacao energizes, uplifts, eases depression and anxiety, and is highly nutritive. Chocolate is good for you! It is yet another plant that is wonderful for heart health, and it can help boost focus and brain function, too. All reasons for chocolate to be a traditional Valentine’s Day gift – for others, or for yourself!
Damiana: perhaps better known as an aphrodisiac, but don’t forget its other benefits and uses! Damiana is wonderful as a stress-busting nervine herb, for nervous tension, and it is my favorite herb for headaches. This fire-associated plant has ties to romance, love, divination, and boosting magical workings.
Cayenne: super spice! Not only is it delicious, but it is wonderful for the heart, circulation, the immune system, pain and cramps, digestion, depression, and so much more. While the cold of winter lingers, I love to spice up my culinary creations with cayenne. It offers a much needed fiery boost to the mind and body.
Saffron: it’s not one of the most expensive herbs in the world for no reason! These tiny threads from a particular type of crocus flowers (which remind me of February!) offer luxurious benefits. From the heart to the liver, lungs, brain, digestive system, menstrual organs, and pancreas…saffron is worthy of its high price! Its golden presence adds a complexity of flavor and a bright hue to any recipe you add it to. Place a couple threads in a cup of chai or moon milk and savor, or reach for recipes for baked goods that incorporate this very special ingredient for color and flavor.
Which of these are herbs YOU love in February? Or do you have some different favorites?
The Herbology Faerie 