Finding Your Light: Stones & Herbs to Ease Winter Blues and Welcome New Beginnings

December is a month of beautiful contradictions. On one hand, it is filled with the sparkle of holidays and the anticipation of a new year. On the other, the days are shorter, the light is dimmer, and the cold can sometimes settle deep in our bones. If you find yourself feeling a little heavier or slower right now, please know you aren’t alone. Nature herself is resting, and it is only natural that we feel the pull to do the same.

However, when that “winter rest” turns into the “winter blues,” it can be helpful to have a few allies in your pocket (or your teapot). At The Elemental Lotus, we believe in using the gifts of the earth to support our emotional and physical bodies through these seasonal shifts.

Here is a guide to the stones and herbs that can help you find warmth in the depths of December and clarity as you look toward the New Year.

For the Winter Blues: Bringing in the Warmth

When the sun goes down early, we crave light. The stones and herbs best suited for this time of year act as “batteries” of solar energy, helping to lift the spirit and warm the emotional body.

The Stones

• Citrine: Often called the “Sunshine Stone,” Citrine is non-negotiable for winter. It carries a bright, joyful frequency that doesn’t just push away negativity; it transforms it. Keeping a piece of Citrine in your pocket is like carrying a little pocket of sunlight with you on gray days.
• Carnelian: If you feel physically sluggish or unmotivated, Carnelian is your stone. It has a fiery, sunset-orange energy that stimulates vitality. It’s excellent for those mornings when you just can’t seem to get out from under the covers.
• Sunstone: As the name implies, this stone is deeply connected to the sun’s regenerative power. It is traditionally used to lift dark moods and encourage independence and originality.

The Herbs

• Lemon Balm: This is a gentle, soothing herb known historically to “gladden the heart.” A warm cup of Lemon Balm tea is a nervous system hug—perfect for when you feel frazzled by holiday stress but low on energy.
• St. John’s Wort: Known as the “Sunshine Herb” because it blooms at the height of summer, this plant stores that solar energy for us to use in the dark of winter. Note: St. John’s Wort is powerful and can interact with medications, so always do your research or consult a doctor before ingesting it.

For the New Year: Clearing the Path

Once we pass the Winter Solstice, the days slowly begin to lengthen again. The energy shifts from “surviving the dark” to “preparing for the new.” To invite a fresh start, we focus on clearing out stagnant energy and setting clear intentions.

The Stones

• Moonstone: The ultimate stone of new beginnings. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, Moonstone reminds us that everything runs in cycles. It is wonderful for calming emotions and helping you trust the flow of a new chapter.
• Labradorite: If you are looking for transformation in the New Year, reach for Labradorite. It is the stone of magic and change, helping to protect your aura while you navigate new waters. It’s particularly good for banishing fears that might hold you back from your resolutions.
• Clear Quartz: The "Master Healer." Use Clear Quartz to amplify your intentions. Hold it while thinking about your goals for the coming year to "program" the stone with your focus.

The Herbs

• Rosemary: “Rosemary for remembrance,” but also for fresh starts. Its piney, sharp scent cuts through brain fog and mental exhaustion. Burning dried rosemary or using the essential oil can help clear the air, both literally and metaphorically, preparing your space for new opportunities.
• Sage: The classic cleanser. A simple sage ritual before New Year’s Day can help remove the “residue” of the old year, leaving your home feeling lighter and ready for what’s next.

A Note on Ritual

You don’t need an elaborate ceremony to benefit from these tools. Simply holding a stone for a moment of mindfulness, or mindfully inhaling the scent of your tea, can be enough to shift your mindset.

Be gentle with yourself this season. Rest when you need to, seek the light where you can, and trust that the cycle is always moving toward a new beginning.

** Help chase away the Winter Blues with our featured products.

•      Our beautiful Support / Healing Bracelet for Seasonal Affective Disorder S.A.D. 
•      Chase away those winter blues with our Uplift Your Spirit EO Roller.