Best Calming Herbs and Spices To Use This Fall
15 Herbs & Spices
To cozy up to this fall for more sleep and calm…
Raise your hand if you have a go-to group of seasonings that you sprinkle on juuust about everything in the kitchen?
That’s me for sure! But this fall season I’m challenging myself to step outside of my lil’ herbs and spices box to support our bodies as we transition into fall, pump up our immune systems, get better sleep and R&R— naturally.
These herbs and spices will do the trick! Some are already on heavy rotation in our house: Hey lavender tea!
(Btw, random fact: did you know that herbs come from the leaf of a plant and spices come from the rest of it?) Anywho…
Cinnamon & Turmeric make the list!
Here’s my list of 15 herbs and spices to cozy up to this fall for sleep and calm:
Tulsi: (aka: Holy Basil): Bye stress! This adaptogenic powerhouse is also mood boosting and will help you get that beauty rest. While tea is the most popular way to ingest this, you can also sprinkle Holy Basil in curries, on rice, or get the powder form to add to smoothies. It’s also one of the ingredients of Golden Milk. Mix tulsi with turmeric, cinnamon, and nutmeg in warm almond milk for a soothing, immune-boosting drink before bed.
Lavender: The ultimate relaxer! I love brewing lavender tea, adding lavender essential oil to the kids’ baths, and of course our cozy bamboo sleep masks filled with fresh lavender. So soothing, and such a chill way to drift off into dreamland.
Chamomile: Another tried and true classic; chamomile tea is sweet and soothing, perfect for winding down after a busy day.
Ginger: Spice it up! This gut-loving herb eases tension and keeps you feeling good as you relax into sleep mode. We say yes to ginger in smoothies, teas, and stir fries.
Cinnamon: Not just for lattes! Did you know that cinnamon stabilizes blood sugar and keeps you balanced so you can ease into a peaceful slumber? We love pairing cinnamon with oatmeal, over apple slices, in energy balls, and for sure lattes!
Nutmeg: Sprinkle a little magic—nutmeg's sedative properties help us sleep soundly and wake up refreshed! We all know that nutmeg is a staple in holiday baked goods and dishes like sweet potatoes and pumpkin spice everything. It can also add warmth and depth to both sweet and savory vegan dishes, like vegetable curry and chai tea, making it a versatile spice for your everyday kitchen!
Saffron: This golden gem can help with anxiety and sleep. Gobble it up in rice and potatoes.
Rosemary: Whether it’s in our stews, soup, or in our herbal seasonal blend to season veggie chick’n, rosemary brings that earthy and aromatic vibe. It can also melt away mental fatigue.
Turmeric: The MVP in the healing herb game, turmeric is anti-inflammatory, memory boosting, and soothing. Turmeric is a go-to for nighttime comfort. It’s also good brain food. I swear by turmeric tea! It pairs well with carrots in fresh juice, is a gem in a tofu scramble, and fab on cauliflower steaks.
Mullein: Got fall allergies? Mullein is a lung-lover, helping you breathe easy and sleep soundly. Look for it in teas, but skip it if you’re preggo or breastfeeding.
Burdock Root: Detox and de-stress! Burdock tea can balance that body and give our skin and sleep a glow-up. It is thought to help balance the nervous system. Some compounds in burdock may reduce the activity of certain neurotransmitters that promote wakefulness, leading to a more relaxed state, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Sage: Clear your mind and your space with sage! In addition to burning sage, when ingested it helps with memory, concentration and can calm mental chatter, supporting a more restful sleep. Sage can also help balance hormones and reduce perimenopause symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats. For cooking, use sage in soups, pastas, and teas.
Valerian Root: If you want deep, restorative sleep, Valerian Root is your BFF! It’s a natural sedative for insomnia filled nights and can help put perimenopause symptoms on pause. Find it in tea, add it to herbal infused waters or smoothies.
Oregano: It’s filled with compounds that act as a mild sedative and has muscle-relaxing properties. Oregano is calming for the mind and body. Sprinkle it on pasta, add to vegan pesto, or salad dressing.
Coriander: This little seed is a big deal for soothing our nervous system and helping us sleep like a log. Add it to veggie burgers, ramen, and curry. Coriander also pairs well with sweet-warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Ready to get your fall rest game on? Stock your pantry with these natural staples, and grab one of our cozy lavender filled sleep masks to cap it off!
What are your favorite fall herbs and spices to use in the kitchen?
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