To fully take advantage of the regenerative potential of winter, one must first understand its “rules.” Winter should prioritize recharging the hormonal system, particularly the adrenal glands, which the Chinese refer to as “kidney energy.” This energy is primarily restored during the winter season, and at night.
Of course, this regeneration requires deep, restorative sleep. Too often neglected, sleep is just as essential as maintaining a balanced diet or engaging in regular physical exercise.
Two Effective Techniques to Try
How to Proceed:
Before practicing, you can also place a few drops of relaxing essential oil of your choice (lavender, mandarin, orange blossom…) on your pillow or on a handkerchief kept nearby.
2. Warm Foot Bath
Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to fall asleep when your feet are cold, even if the rest of your body is warm? Try a warm foot bath, which has remarkable warming and relaxing effects, especially when done properly.
How to Proceed:
The warm foot bath is also appreciated for its diversion effect, in which blood is drawn toward the heated area. This therapeutic process redirects blood and lymph from one part of the body to another, which can relieve congested areas. It is particularly effective for headaches and digestive congestion, for example.
In healthy individuals with normal circulation, blood is evenly “drawn” from various body parts. In someone with congestion or discomfort, proportionally more blood is drawn from the congested areas…
Sometimes additional support is needed while the body adapts to better lifestyle habits, or during particularly stressful periods.
If mental stress is accompanied by digestive discomfort, Melissa (Lemon Balm) may be very helpful. Lemon balm is known to soothe both nervous and digestive disturbances (indigestion, nausea, colic, stomach cramps, gas, digestive-origin headaches), especially when these are stress-related. You will feel lighter both emotionally and physically at bedtime.
Those with acute or chronic pain may appreciate California Poppy, found in the product Pavozen. As an analgesic, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, and mild sedative, this plant is ideal for those seeking a natural alternative to conventional sleeping pills, sedatives, or painkillers.
The glandular system provides essential “background energy” for health. This is a slow but powerful and sustainable energy, different from the more reactive energy of the nervous system. Traditional wisdom, both Eastern and Western, teaches us that winter is the ideal time to recharge this system. Here’s what you can do to preserve and recharge this precious vitality:
First, take care of your sleep hygiene as discussed above. This is the foundation; without it, everything else will be insufficient.
Keep in mind that anything cooling for the body draws on our energy reserves. As a result, limit the consumption of raw and cold foods, as they require energy for digestion: consume raw vegetables only in small amounts, thoroughly chewed, and take them out of the fridge a bit before eating. You can also enjoy them as a side to a hot soup to reduce their cooling effect.
Otherwise, vegetables can be gently steamed or quickly sautéed. Root vegetables (carrot, celeriac, beet, parsnip, turnip, kohlrabi, sweet potato, potato) are energizing and warming, while also promoting acid-base balance.
Similarly, prefer warm water (for example in the form of herbal teas) or at least room temperature water instead of cold drinks. Your body will thank you! Be careful with coffee, black tea, or mate, which disperse energy and are best avoided in winter.
Give special attention to foods rich in essential fatty acids: fatty fish, nuts, flax, chia, and hemp seeds. Lipids are an excellent source of energy in the winter season. Also consider organic cold-pressed vegetable oils to generously add to cooked foods: flax, rapeseed, olive, walnut, camelina…
For breakfast, consider oatmeal prepared with plant-based milk, warming spices, seeds, and nuts. Oats are an excellent energy source and help warm the body while restoring nerve cells.
To more effectively support the adrenal glands during the cold season, consider a two- to three-month course of an adaptogenic plant, either alone or in a formula suited to your profile. Here are our suggestions:
Euphoryl: A remarkable stimulating adaptogen thanks to Panax ginseng. It also softens seasonal hyper-emotivity (property of St. John’s Wort), calms anxiety, and improves sleep quality.
Miviton Plus: A classic adaptogen containing Eleutherococcus (often called Siberian ginseng), ideal for those seeking gentler adaptogenic effects than Panax ginseng, whose properties are more stimulating due to its warm, yang nature. Without overstimulating body or mind, Miviton Plus enhances the body’s resistance to stress, optimizes adrenal function, and supports the body during fatigue, weakness, or convalescence. Like regular Miviton, it contains herring roe to nourish the nervous system and royal jelly for fortifying and anti-fatigue action.
Miviton V: For athletes or those seeking a vegan tonic with Eleutherococcus and Suma (Brazilian ginseng), known for increasing muscle mass and endurance. It also enhances mental clarity and concentration for long periods (exams, heavy workload…). Its effect is generally noticeable within hours, without overstimulating the nervous system.
Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng): Ideal for those seeking a true vitality plant with calming tendencies, promoting relaxation, reducing mental and physical stress, rejuvenating the nervous system, and supporting reproductive function. Taken at bedtime, it promotes deeper, restorative sleep.
Stressnil: A unique Ayurvedic blend of adaptogenic herbs (holy basil, ashwagandha, amla) and antioxidants, serving as a perfect rejuvenating tonic and supporting emotional well-being.
Shatavari: A women’s superfood, an adaptogenic herb from India that helps the body adapt to stress while tonifying the female reproductive system and regulating hormonal balance (reducing PMS and menopause symptoms, increasing fertility, lowering miscarriage risk). Wellness awaits, ladies!
External Care:
Tridosha Balancing Oil: Traditionally made Ayurvedic oil by a master pharmacist. Made from long decoctions of medicinal plants and natural substances in low-temperature sesame oil, it adapts to all constitutions to maintain energy and preserve health. Regular massage with Tridosha oil rebalances the three doshas (Vata-Pitta-Kapha) while hydrating the skin in winter.
Wishing you a truly regenerative winter!
Evelyne Rondeau ND.A., Naturopath
Evelyne is pursuing doctoral studies in naturopathy and has expertise in intensive care nursing, specialized massage therapy, and energy healing.
