The new year is a perfect time to embrace habits that nurture your body, mind, and spirit. By incorporating herbal habits into your daily routine, you can naturally support your health while connecting with nature’s gifts.
While I generally hold off on setting big goals for myself until the spring equinox arrives (and thus, keeping myself in sync with the seasons), I think the new year can be a great time to think about our intentions for the coming year, as it gives us a sense of direction with where we want to head over the next 12 months. These intentions can then be used to create habits or goals we’d like to incorporate into our lives throughout the coming year.
As an herbalist, I always play with plants, learn more about them, and teach others how to use them. However, it can be easy to get into a rut with herbs when it’s your job, so this year, I’m intentionally creating some habits that will keep me plugged into the plant world in a more fun and meaningful way. With that said, I thought I’d share 10 herbal habits with you to inspire your journey toward wellness in the coming year. I even have a free habit tracker you can download and use this year, too.
10 Herbal Habits for the New Year
1. Start Your Day with an Herbal Infusion
Kickstart your mornings with a warm cup of herbal tea or infusion. Herbs like nettle, peppermint, and chamomile can gently energize you, nourish your body, and promote calm focus for the day ahead. Preparing your herbal infusion the night before makes it convenient to enjoy first thing in the morning.
2. Create a Seasonal Herbal Routine
Tune into the rhythm of the seasons by incorporating herbs that align with seasonal needs. In winter, embrace warming herbs like ginger and cinnamon. As spring arrives, detoxifying herbs such as dandelion and burdock can help you transition. Adjusting your herbal habits to the seasons supports your body’s natural rhythms.
3. Replace Sugary Drinks with Herbal Alternatives
Swap sodas and processed sugary beverages for refreshing herbal options. Try hibiscus tea for a tart, vitamin-rich drink or sparkling water infused with fresh herbs like mint or basil. If you’re hesitant to give up the sweet drinks immediately, add some herbal syrup made with raw honey to some sparkling water or hot tea. These herbal habits can reduce sugar consumption while delighting your taste buds.
4. Infuse Your Meals with Herbs
Cooking with herbs not only enhances the flavor of your dishes but also adds a boost of nutrition. Sprinkle oregano, rosemary, or thyme into meat and veggie dishes. Add fresh parsley or cilantro to salads and grains. Learn to use cumin, cayenne, and turmeric in soups and sauces. Making herbs a staple in your meals is one of the easiest ways to incorporate herbal habits into your lifestyle, and it sure boosts the flavor of your food, too. Give these herbal soup rings a try. Not only are they an easy way to flavor your soups, but they’re so pretty, too!
5. Prioritize Herbal Baths for Relaxation
Transform your self-care routine by adding herbal baths to your week. Epsom salts combined with lavender, chamomile, or calendula create a soothing experience that helps ease tension and stress. These herbal habits provide a simple yet luxurious way to unwind. This autumn bath salt recipe is one of my favorites!
6. Explore Adaptogens for Stress Support
Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, holy basil, and rhodiola can help your body adapt to stress and promote resilience. Adding adaptogens to your daily routine—whether through teas, tinctures, or capsules—is an excellent way to embrace herbal habits for mental and emotional balance. Here’s an adaptogen hot cocoa recipe and moon milk recipe to help you get started.
7. Cultivate an Herb Garden
Growing your own herbs connects you with nature and ensures a fresh, sustainable supply. Start small with easy-to-grow herbs like basil, mint, or chives. Whether you have a windowsill or a backyard, cultivating an herb garden is a rewarding herbal habit for the new year. Here are 10 culinary herbs you can grow indoors to help you get started.
8. Stock an Herbal First Aid Kit
Prepare for minor ailments by building an herbal first aid kit. Include essentials like calendula salve for cuts, echinacea tincture for immune support, and ginger tea for nausea. This proactive herbal habit can make all the difference in everyday health needs.
9. Embrace Herbal Sleep Aids
Sleep is foundational to wellness, and herbs can play a key role in supporting restful nights. Valerian, passionflower, and lemon balm are excellent choices for promoting relaxation and better sleep. Incorporating these into your bedtime routine is a valuable herbal habit to improve your overall well-being. Here’s a sleepytime tea that’s safe for children and adults alike to try.
10. Learn About Herbs Through Workshops and Books
Expand your knowledge by attending herbal workshops, reading books, or joining online courses. The more you learn, the more empowered you’ll feel to integrate herbal habits into your life with confidence and creativity.
Ready to Get Started?
Starting new herbal habits doesn’t have to be overwhelming, friend. Choose one or two habits to focus on initially and build from there, and remember that consistency is key.
Plus, incorporating herbal habits into your lifestyle can enhance your physical and emotional health, foster a deeper connection with nature, reduce reliance on synthetic products, create moments of intentional self-care, and so much more. How fabulous does all of that sound?
Let’s make 2025 a year of vibrant health and natural living—one herbal habit at a time!
Love and light,
Meagan