There are preparations that are appropriate for every season, and then there are preparations that are specifically for December: the month when the light is at its shortest, the cold is at its most sustained, and the body and spirit both benefit from deliberate, intentional warmth delivered from the inside out.
The Long Decoction
Winter is the season for the long-simmered, deeply extracted preparations that summer’s delicate herbs do not call for. Root decoctions, mushroom simmerings, bone broths with medicinal additions: the principle of sustained gentle heat transforming plant material into a deeply nourishing liquid is the essence of winter herbal preparation.
A simple winter tonic decoction: combine in a pot with two liters of water: one large slice of dried astragalus root, a small handful of dried reishi mushroom slices, a thumb of fresh ginger, a cinnamon stick, and five dried jujube dates (available from Chinese herb suppliers, tonifying and sweetening). Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for two hours. Strain and drink a cup or two daily, reheating as needed. The remaining liquid keeps refrigerated for three days.
The Spiced Milk Tonic
The Ayurvedic tradition of warm spiced milk as an evening tonic is one of the most appropriate practices for December. Warm one cup of whole milk (dairy or plant-based) with half a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder, quarter teaspoon cinnamon, quarter teaspoon turmeric, a pinch of cardamom, a pinch of black pepper, and a small amount of coconut oil or ghee. Sweeten with honey (added after removing from heat). Drink in the hour before sleep. This is simultaneously delicious, warming, deeply nourishing for the nervous system, and genuinely supportive of sleep quality.
Mulled Herbal Preparation
A non-alcoholic mulled preparation for festive occasions: hibiscus flowers, rosehip, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, dried orange peel, and a small amount of black pepper simmered together and sweetened with honey. The deep ruby color, the complex warming spice aroma, and the genuine medicinal value of the hibiscus and rosehip content make this a preparation that serves both as a social beverage and as something genuinely good for everyone drinking it. The Herbalist Codex app has all the herb profiles for the ingredients in these preparations, connecting the pleasure of the drink to the knowledge that grounds it.