Long before we had tracking apps, nature provided a natural reminder
of the ebbs and flows of our menstrual cycle. The moon’s phases and the season’s shifts can be a helpful metaphor to describe the changing emotional and energetic space we experience during different menstrual windows.
Instead of looking at our periods as a frustration, we can build supportive practices around the natural flow of our bodies. Bringing an awareness to your inner seasons can help you shift your schedule and health practices to a more supportive alignment. When you examine your body more closely, you can better schedule times for rest, expansive tasks, physical challenges and so on. How you nourish yourself during your different phases can impact how you will experience each season, and you don’t have to make huge changes to feel a difference. A simple ritual like adding a tea blend for each season can help you nourish your body during those times.
Winter: Menstruating window
Winter is the season often used to describe your menstruating window. It is a time of slowness and reflection. Some people experience pain or discomfort, while others find it is an important window for dreaminess. It is a phase of completion, so it’s best to end tasks here and reflect on what needs to drop away from your schedule.
Ginger tea is a great accompaniment to this phase as it warms us up and helps boost circulation when the body tends to be stagnant. It is also an excellent anti-inflammatory which can help relieve pain symptoms.
Spring: Follicular phase
The follicular phase is springtime for your body and describes the chapter that comes between menstruation and ovulation. It is a time of newness and an emergence from our winter cave. Menstruation symptoms have likely abated and left a renewed sense of vigour. It can also be a vulnerable time as we get used to sharing our voices and ideas again and some people can feel shy.
Green tea is a lovely ally for the follicular phase as it fuels the body with healthy levels of caffeine. It is also a wonderful antioxidant that can help with mental clarity.
Summer: Ovulation window
Summer is the metaphor for the ovulation window and can be the fieriest time in the cycle. In this phase you will often feel the sharpest and most passionate. This is the window for big projects and discussions that require all your focus. It is a great time for physical endeavours and being generally magnetic.
Peppermint tea can be helpful here for several reasons. It can help cool down hot-headedness if the inner fire gets too strong and is also a gentle digestive carminative to help if you are eating on the run. Peppermint is also known to help calm nerves, so can be a useful tonic for business and feelings of overwhelm.
Autumn: Luteal phase
Autumn best describes your luteal phase, which comes after ovulation and before menstruation. It is a time of slowing down and waning energy. It can also be a time of shorter tempers and symptoms that highlights areas requiring self-care.
Chamomile tea is an excellent selection here as it is calming and soothing to the nervous system. It is incredibly gentle and nourishing to drink a tea made from the blossom heads with a little honey for sweetness and enjoyment.
Coming into alignment with your inner seasons can be a practice of observation. It can also be helpful to track your own seasons with your digital planner or calendar. This way it can be front of mind and looked to when organising your schedule.
Trying some of the teas mentioned above can help you settle into the flavour of each season and begin to explore how each phase can best guide you. Remember, this practice is experimental and personal. There is no “wrong” way to do this, so get curious and see what works for you!
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