
The Season of Letting Go
Mayakia AndersonYou know, January—it’s like that space between exhaling and taking your next breath. The holidays are behind us, and while the world around us might feel quiet and still, there’s a subtle work happening beneath the surface. Even in nature, this is the season of letting go—shedding what no longer serves to make way for new growth in spring. It’s a rhythm we’re all a part of, whether we realize it or not.
Letting go isn’t easy. We tend to hold on to things, don’t we? Relationships, old ways of thinking, even clutter—sometimes out of fear that we won’t find something better. But just like the trees release their leaves in autumn to conserve energy for winter, we, too, need to release so we can thrive in the seasons ahead. Let’s talk about three herbs that can help us prepare for that rebirth in spring—and how their lessons mirror our own lives.
1. Nettle – The Cleansing Companion
Nettle is the ultimate detox herb. It sweeps away the old and stagnant from your body, giving your liver and kidneys the support they need to release toxins. Its vibrant green color is a promise of vitality, even when the world feels gray. In life, nettle’s lesson is simple: to grow, we have to let go of what’s weighing us down, whether that’s physical or emotional baggage.
Why not start prepping for spring by drying some nettle leaves? They’re perfect for tea, soups, or even infused oils.
Life Connection: Cleansing isn’t just about health; it’s about clarity. Nettle reminds us to make space for what nourishes us.
2. Dandelion Root – The Grounded Healer
If nettle is a cleanser, dandelion root is a nourisher. This humble little plant works quietly in the winter months, strengthening the body and grounding you for the growth ahead. As you sip dandelion tea, think about its roots digging deep into the earth, drawing up nutrients to sustain new blooms. It’s a beautiful reminder to dig deep within ourselves and find the strength to let go of old habits and mindsets.
This spring, consider planting some dandelion seeds or sourcing wild dandelions for their roots. They’ll reward you with a cycle of healing that you can taste and feel.
Life Connection: Growth requires nourishment. Dandelion root teaches us that to thrive, we must be willing to dig deep and do the inner work.
Read more about dandelion root here.

3. Chamomile – The Gentle Releaser
Ah, chamomile. We’ve already met her as a soul-soother, but she’s also a master of letting go. She teaches us how to release stress and surrender to rest, even when we’re holding on tight. In the quiet of January, chamomile is a companion that says, “It’s okay to let go and trust the process.”
Plant chamomile in the early spring, and you’ll have a garden full of tiny, daisy-like flowers by summer. Harvest them for tea or aromatherapy—a gift from the season of letting go.
Life Connection: Chamomile reminds us that surrender is not weakness; it’s trust. Trust in the seasons, trust in yourself, and trust in the journey.
Explore chamomile’s benefits here.
Letting go isn’t about loss; it’s about clearing space. Just like nature prepares in the stillness of winter for the burst of spring, we, too, are in a season of preparation. So, as you sip your tea, reflect on what you need to release and what you’re making room for. Trust the process, love. New growth is just around the corner.