Midwinter, a time of the greatest darkness, with still a way till we get to midwinter at the end of January. The sun in Scotland barely rises over the horizon rising late at 9am and setting early at 3pm. The molasses thick Valium orange light of dawn and dusk spread through the streets, over hills and highlight the stark bare tree filled woods. It’s a Gloomy time both outwardly and internally. Its times to look at herbs for resistance. It’s a natural occasion for dormancy and retreat, but in these modern times we may feel the case of “no retreat

It’s still cold outside. The second part of winter is here. It’s still great to be indoors.  Especially, after all, those storms and ice still hanging about on roads and ponds. Staying warm in bed is always my favourite option. Drinking tea with milk and honey and eating warm stodgy foods. Watching films with friends and loved ones, eating a few too many takeaways. Yep, we are definitely still in our hibernation mode. Its time for Spring Tonics like dandelion and burdock root tea. In the years gone past we would not have been able to just lie in bed, indulging so much.