21 Oct The Fall Favourite That’s Secretly Draining You
Healthy, Healing Alternatives for Balance & Grounding
Ahhh, the temptation and familiarity of that rich, creamy soul-soothing cocoa and all her cousins! Unfortunately, she’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, sabotaging your sleep, energy, mental focus, stress management, and even your libido.
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there’s a natural desire to reach for the cozy comfort of your favourite warm drink— a pumpkin spice latte, caramel apple cider, or a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. They’re our childhood’s sweet pastimes, which makes them seem a lot more wholesome than they are, and they go hand in hand with the crisp fall season. But while these drinks can bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia, they often leave us feeling sluggish, dehydrated, bloated, gassy, and far from energized.
Autumn is a time for grounding and nurturing, making it the perfect season to reflect on those little extras we give ourselves that aren’t doing us any favours. Instead of relying on sugar-laden, dairy-rich drinks for comfort, we can turn to aromatic herbal teas that not only provide warmth but also offer long-lasting energy and hydration. Paired with energy-healing practices, these natural alternatives can help you stay balanced, cozy, and in tune with the season.
Sugar is a saboteur (and dairy’s no angel).
We all know the allure of a sweet, spiced beverage on a chilly fall afternoon. But while sugary drinks may offer a temporary boost, they come with a host of downsides that can leave you feeling worse in the long run. Here’s why:
Energy Highs and Lows: Sugary drinks like flavoured lattes or cider create a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, giving you a quick burst of energy. But this is often followed by an inevitable crash, leaving you more fatigued than before.
Dehydration: Drinks packed with sugar, caffeine, and dairy don’t hydrate your body as effectively as water or herbal teas. In fact, they can dehydrate you, making your skin and energy levels suffer, especially as the dry air of fall sets in.
Weakened Immune System: Excess sugar consumption is linked to weakened immune function, which can leave you more susceptible to colds and flu, something you definitely want to avoid as the weather cools.
Inflammation and Mood Swings: Over time, regular consumption of sugary drinks can lead to inflammation in the body, contributing to joint pain, fatigue, and even mood swings—making it harder to stay grounded and focused during the fall months.
These effects can take a toll on your body and mind, leaving you feeling unbalanced and depleted just when you need to stay strong and grounded for the seasonal transition.
Trade in a little nostalgia for nourishment.
Much of our sugar addiction comes from psychological attachment. The kids of my generation grew up on sweetened cereals, cookies, and other white sugar rich snacks disguised as “wholesome grains”, like muffins and granola bars. Then our modern-day coffee culture surreptitiously delivered us another, more mature way to get our sweet fix with sophisticated-sounding beverages borrowed from European culture: caramel macchiato, pumpkin spice latte, and the like.
Any way you stir it in, it’s still refined sugar, and it has become “the new nicotine” in the words of well-known functional doctor, Mark Hyman.
Instead of relying on sugary beverages that keep you hooked and leave you feeling drained, herbal teas provide a nourishing, warming alternative that supports your body and mind throughout the fall season. They offer a way to indulge in comforting drinks while still promoting wellness, balance, and long-lasting energy.
Here are some of my favourite autumn-friendly herbal teas that can help you stay warm, hydrated, and grounded—without the sugar crash.
Stabilizing Cinnamon.
Cinnamon is a quintessential fall spice, and it’s not just delicious—it’s also great for stabilizing blood sugar levels and promoting circulation. It gives you that comforting fall flavour without the added sugar, making it a perfect substitute for sugary lattes and ciders.
Cinnamon Tea. Boil a cinnamon stick in water for 10 minutes, then add a splash of almond milk or a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy, sugar-free alternative to your favorite fall drinks. I included this one first because it’s my favourite. I often boil in an inch of fresh ginger root too because I enjoy the blend of flavours.
Energizing Ginger.
Ginger is a warming, energizing herb that’s perfect for fall. It supports digestion, helps relieve inflammation, and provides a natural energy boost without the crash. Plus, it’s a great remedy for nausea or upset stomach, which can be helpful after indulging in heavier fall meals.
Ginger Tea. Slice fresh ginger root and steep it in hot water for 10 minutes. Add a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lemon for an energizing and immune-boosting drink.
Antioxidant-Rich Rooibos
Rooibos is naturally sweet and caffeine-free, making it a perfect alternative to sugary hot drinks. It’s rich in antioxidants and has a deep, earthy flavour that pairs well with fall spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Rooibos Latte. I’m a sucker for lattes, so when I discovered this rooibos version it quickly became part of my autumn rotation (but I’ll drink it any season!). Brew a strong cup of rooibos tea, froth some oat milk, and add a dash of cinnamon for a warming, creamy latte that’s entirely free of sugar and caffeine.
Soothing Licorice Root.
Licorice root has a naturally sweet flavour, so it’s a great herb to help curb sugar cravings. It’s also soothing for the throat and can help support respiratory health as the weather cools down.
Licorice Root Tea. Add a few slices of licorice root to boiling water, and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. I love combining it with peppermint or fennel for a refreshing, sugar-free tea.
Chai Spice Blend (Cinnamon, Ginger, Cardamom, Clove).
A homemade chai spice blend is perfect for fall. These warming spices help stimulate circulation, support digestion, and provide natural sweetness and warmth without added sugars. And the scent inspires visions of sugarplums and roasted chestnuts over an open fire.
DIY Chai Latte. Simmer a mix of cinnamon sticks, fresh ginger, cardamom pods, and cloves in water. Add some steamed milk (like oat or almond) for a nourishing chai latte that satisfies your fall cravings without the sugar overload. Drizzle in a tiny bit of good-quality coconut oil, and emulsify it with milk frother for an extra creamy texture.
Energy Healing for Fall Grounding
As we settle into autumn, it’s not just about what we put into our bodies, but also how we manage our energy. Seasonal transitions can leave us feeling ungrounded, scattered, and stressed. That’s why energy-healing practices like Reiki and mindful breathing can offer a deeper sense of balance and help you feel more connected to the rhythms of the season.
Stay Strong & Steady With Yoga. Certain yoga poses, such as Mountain Pose (Tadasana) and Child’s Pose (Balasana), are especially helpful for grounding and connecting with the earth. These poses, combined with slow, mindful breathing, can help you stay centered and calm in the midst of fall’s hustle and bustle.
Rebalance Earth Energy With Reiki. Reiki helps balance the body’s energy centers (chakras) and offers a calming, grounding effect. When paired with herbal teas, Reiki can help ease the stress and anxiety that often accompany sugar highs and lows, keeping your energy steady and balanced throughout the fall.
Let’s Get You Grounded and Nourished This Fall…
This fall, say goodbye to sugar crashes and hello to herbal teas and energy healing practices that nurture your body and spirit. Whether you’re sipping a warming cup of cinnamon tea or practicing grounding yoga poses, these simple changes can help you stay balanced, hydrated, and energized throughout the season.
Are you ready to embrace a more grounded, balanced approach to fall? As a Reiki practitioner and herbal enthusiast, I’m here to help you incorporate these natural practices into your life. I’m located in Durham Region, serving clients in Clarington and surrounding areas. Reach out to me today to learn more about how we can create a personalized plan to support your health and wellness goals this season.