Plants & Herbs I’m Loving Right Now Thanks to Herbalist Simon Mills and DOAC

I’ve always believed that plants aren’t just for looking pretty in a vase or brightening up a windowsill. They’ve been looking after us for thousands of years—helping us heal, feel better, and even think more clearly. Lately, I’ve been reading and listening to herbalist Simon Mills (a walking encyclopedia of plant wisdom!) and I just had to share some of the herbs and spices he recommends.

Here’s the lovely thing: you don’t need a rare jungle root or an expensive tincture to start. Many of these are right in your spice rack or growing in your garden.

Spices: Your Everyday Kitchen Medicine

Every time you sprinkle cinnamon on your oatmeal or stir turmeric into soup, you’re doing more than making food taste delicious—you’re adding little plant powerhouses into your day. These “phytonutrients” (fancy word for the good stuff in plants) help calm inflammation, keep your gut happy, and even give your brain a boost.

Some favourites:

• Ginger & Cinnamon – Warm, cozy, and so good for digestion. Ginger has a zing that wakes you up, while cinnamon feels like a hug from the inside.

• Rosemary (and Sage) – Just sniffing fresh rosemary can wake up your mind. It’s amazing for memory and focus. I sometimes add a sprig to hot water for a gentle tea—or even just inhale the steam.

I order my pure rosemary essential oil from here. I do breathwork inhaling it a few times just by opening up the cap! 

I diffuse a POWERHOUSE pure essential oil blend called ARMOR. I get it here.

Armor up against whatever’s going around with this protective blend! It’s always there for us during cold weather with its warm, spicy, and camphor-like aroma. Armor contains a powerful blend of cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lemon, and rosemary. Try diffusing it to help freshen your environment or simply rub it into your palms and take a few deep breaths.

Yes, Chocolate Counts 

You’ll be happy to know that Simon Mills gives a thumbs-up to dark chocolate—but not just any bar from the candy aisle. We’re talking at least 75% cocoa. The higher cocoa content means more flavonoids, those wonderful plant compounds that help your heart, circulation, and even mood. A small square or two after dinner can be both a treat and a little dose of plant medicine. It’s rich, it’s indulgent, and it’s doing more good than guilt—if you keep it in moderation.

The Calm Energy of Green Tea

I’ve always loved the gentle lift from a cup of green tea. Unlike coffee, its caffeine is paired with L-theanine, an amino acid that smooths out the jitters and helps you focus. Simon points out that it’s also brimming with antioxidants that support brain and heart health. Whether you like it hot, iced, or whisked up into a frothy matcha latte, green tea feels like an easy daily habit that your body will thank you for.

Coffee, Done Right (I order mine from The Wellness Club)

Good news for my fellow coffee lovers—coffee can be a health ally, too. Simon says it’s not just about the caffeine kick; it’s packed with polyphenols that can protect your cells from damage. The trick is to keep it real—skip the sugary syrups and heavy cream, and aim for a clean, quality brew. Two cups a day is a sweet spot for many people. For me, that first morning cup is less about the caffeine and more about the comforting ritual—the aroma, the warmth, and the slow start to the day.

Happy Gut, Happy You

Your gut is more than a food tube—it’s home to your immune system, mood support, and overall health. When you feed it well, everything else benefits.

• Meadowsweet – A gentle, stomach-soothing herb that’s much kinder than aspirin. Perfect after a big or rich meal.

• Eat the Rainbow – No, not candy. I mean colourful fruits and veggies—deep greens, reds, purples, oranges. Each colour brings a different kind of healing magic.

Herbs for Warming & Comfort

Feeling a bit under the weather or chilled to the bone? Herbs can help you warm up and get your immune system moving.

• A simple ginger and cinnamon tea is a go-to for me when I feel a sniffle coming on. It warms you from head to toe and just makes you feel cared for.

Helping the Heart & Mind

Some herbs work quietly in the background, keeping your circulation, heart, and brain healthy.

• Ginkgo – Known for helping blood flow to the brain, which can keep your mind sharper.

• Hawthorn – A gentle, heart-supporting herb that also helps with blood vessels. It’s like a quiet guardian for your cardiovascular system.

Try This Week

1. Make a “Spice Mix” – Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, maybe cardamom or fennel. Stir into soups, curries, or even smoothies.

2. Rosemary Tea or Steam – Steep a sprig, sip slowly, or inhale the scent—it’s uplifting.

3. Meadowsweet Tea – Gentle and soothing for digestion.

4. Cardamom in Coffee or Tea – Subtle and comforting.

5. Ginkgo or Hawthorn – If you’re curious about heart or brain support, chat with a qualified herbalist and give them a try.

Plants are everyday magic. They don’t shout about what they can do—they just quietly show up for us. Maybe this week, try adding one of these herbs or spices to your routine and see how you feel.

And if you have a favourite plant or spice you swear by, tell me. You know I’ll want to try it too.

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