September Wellness Herbs: Month 9 of the Annual Herbal Wheel

September 1, 2026

There's something about September that feels like a turning point. The garden is still giving generously, but the air has changed. The mornings are cooler, the days are getting shorter, and little by little, we can feel autumn settling in.

Just as I begin preparing the farm for a new season, I also start thinking about how I want to support my body through that transition. This is month nine of my Annual Herbal Wheel, a year-long journey of intentionally choosing herbs that work beautifully with the needs of each season. If you're just joining us, welcome — and if you've been following along, you already know how powerful it is to work with the seasons rather than against them.

September is a month of preparation for me. Rather than waiting until winter arrives and I feel like I need extra support, I like to begin incorporating herbs now that support digestion, immune health, resilience, healthy elimination, and a sense of calm.

These are the tinctures I'm reaching for this month.

Burdock Root: Grounding Into Fall

Burdock root (Arctium lappa) feels like the perfect September herb. There is something fitting about reaching for a deep, grounding root as nature itself begins moving toward fall — drawing energy downward, clearing accumulated heat and stagnation from the summer months.

Burdock has been traditionally used to support digestion, healthy liver function, normal elimination, and healthy skin. It's a classic blood and lymph herb, and the root naturally contains inulin, a prebiotic fiber that helps nourish beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.

I don't think of burdock as a harsh "detox" herb. Instead, I think of it as a gentle, grounding plant that supports some of the body's natural processes of digestion and elimination — the kind of herb I like to work into a routine consistently rather than only reaching for when I think I need it.

My September focus with burdock: digestion, healthy elimination, liver support, and skin wellness.

Astragalus: Preparing for the Season Ahead

If there is one tincture I especially want in my routine before fall and winter arrive, it is astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus).

Astragalus has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese herbalism as a strengthening and restorative root — traditionally used to tonify the wei qi, our defensive energy, what we might think of as immune vitality. Modern research has also explored its naturally occurring polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, and other plant compounds for their antioxidant and immune-supportive properties.

What I particularly love about astragalus is that I don't think of it as a "wait until you're sick" herb. I think of it as part of the preparation. It works slowly and deeply over weeks and months, making September the ideal time to start or renew a regular protocol — before the colder months are fully here.

My September focus with astragalus: immune support, vitality, resilience, and seasonal wellness.

Goldenrod: The Golden Herb of September

If you've been outside lately, you've probably noticed the goldenrod blooming. Those beautiful yellow flowers are one of my favorite signs that fall is on its way.

Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is also one of those herbs that gets misunderstood. It is often blamed for fall allergies because it blooms at the same time as ragweed — but goldenrod is not usually the culprit. Goldenrod actually helps support the body's response to allergies and eases symptoms.

Traditionally, goldenrod has been used to support the urinary system and healthy fluid balance. It also contains flavonoids and other naturally occurring antioxidant compounds and has a long history of use in seasonal herbal preparations. It helps clear dampness — a great companion for the wetter, mistier days of early autumn.

My September focus with goldenrod: urinary support, healthy fluid balance, antioxidant support, and seasonal wellness.

Ginger: A Little Warming Support

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of those herbs I reach for year-round, but I especially love it as we move into fall. There is something naturally warming and comforting about ginger, and it fits perfectly with the cooler days ahead.

Ginger has a long history of traditional use for digestive support, and its naturally occurring compounds — including gingerols — provide antioxidant properties. It also supports healthy circulation and the body's normal inflammatory response which helps our joints.

When I'm busy harvesting, preserving, and working around the farm, I don't always have time to stop and make a cup of tea. A tincture gives me a convenient way to keep ginger in my routine without skipping a beat.

My September focus with ginger: warmth, digestion, circulation, and everyday wellness.

Lemon Balm: Making Room for Calm

September isn't just a transition for the body. It's a transition for our schedules and our minds, too.

The garden is busy. Harvests are coming in. The holidays are suddenly not that far away. Sometimes September feels like the month when the pace of the year starts speeding up again. That's one reason I like having lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) in my herbal cabinet.

Lemon balm has traditionally been used as a gentle calming herb and nervine, supporting relaxation and a balanced mood without making you feel like you need to crawl into bed. It has also traditionally been used to support digestion and contains naturally occurring antioxidant compounds such as rosmarinic acid.

For me, lemon balm is especially nice later in the day. It helps create a little space between the busyness of the day and the slower pace of evening. And one of my favorite combinations? Ginger and lemon balm together. The warmth of ginger with the gentle, calming character of lemon balm makes a beautiful September evening ritual.

My September focus with lemon balm: calm, relaxation, digestion, and everyday stress support.

My September Tincture Routine

I'm not necessarily taking every herb at the same time or because I think I need every benefit every day. Instead, I like having a handful of herbs available that support different aspects of my wellness and choosing what fits into my day.

Astragalus is my morning seasonal-support herb. Burdock is one I reach for before my meals to support digestion and healthy elimination. Goldenrod fits beautifully into my afternoon routine, particularly as I transition into fall. Ginger is my go-to when I want something warming and digestive-supportive, and lemon balm is the one I reach for when it's time to slow down.

That's one of the reasons I love tinctures so much. They make herbalism practical. I don't have to wait for the perfect time to brew a tea or prepare a decoction. A small bottle can live in my kitchen cabinet, my herbal shelf, or even travel with me.

Supporting the Body Before the Season Demands It

This is really the heart of my Annual Herbal Wheel.

I don't believe herbalism has to be complicated. It can be as simple as paying attention to the season, learning what plants have traditionally been used for, and finding small ways to incorporate them into your everyday routine.

September is my reminder to prepare — to support digestion, to nourish, to build resilience, to stay grounded, and to start thinking about the months ahead before they arrive.

These are the herbs I'm reaching for in my own September routine, and they're also the herbs I'm excited to share with you from Blessed Harvest Farm. Each of my tinctures is made in small batches with carefully selected, never-sprayed herbs — because I believe herbal products should be made with the same care I put into growing, harvesting, and preserving everything else here on the farm.

If you're ready to build your own seasonal herbal routine, shop the September tinctures and choose the herbs that fit your own wellness goals.

Looking Ahead

We're in the final stretch of the Herbal Wheel — just three months to go. October will bring us even deeper into immune-fortifying and root medicine territory. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss it.

Have questions about any of these herbs or how to incorporate them? Drop a comment below or reach out directly. I love hearing how your herbal journey is unfolding.

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Herbal products are intended to support general wellness and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition, consult your healthcare professional before using herbal products.