This past week, I’ve been moving through the tender terrain of grief after the loss of our beloved dog, Bleau. It’s a strange and sacred kind of silence that falls over the house when a being who held so much love and presence is no longer there. Bleau was more than a pet—he was a part of our family, a guardian of our land, and a gentle soul who journeyed with us as we built this home.
In the swirl of this loss, I found it difficult to share anything that didn’t feel deeply true. So I chose to speak from where I am—heart cracked open, feet on the earth, hands in the apothecary—reaching for the plants that have always held me.
In this blog post, I want to share some of the insights and herbal allies that have been supporting me through this grief. This is also the heart of what I shared in Episode 6 of The Dancing Willow Podcast, for those who prefer to read rather than listen.
The Language of Shen: Herbs for the Spirit
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is a concept called "Shen," often translated as the spirit or heart-mind. When we experience grief, heartbreak, or deep emotional depletion, our Shen becomes unsettled. Shen tonic herbs help anchor and nourish this part of us. They bring calm to the emotional body, clarity to the mind, and an embodied sense of rootedness.
Here are a few of the Shen tonics I’ve been leaning on most during this time:
🌿 Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
A classic heart medicine, Hawthorn is both physically and emotionally supportive. It strengthens the cardiovascular system and acts as a balm for emotional pain. I’ve found Hawthorn to be especially helpful when the grief feels heavy in the chest—when it’s hard to take a deep breath or let the tears move through.
🌹 Rose (Rosa spp.)
Rose is the herb of boundaries and soft strength. It opens the heart while also protecting it—allowing you to feel without becoming overwhelmed. It helps us feel safe to show up as our most authentic selves.
🍄 Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi is often called the "mushroom of immortality," and in TCM it’s a premier Shen tonic. It works over time to restore balance, support the nervous system, and deepen spiritual connection. I love using Reishi in decoctions or tincture blends when I need to regulate my energy and feel anchored.
Together, these three herbs—Hawthorn, Rose, and Reishi—form our Rooted Heart Elixir, which has been by my side daily. It’s the formula I reach for when my nervous system is frayed, when my thoughts spiral, or when I just need to feel held.
Why Grief Can Open Us
One of the things I reflected on in the podcast is how grief slows us down. It reorders priorities, clears out the noise, and reminds us of what truly matters. In a culture that asks us to keep going and stay productive, choosing to pause and feel can be a radical act of self-care and integrity.
This grief has reminded me of the power of seasonal alignment. Just as the earth is beginning to stir with spring energy—little buds forming, roots pushing upward—I too am slowly unfurling, even in sorrow. I’m learning that we can plant seeds in the dark. That grief can be fertile soil for transformation, if we let it.
Supporting the Heart Through the Body
Alongside the herbal support, I’ve been coming back to rituals that root me: breathwork, warm infusions, sitting with the land, and simply letting the tears come when they need to.
This month, we’re offering a class that feels deeply aligned with where I am—
Botanical Breathwork with Dandelion. Dandelion is such a resilient ally. It helps the liver process stuck emotions, clears stagnation, and reminds us that even what’s been labeled a “weed” can be a powerful medicine. If you’ve been navigating your own grief, burnout, or need a gentle reset, this breathwork experience might be just the thing.
Moving Toward What’s Next (At Your Own Pace)
Whether you’re in a place of grief, creativity, burnout, or rebirth—I hope you know you’re not alone. The plants are here. The breath is here. The cycles of nature are always offering a path home to yourself.
If you'd like to join me in this season of deep feeling and slow emergence, here are a few ways to connect:
Thank you for holding space with me. And thank you to the plants—for their presence, their wisdom, and their constant reminder that even in the sacred dark, we are growing.
With a dropper full of Rooted Heart Elixir,
Elliott & the team at Dancing Willow Herbs