Write Stronger, Rest Smarter: Herbal Allies for Writers
Herbal Support for Creative Thinkers
The writer's mind is both a sanctuary and a battlefield. It is here that worlds are born, stories unfurl, and ideas press against the boundaries of the possible. But, as every writer knows, creativity is no endless wellspring. Hours hunched over the desk drain the body, scatter the mind, and, in time, even dull the soul. The pen falters when the mind is fogged with fatigue or the heart tightens under deadlines.
This past month, I’ve been churning out creative words at a relentless pace, holding myself to the commitments I’ve made to finish this project of Tarot-plant pairings and get it out to the world. In addition to editing and revising a decade’s worth of work on herbal magic, a new book is being born—a distillation of the practices that have gone into the 22 chapters of herbal-Tarot alchemy that is Botanica Mystica.
Working with a writing coach has meant deadlines, and deadlines rarely allow for a kind or forgiving rhythm. When the words start flowing, it sometimes feels like my fingers take on a mechanical life of their own, and my brain can barely keep up as they tap out their morse code. The screen somehow fills—word magic at its best! Other times, the keyboard sounds more like a drill or a runaway train barreling down a track—powerful and precise, difficult to stop, grinding on the gears, and threatening to take me off the rails.
Thank goodness we have the plants to turn to for support. All this writing has me looking at my apothecary from a new perspective. Thinking about the unique challenges this writing lifestyle creates—and which herbs to turn to—has been a fun exercise and a welcome pause in the dizzying deadline dance.
Writers can call upon a host of herbal allies to nourish their craft, sharpen thought, soothe frayed nerves, and sustain energy without the crash of synthetic stimulants. Here are a few of my favorite green companions, ones I turn to when my brain needs a spark or my spirit longs for renewal.
Medicinal Mushrooms: The Quiet Architects of the Mind
There is something ancient about mushrooms. Growing in shadowed forests, feeding on decay yet fostering life, they seem like nature’s wise, hidden librarians. Medicinal mushrooms, like Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris), and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), are particularly beloved by writers who seek clarity and balance.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus): This shaggy, cascading fungus is no ordinary mushroom; it’s a muse in disguise. Rich in compounds that support neurogenesis, Lion’s Mane has been shown to enhance memory and cognitive function. When my ideas feel tangled or my words sluggish, I brew a cup of tea infused with its earthy, grounding energy.
I don’t get writer's block too often; I suffer more from writer's distraction. On a whim, I started adding Lion’s Mane powder to my morning tea, and within a week, I noticed my focus improved and my productivity increased. Though I wouldn’t call it a miracle, I felt more decisive, more capable of prioritizing and letting go of distractions, and teasing out the threads of inspiration.Suggested Dose: 500–1000 mg daily, or a teaspoon of powdered extract whisked into coffee or tea.
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris): If Lion’s Mane is the thinker, Cordyceps is the doer—a burst of quiet stamina. Traditionally used to enhance endurance, this mushroom is a favorite during marathon writing sessions when the mind demands focus but the body threatens rebellion.
Suggested Dose: Capsules or a half-teaspoon of powder blended into a smoothie.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality,” Reishi soothes the nervous system and cultivates a sense of calm. It’s the perfect antidote to an overstimulated mind or the too-late coffee you regret as midnight approaches. Check out my previous post on Reishi Dream Magic to delve more deeply into this fungal magician.
Suggested Dose: One cup of Reishi tea in the evening, steeped slow and deep, like the best kind of storytelling.
Black Tea (Camellia sinensis): The Writer’s Feather Quill
There’s a quiet ritual to brewing black tea, the way the leaves unfurl and release their rich amber hue, as if coaxing your thoughts to do the same. For centuries, black tea has been the companion of thinkers, its steady stream of caffeine sharpening minds without the erratic peaks and plunges of coffee. Writers, too, can harness its dual magic: a burst of energy coupled with the calming effects of L-theanine, which smooths out caffeine’s edges and lets focus take hold.
Years ago when I first started setting aside Mondays as writing days, I often struggled with overwhelm. I’d write too many words and then become paralyzed and indecisive, staring at the screen and doubting my life choices. My daily lifeline became a steaming pot of strong Assam tea. The simple act of sipping—watching the vapor curl up like an invitation—did more than get me unstuck. It was fortifying and enlivening. It became a ritual I depended on, something grounding that I looked forward to. And without fail, by the last sip from the cup, my fingers would begin their tap dance and words would begin to take more elegant shapes.
Suggested Use: Brew 1-2 cups during your morning writing session or when the post-lunch lull threatens to dull your creativity.
Dose: A typical cup contains 40–70 mg of caffeine, but adjust to your own rhythm.
Milky Oats (Avena sativa): A Balm for the Frayed Creative Mind
The creative process can be as demanding as it is rewarding. There are days when the words won’t come, and frustration wells up like a storm. It’s in these moments I turn to milky oats—an herb as gentle as a whispered lullaby.
Milky oats, harvested in their unripe stage, work wonders on the nervous system. They rebuild what is frayed, nourish what is depleted, and soften the edges of the inner critic that all writers know too well. A cup of oatstraw tea or a few drops of tincture is like a deep breath for the soul, reminding you that rest is not the enemy of productivity—it’s the soil in which it grows.
After a long day of back-to-back revisions, my shoulders are practically glued to my ears. I get stuck in overdrive when I’m editing. My thoughts race, I overthink, and I second-guess every word I write. When I notice this pattern, I force myself to step away from the keyboard, make a cup of oatstraw tea, let its warmth unfold through me. If I’m really wound up, I’ll go right for the milky oats tincture which tastes gross but soothes my nervous system almost immediately. By the time I return to the page, I don’t just feel calmer—I felt kinder toward myself.
Suggested Use: Oatstraw tea in the evening or a tincture when stress begins to mount.
Dose: 1–2 dropperfuls of tincture as needed, or steep 1 tablespoon of dried oatstraw in hot water for 10–15 minutes.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Sustained Energy, No Strings Attached
Energy is a precious currency for writers, but caffeine isn’t always the answer. Ashwagandha, an adaptogen rooted in Ayurvedic tradition, offers a more subtle and sustainable solution. It supports the adrenal system, helping the body adapt to stress while promoting steady, grounded energy.
When I’m fully engaged in a writing deadline, I have this pattern: I push too hard, crash, and then need to spend days recovering. I was skeptical to try ashwagandha, because of all the hype. But I have to admit, its a wonderful ally. Its effect is like a quiet hum beneath my day—not overstimulating, just steady and sure. I’d find myself less reactive, more even-keeled, and able to focus for longer stretches without that gnawing feeling of burnout.
Suggested Use: Capsules, tea, or powder in a morning smoothie.
Dose: 300–600 mg daily or 1–2 teaspoons of powder mixed into warm milk with a touch of honey.
More Herbal Allies for Writers:
In addition to the core herbal allies for energy and focus listed above, here are a few ore gentle yet powerful plants can address the unique challenges writers face—whether it's easing anxiety, clearing mental fog, enhancing focus, or sharpening memory. Incorporating them into your writing routine can help create a foundation of calm, clarity, and sustained creativity.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): The Soothing Companion for Jitters
Lemon Balm is like a warm hug for your nervous system, gently calming the storm of anxiety that can creep in before deadlines. Known as a nervine, it has long been used to reduce tension and uplift the mood without dulling the senses. Its subtle lemony flavor makes it an inviting tea to sip when anxiety threatens to steal your words or when your thoughts are racing faster than you can organize them. Lemon Balm can help you approach your work with a sense of clarity and ease, turning panic into presence.
Suggested Use: Brew 1–2 teaspoons of dried Lemon Balm leaves in hot water for 10 minutes.
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita): The Fog Lifter
When your brain feels like it’s wading through a thick mental fog, peppermint can cut through it like a crisp breeze. Its invigorating aroma and cooling properties refresh the mind and awaken the senses, making it ideal for those moments when your energy dips or your focus wavers. Peppermint tea has an almost magical way of clearing out the cobwebs, making space for fresh ideas to emerge. Plus, its digestive benefits can also soothe the occasional stress-induced stomach knot.
Suggested Use: Steep 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves in boiling water for 5–7 minutes. Inhale deeply as it brews for an added burst of clarity.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): The Quiet Focus Builder
Gotu Kola, a revered herb in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, has a gentle yet profound effect on the mind. It’s often called “food for the brain” because of its ability to enhance memory, improve focus, and support mental endurance. Unlike stimulants, Gotu Kola works quietly in the background, nurturing your ability to dive deep into creative work. It’s perfect for writers needing sustained focus during long research or editing sessions. Its grounding nature can also help balance stress, making it a dual ally for the mind and spirit.
Suggested Use: Take as a tea (1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves steeped in hot water) or as a tincture (1–2 dropperfuls) during periods of focused work.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): The Circulatory Powerhouse for Mental Agility
Ginkgo is often hailed as one of the best herbs for brain health, and with good reason. It supports blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients where they’re needed most—especially during periods of intense mental effort. Writers may find Ginkgo particularly helpful for improving memory and maintaining focus when working on complex projects or juggling multiple ideas at once. While its effects build gradually over time, incorporating Ginkgo into your routine can help keep your mind sharp and agile, even during the most demanding writing sessions.
Suggested Use: Ginkgo is commonly taken as capsules or tinctures; 120–240 mg daily is a typical dose for cognitive support. For best results, consult an herbalist to find the right dosage for you.