Moon Medicine: Harnessing the Power of Herbs for Each Moon Phase
- Jennifer D'Oliveira
- Jun 5
- 5 min read
For centuries, many cultures have acknowledged the profound connection between the moon’s cycles and our lives. The phases of the moon, from new to full and back again, can affect not only the tides but also our energy, emotions, and health. The practice of aligning with the moon’s rhythm is known as moon medicine, and it has become increasingly popular as a way to harmonize the body and spirit with the lunar cycle.
One of the most powerful tools in moon medicine is the use of herbs. Herbs have been used for millennia to support and balance the body’s energies, and when aligned with the specific phase of the moon, their effects can be amplified. Each moon phase offers unique energy, and certain herbs are best suited for these times to help us heal, grow, release, and restore.
Prepare for the upcoming Full Moon on 6/11/25 with our Ceremonial Tools.

Here’s how you can work with herbs to support your body through each phase of the moon:
1. New Moon: A Time for New Beginnings
The new moon is the perfect time to set intentions and plant the seeds for growth. It’s a time of renewal, where the darkness of the moon allows for reflection, rest, and inner work. The energy of the new moon is about creating space for new opportunities, both in life and within the body.
Herbs to support the New Moon:
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): A powerful herb for enhancing intuition and
dreams, mugwort is ideal for reflection during the new moon. It helps support
deep rest, creativity, and visioning—making it perfect for journaling or meditative
practices.
Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale): Known for its cleansing and
detoxifying properties, dandelion root helps the body release stagnant energy
and prepare for new beginnings. It supports the liver, which helps with cleansing
the body of toxins, clearing the path for fresh energy.
Nettle (Urtica dioica): Nettle is a nourishing herb, rich in vitamins and minerals.
It strengthens the body during the new moon when you’re looking to nourish and
rebuild from the inside out.
Suggested use: Create a nourishing tea or tincture using these herbs to help facilitate deep reflection and emotional release, setting a strong foundation for new beginnings.
2. Waxing Moon: A Time for Growth and Expansion
As the moon grows from new to full, the waxing phase represents growth, momentum, and action. It’s the time to take the steps necessary to bring your intentions into reality, and it’s the perfect moment for healing and building energy.
Herbs to support the Waxing Moon:
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger’s warming properties support circulation,
digestion, and energy. It’s an invigorating herb that helps stoke the inner fire
during this phase, encouraging growth and strength.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): This adaptogen is perfect for building
vitality and stamina. It supports the adrenal glands, helping the body manage
stress and stay balanced during times of growth and expansion.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Known for its invigorating and uplifting
properties, rosemary encourages mental clarity and focus, helping you stay on
track as you take action toward your goals.
Suggested use: A grounding and energizing herbal blend featuring ginger, ashwagandha, and rosemary can be used as a tea or tincture to promote vitality and motivation during the waxing
moon.

3. Full Moon: A Time for Peak Energy and Illumination
The full moon represents the culmination of all your hard work. It’s the time of fullest expression, when energy is high, and emotions are heightened. The full moon brings illumination and clarity, making it the perfect time to celebrate your achievements or do some emotional release work.
Herbs to support the Full Moon:
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender helps soothe and calm the
nervous system, making it ideal for times when the full moon brings intense
emotions. It also supports relaxation and sleep, allowing you to fully integrate the
high energy of the full moon.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Chamomile promotes calm and
relaxation. During the full moon, it’s important to balance the high energy with
grounding herbs like chamomile, which help soothe the body and mind after
periods of intense activity or emotion.
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.): This heart-centered herb supports emotional
healing and balance. The full moon can bring up powerful emotions, and
hawthorn helps open and heal the heart, making it a great ally for emotional
release.
Suggested use: Brew a soothing tea with lavender, chamomile, and hawthorn to help calm and center yourself, especially if you feel overstimulated or overwhelmed by the heightened energies of the full moon.
4. Waning Moon: A Time for Release and Reflection
As the moon begins to wane, it’s the time for letting go, cleansing, and surrendering. This phase supports the body in detoxifying, releasing what no longer serves, and preparing for a fresh start when the new moon arrives again. It’s an introspective phase that encourages emotional release, purification, and rest.
Herbs to support the Waning Moon:
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense): Red clover is excellent for detoxification,
especially for the lymphatic system. It promotes the elimination of toxins from the
body, making it ideal during the waning moon when the focus is on cleansing and release.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow is a powerful herb for emotional and
physical healing. It helps release old wounds and stagnant energy, encouraging
emotional clearing during this phase.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita): Known for its cooling and soothing properties,
peppermint helps relieve any digestive discomfort that may arise as you process
and release emotions or physical tension. It supports the digestive system’s
natural detox processes.
Suggested use: Drink a cleansing tea made with red clover, yarrow, and peppermint to help support the body’s detoxification processes and emotional release during the waning moon.
Harmonizing with the Moon and the Earth
Moon medicine is a powerful way to align your health and wellbeing with the cycles of nature. By working with the energy of each moon phase, you can harness the healing potential of herbs to support your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you’re setting intentions during the new moon, building strength during the waxing moon, releasing during the full moon, or cleansing during
the waning moon, there is an herb to support every stage of your journey. By tuning into the wisdom of the moon and herbs, you can cultivate a deeper connection to yourself and the rhythms of the natural world.
Embrace the magic of the moon and let the plants guide you on your path of healing and transformation.
With Light and Love,

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