Morning light.
Begin the day with natural outdoor light when possible. For people with winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder, appropriately timed bright-light therapy can be particularly helpful.
01 / The introduction
The Autumn Edit
For Seasonal Affective Disorder & the Changing Light
A naturopathic approach to seasonal mood, circadian rhythms, and the darker months. Begin with the foundations, then explore thoughtful support for the changing season.
02 / A note from Dr. Michele
A note from Dr. Michele.
Mornings arrive a little later. Evenings settle in sooner. The warmth of summer gives way to shorter days, cooler air, and a quieter rhythm.
For some, this transition feels restorative. For others, the changing season brings a noticeable shift in energy, motivation, sleep, and emotional well-being.
You may find yourself sleeping longer but waking tired. Reaching for carbohydrates. Feeling less interested in the things you usually love. Or noticing an unfamiliar heaviness that seems to arrive with the darker months.
Seasonal affective disorder is more than the winter blues. It is a recurring form of depression that deserves thoughtful attention.
From a naturopathic and functional medicine perspective, I begin by looking at the biological systems that help us adapt to seasonal change: our circadian clock, light exposure, sleep-wake rhythms, nutritional status, endocrine health, and nervous system.
Rather than simply adding supplements, we begin with the foundations.
The intention is not to resist autumn, but to help the body navigate the changing season with greater resilience.
03 / Begin with the foundations
Before protocols. Before supplements.
Circadian rhythm.
Establish consistent wake and sleep times, even on weekends. Create a distinct difference between bright mornings and dimmer evenings.
Metabolic nourishment.
Build meals around adequate protein, healthy fats, fiber, and a variety of colorful plant foods. Support steady energy rather than relying on caffeine and sugar to push through exhaustion.
Movement and connection.
Make space for outdoor movement, meaningful relationships, and regular activities that support emotional well-being, especially when the inclination is to withdraw.
A closer look at therapeutic light
Research commonly uses a UV-filtered 10,000-lux light box for roughly 30–45 minutes in the morning. The device’s prescribed distance matters, and timing should be individualized. Keep your eyes open without staring at the light; follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Get guidance first if you have bipolar disorder, eye disease, or use photosensitizing medicines. A household lamp, tanning lamp, or red-light device is not interchangeable with a therapeutic bright-light box.
04 / Inside the Edit
A place for each selection.
The collection begins with therapeutic light and circadian support, followed by targeted nutritional replenishment and carefully selected botanicals.
Every recommendation has a purpose, an explanation, and a place within the therapeutic order.
Not everything needs to be taken. The most thoughtful protocol is the one that addresses what actually needs support.
The 19 selections below come from my Autumn Edit. They are individual options, including alternative forms of the same plant. Immune, digestive, and skin selections address broader seasonal care; they are not presented as treatments for SAD.
01 / Light & nourishment
Begin with the rhythm.
Therapeutic light, targeted vitamin D, and an easy nourishment option.
- VIEW ON FULLSCRIPT →Bright Minds Therapy LampBrainMD
- BROWSE MY SHOP →D-1,000Thorne
- BROWSE MY SHOP →Bone Broth Protein Butternut SquashAncient Nutrition
02 / Nervous system & resilience
Make room for recovery.
Distinct botanical preparations for an individual conversation about rest and resilience.
- VIEW ON FULLSCRIPT →EleutheroGaia Herbs Pro
- VIEW ON FULLSCRIPT →Eleuthero Solid Extract 4ozWise Woman Herbals
- VIEW ON FULLSCRIPT →Melissa officinalis - lemon balmWise Woman Herbals
- VIEW ON FULLSCRIPT →Rhodiola Phyto-CapsGaia Herbs Pro
03 / Seasonal immune care
A thoughtful winter cupboard.
Prepared elderberry alternatives, astragalus, and a gut-focused formula.
- BROWSE MY SHOP →Black Elderberry Extra Strength GummiesGaia Herbs
- VIEW ON FULLSCRIPT →Elderberry SyrupWise Woman Herbals
- VIEW ON FULLSCRIPT →Black Elderberry PROGaia Herbs Pro
- BROWSE MY SHOP →Astragalus SAP AdaptogenicNutritional Fundamentals for Health
- BROWSE MY SHOP →
04 / Digestion, skin & daily ritual
Warmth, comfort, nourishment.
Aromatic teas, bitter roots, golden botanicals, and separate oral and topical oils.
- BROWSE MY SHOP →Vegan Sea Buckthorn OilDeva Nutrition
- BROWSE MY SHOP →Sea Buckthorn BudSeroyal/Genestra
- BROWSE MY SHOP →Sea Buckthorn Body OilWeleda
- BROWSE MY SHOP →Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength GummiesGaia Herbs
- VIEW ON FULLSCRIPT →Taraxacum officinale (root) - dandelion (root)Wise Woman Herbals
- BROWSE MY SHOP →Ginger Root TeaBuddha Teas
- BROWSE MY SHOP →Digestive Nirvana BlendBuddha Teas
05 / The science behind my selections
Read a little deeper.
BrainMD
Bright Minds Therapy Lamp
Why I chose it
A light-based starting point
Light reaches the circadian system through the eyes. This selection brings the first step of the Edit back to light exposure, before adding another supplement. BrainMD describes this lamp as offering up to 10,000 lux; the light received depends on distance and settings. Follow its instructions and an individualized timing plan.
Discuss light therapy before use if you have bipolar disorder, a retinal condition, or take a medicine that increases light sensitivity. Stop and seek advice for agitation, reduced need for sleep, or troublesome eye symptoms.
VIEW PRODUCT ON FULLSCRIPTResearch & references
Gaia Herbs
Black Elderberry Extra Strength Gummies
Why I chose it
A prepared berry, in a gummy
A convenient alternative for readers who prefer a gummy to a capsule or syrup. Elderberry belongs to the seasonal respiratory-care tradition; it is not a treatment for SAD. Human studies are limited and do not establish reliable prevention of winter infections.
Choose one elderberry preparation suited to you; these three formats are alternatives. Review sugars, ingredients, and age-specific directions.
BROWSE MY FULLSCRIPT SHOPIn the storefront, search for “Black Elderberry Extra Strength Gummies” by Gaia Herbs. Current availability and directions appear there.
Research & references
Wise Woman Herbals
Elderberry Syrup
Why I chose it
The familiar winter syrup
This liquid preparation offers a different way to meet the elderberry tradition. Its place here is in thoughtful seasonal respiratory support, with realistic expectations about the limited clinical evidence.
Use a properly prepared product. Raw or unripe berries, stems, and leaves can be toxic. Do not use a syrup to delay assessment of a significant or worsening illness.
VIEW PRODUCT ON FULLSCRIPTResearch & references
Gaia Herbs Pro
Black Elderberry PRO
Why I chose it
A capsule alternative
The capsule format offers another prepared-berry option. It sits alongside the syrup and gummies so you can compare formats, rather than combine all three.
Evidence from one elderberry extract cannot automatically be transferred to every formulation. Review the current label and your own medicines.
VIEW PRODUCT ON FULLSCRIPTResearch & references
Gaia Herbs Pro
Eleuthero
Why I chose it
A conversation about reserves
Eleutherococcus senticosus has a long traditional role in fatigue and resilience. The capsule format may suit someone considering a clearly identified preparation within an individual care plan. It should prompt attention to rest and nourishment, rather than become a way to keep pushing through exhaustion.
Clinical evidence is limited. Review blood pressure, sleep, heart conditions, and medicines before use. This is an alternative to the solid extract.
VIEW PRODUCT ON FULLSCRIPTResearch & references
Wise Woman Herbals
Eleuthero Solid Extract 4oz
Why I chose it
A different expression of the root
The solid-extract format brings another texture and preparation to eleuthero’s traditional tonic story. Confirm the package size and current directions when choosing this preparation.
Capsules and solid extracts are not dose-equivalent. Choose a preparation and directions with your clinician.
VIEW PRODUCT ON FULLSCRIPTResearch & references
Deva Nutrition
Vegan Sea Buckthorn Oil
Why I chose it
Plant oils, from within
Sea buckthorn seed and fruit oils have different fatty-acid profiles. This oral oil selection belongs to the conversation about nourishment and seasonal skin comfort; benefits depend on the actual oil, preparation, and person. It is not an established treatment for depression or eczema.
Use only the oral product as directed. Do not ingest cosmetic body oil. Check the current label for its oil source and composition.
BROWSE MY FULLSCRIPT SHOPIn the storefront, search for “Vegan Sea Buckthorn Oil” by Deva Nutrition. Current availability and directions appear there.
Seroyal/Genestra
Sea Buckthorn Bud
Why I chose it
A distinct botanical preparation
A bud preparation is different from sea buckthorn seed or fruit oil. It is included as a separate selection in my Autumn Edit, with its own preparation and evidence questions. Research on sea buckthorn oil cannot be used to establish benefits for a bud extract.
Human clinical evidence for this preparation is limited. Review ingredients, alcohol content if present, medicines, and suitability before use.
BROWSE MY FULLSCRIPT SHOPIn the storefront, search for “Sea Buckthorn Bud” by Seroyal/Genestra. Current availability and directions appear there.
Weleda
Sea Buckthorn Body Oil
Why I chose it
An autumn skin ritual
A topical option for a simple body-care ritual when cool air and indoor heating leave skin feeling dry. Apply according to the label, and pair skin care with gentle cleansing and a moisturizer suited to your skin.
For external use only. Patch-test first, particularly with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies.
BROWSE MY FULLSCRIPT SHOPIn the storefront, search for “Sea Buckthorn Body Oil” by Weleda. Current availability and directions appear there.
Wise Woman Herbals
Melissa officinalis - lemon balm
Why I chose it
A softer end to the day
Lemon balm’s traditional nervine role includes mild stress and sleep support. This liquid extract offers a different preparation from tea. It can accompany a quieter evening rhythm, without replacing attention to persistent low mood or a sleep disorder.
Review sedating medicines, thyroid conditions, pregnancy, and breastfeeding with your clinician. Different preparations are not interchangeable.
VIEW PRODUCT ON FULLSCRIPTResearch & references
Gaia Herbs
Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength Gummies
Why I chose it
A golden botanical, with context
Turmeric has a long place in food and Ayurvedic medicine. Some concentrated preparations have shown promise for knee osteoarthritis symptoms, but results vary by formulation. Those findings do not establish the same benefit for every gummy or culinary serving.
Review gallbladder disease, anticoagulant use, and liver history. Rare liver injury has been reported with some turmeric supplements.
BROWSE MY FULLSCRIPT SHOPIn the storefront, search for “Turmeric Supreme Extra Strength Gummies” by Gaia Herbs. Current availability and directions appear there.
Research & references
Gaia Herbs Pro
Rhodiola Phyto-Caps
Why I chose it
Resilience without overriding rest
Rhodiola rosea comes from northern herbal traditions concerned with endurance and fatigue. It is an optional botanical discussion after sleep, light, nutrition, and relevant health concerns have been addressed. Evidence is insufficient to present it as an established SAD treatment.
It may cause insomnia or activation. Review bipolar history and medicines, especially antidepressants or stimulants, with your clinician before use.
VIEW PRODUCT ON FULLSCRIPTResearch & references
Nutritional Fundamentals for Health
Astragalus SAP Adaptogenic
Why I chose it
The tonic tradition
Astragalus has a longstanding place in Chinese medicine, often within a broader formula. This capsule selection reflects that tradition of sustained support. Research on isolated constituents and telomeres does not show that this product extends human lifespan or reliably prevents colds.
Discuss autoimmune disease, transplantation, immunosuppressive medicines, pregnancy, and breastfeeding before use.
BROWSE MY FULLSCRIPT SHOPIn the storefront, search for “Astragalus SAP Adaptogenic” by Nutritional Fundamentals for Health. Current availability and directions appear there.
Research & references
Wise Woman Herbals
Taraxacum officinale (root) - dandelion (root)
Why I chose it
Room for the bitter
This root preparation keeps the plant part explicit. Dandelion’s bitter digestive tradition is different from the leaf’s traditional uses. It belongs in a thoughtful digestive conversation, without promising to “detox” the body or undo overindulgence.
Review gallbladder or bile-duct conditions and relevant plant allergies. Persistent digestive symptoms deserve assessment.
VIEW PRODUCT ON FULLSCRIPTResearch & references
Buddha Teas
Ginger Root Tea
Why I chose it
The pleasure of warmth
A warming cup creates a simple pause in the day. Ginger has a rich digestive tradition and evidence for some forms of nausea, although much of that research concerns specific supplements rather than tea.
Prepare according to the label. Strong ginger preparations can aggravate reflux; review concentrated use with your clinician if you take medicines affecting bleeding.
BROWSE MY FULLSCRIPT SHOPIn the storefront, search for “Ginger Root Tea” by Buddha Teas. Current availability and directions appear there.
Research & references
Buddha Teas
Digestive Nirvana Blend
Why I chose it
An after-meal ritual
A blended tea offers an aromatic alternative to the single-herb ginger tea. Choose it for its current ingredients and how well you tolerate them. The fennel discussion in the seasonal article explains the carminative tradition; it does not establish the composition or clinical effects of this blend.
Read the current ingredient and allergen list. A soothing drink does not replace evaluation of persistent pain, weight loss, or a lasting change in digestion.
BROWSE MY FULLSCRIPT SHOPIn the storefront, search for “Digestive Nirvana Blend” by Buddha Teas. Current availability and directions appear there.
Thorne
D-1,000
Why I chose it
Replenishment with a reason
Vitamin D belongs here when dietary intake, risk factors, or testing indicates a need. It supports bone and immune physiology; studies of vitamin D as a SAD treatment have produced mixed results. The dose should reflect your situation and total intake from all supplements.
Do not assume that more is better. Review 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, kidney history, and an appropriate reassessment plan when supplementation is clinically indicated. A UV-filtered light box does not produce vitamin D in the skin.
BROWSE MY FULLSCRIPT SHOPIn the storefront, search for “D-1,000” by Thorne. Current availability and directions appear there.
Research & references
Ancient Nutrition
Bone Broth Protein Butternut Squash
Why I chose it
Nourishment that feels like the season
A savory option for days when something warm is easier to manage. Use it as one part of adequate food intake and a varied protein pattern, alongside fiber-rich plants and satisfying meals.
Review ingredients, allergens, and serving information. Bone-broth protein is not a complete meal, and collagen-rich protein should not be your only protein source.
BROWSE MY FULLSCRIPT SHOPIn the storefront, search for “Bone Broth Protein Butternut Squash” by Ancient Nutrition. Current availability and directions appear there.
Thorne
Immune Activator, Microbiome-Powered Immune Support
Why I chose it
The gut–immune connection
The manufacturer lists soluble carrot fiber and redcurrant/blackcurrant extract in this formula. It provides a distinct prebiotic and plant-polyphenol option within the collection. Regular meals, dietary fiber, sleep, and recovery remain the starting point.
This product is not a SAD treatment or a guarantee against infection. Check tolerance, allergies, and suitability with your clinician.
BROWSE MY FULLSCRIPT SHOPIn the storefront, search for “Immune Activator, Microbiome-Powered Immune Support” by Thorne. Current availability and directions appear there.
Research & references
From my botanical journal
Ten herbs for fall & winter.
Roots, berries, fragrant leaves, and warming spices.
The complete current article from my Medicine Wild journal, originally published in 2019 and editorially updated in October 2026.
Leaves turn copper. Sweaters come out of storage. The air asks us to linger over something warm.
In my original fall-and-winter story, I imagined a cupboard stocked with plants to accompany the season. I still love that image: a small home apothecary, shaped by scent, memory, and practical knowledge.
These ten botanicals each bring something different. Some have well-documented traditional uses; others have emerging clinical research. You do not need to take them all. Getting to know one plant well can be its own kind of seasonal practice.
1. Eleuthero: respect your reserves
Eleutherococcus senticosus has a long history in traditions concerned with stamina and fatigue. Herbalists describe it as an adaptogen. The European Medicines Agency recognizes traditional use for tiredness and weakness, while noting limitations in clinical trials.1
I would let this plant begin a conversation about your energy, rather than become permission to push through exhaustion.
2. Sea buckthorn: the color of winter light
The orange berries of Hippophae rhamnoides feel like a little stored sunshine. Its seed and pulp oils have different fatty-acid profiles, and both appear in skin formulations. A small dermatitis study found improvement in the pulp-oil and placebo groups, so it did not establish a dependable oral treatment.2
For a beauty ritual, choose a well-formulated moisturizer your skin tolerates; introduce a new botanical on a small area first. Warm water, gentle cleansing, and less friction can make the ritual feel kinder to dry winter skin. An oil’s lovely color is not a measure of its ability to treat eczema.
3. Elderberry: a deep-purple winter tradition
Sambucus nigra has long belonged to seasonal respiratory care. Small studies suggest possible symptom benefits, but do not establish reliable prevention of winter infections or a guaranteed number of days saved.3
Choose a properly prepared elderberry product; raw or unripe berries, leaves, and stems are not suitable for a home remedy.
4. Lemon balm: a softer evening
Rub a leaf of Melissa officinalis gently between your fingers and meet its bright, lemony scent. This is the sort of plant that reminds me why the sensory experience belongs in herbal medicine.
Its traditional nervine role includes mild stress and sleep support; its digestive tradition includes mild bloating. EMA recognizes those uses on a traditional basis. That history is meaningful without making every cup of tea equivalent to a tested extract.4
Let a quiet tea break mark the end of the workday. Sit somewhere comfortable. Notice the warmth of the cup before returning to the list of things still undone.
5. Turmeric: golden food, thoughtful care
Curcuma longa brings color to the kitchen and a long history in Ayurvedic traditions. Some oral preparations show promising results for knee osteoarthritis symptoms, but the evidence varies by formulation. Culinary turmeric and concentrated curcumin are different preparations.5
Add the spice to a soup or stew for its earthy flavor.
6. Rhodiola: listen to the darker season
Rhodiola rosea belongs to northern traditions of endurance and resilience. That history is worth knowing. Modern evidence is still insufficient for confident claims about treating fatigue or depression.6
I would pair interest about this root with a simpler question: what does this season ask you to change? More rest, regular meals, or time outside during daylight may be a beginning.
7. Astragalus: a tonic tradition
Astragalus membranaceus has a longstanding role in Chinese medicine, often within formulas. I value that whole tradition, including the importance of matching a preparation to a person.
Research into cellular pathways and telomeres does not show that a bowl of astragalus soup lengthens human life. Nor is routine cold prevention established.
8. Dandelion: a place for the bitter
Leaves, roots, flowers: Taraxacum officinale gives us several ways to meet the same plant. Bitter greens can bring contrast to a meal; root preparations have their own digestive traditions.
These are different preparations with different histories. Clinical evidence remains limited, and “detox” is too broad a promise for the research to support. I prefer to meet dandelion through its bitterness, botanical identity, and traditional uses, without making a tea responsible for undoing a season’s indulgence.8
9. Fennel: after the feast
The aromatic “seeds” of Foeniculum vulgare are botanically fruits. Their sweet anise-like flavor belongs to cooking and a long carminative tradition for mild bloating and digestive discomfort.9
A little culinary fennel can bring pleasure to a meal.
10. Ginger: the pleasure of warmth
Sometimes the evening asks for something uncomplicated: a few thin slices of fresh Zingiber officinale steeped in hot water, made as mild or lively as you like.
Ginger has a rich digestive tradition and clinical evidence for some kinds of nausea, particularly pregnancy-related nausea. Much of that research concerns supplements rather than an improvised tea.
Functional labs: when symptoms ask for more
I want natural care to help us listen more closely. When fatigue lingers, digestion changes, or infections become unusually frequent or severe, testing may clarify what the body is asking for.
- Persistent fatigue: history and examination may point toward a complete blood count, ferritin, or thyroid testing. B12 or folate testing can be useful with relevant dietary risks, anemia, or neurological symptoms. These are possible investigations, not a seasonal panel for everyone.11
- Ongoing digestive symptoms or unexplained iron deficiency: a clinician may consider celiac testing, commonly total IgA and IgA tissue transglutaminase. Testing needs to be planned while you are still eating gluten.12
- Severe, unusual, or prolonged recurrent infections: seek additional care; an immunology specialist may consider immunoglobulin testing when indicated. Ordinary winter colds do not automatically signal an immune deficiency.13
Build a cupboard you understand
Choose a plant for a purpose. Learn its botanical name, the part used, how it is prepared, and when it is unsuitable.
Then give equal attention to the everyday foundations: enough food, warmth, rest, regular sleep, and moments of daylight.
The deeper invitation of a winter apothecary is to notice the season—and your own needs within it. Let the plants teach you something. Let the quiet teach you something too.
Put it into practice
Naturopathic foundations
How do I build a thoughtful home herbal apothecary?
Choose one or two plants for a clear purpose and learn their identity and preparation. Stock the kitchen with nourishing meals as thoughtfully as the herb shelf. Warmth, sleep, daylight, and enough recovery are the foundation of seasonal care.
Functional tests to consider
Rest, enough food, fluids, and an appropriate response to the illness come first. Frequent, unusual, or prolonged infections deserve a clinical assessment; selected blood testing may then be helpful.
CBC, ferritin & iron studies
A useful conversation when fatigue, heavy periods, hair shedding, or a restrictive diet raises the question of iron deficiency. Ferritin belongs alongside the blood count and the wider clinical picture; inflammation can raise it.
A mind–body practice
A cup without a second task
While a familiar, well-tolerated tea or warm drink cools, let your hands rest around the cup. Notice its warmth, then three sounds in the room. Take one sip before returning to the day. There is nothing else to accomplish.
A little more clarity
Do I need an immune panel before using a seasonal herbal remedy?
Not routinely. The important questions are what symptoms are present, how long they have lasted, and whether they are worsening or recurring unusually. Choose testing from that picture, and distinguish a comforting ritual from treatment for an active infection.
References
- EMA — Eleutherococci radix · Traditional-use herbal monograph
- Yang et al. — Sea buckthorn seed and pulp oils in atopic dermatitis (1999) · Small placebo-controlled study
- NCCIH — Elderberry · Evidence and botanical safety summary
- EMA — Melissae folium · Traditional-use herbal monograph
- NCCIH — Turmeric · Evidence and botanical safety summary
- NCCIH — Rhodiola · Evidence and botanical safety summary
- NCCIH — Astragalus · Evidence and botanical safety summary
- NCCIH — Dandelion · Evidence and botanical safety summary
- EMA — Sweet fennel fruit, revised European Union herbal monograph (2024) · Traditional-use monograph with preparation and safety qualifications
- NCCIH — Ginger · Evidence and botanical safety summary
- NICE NG206 — Assessment and investigations for persistent fatigue · Guidance on excluding other causes in suspected ME/CFS; not universal screening
- NICE NG20 — Coeliac disease: recognition, assessment and management · Clinical guidance or evidence summary
- AAAAI — Common Variable Immunodeficiency (2026) · Specialist explanation of recurrent infections and immune assessment
06 / Shop the Edit
Check out the full protocol
Explore the Autumn selections above, then visit my Fullscript shop for current labels, pricing and availability. Choose the individual products that fit your care; you do not need everything in the Edit.
TAKE ME TO THE SHOP07 / Functional laboratory testing
A Closer Look Through Testing
A test begins with a question. In the appropriate clinical context, I consider thyroid function, vitamin D status, iron stores, vitamin B12, sleep quality, metabolic health, and hormonal transitions.
These assessments are not tests that diagnose seasonal affective disorder. They help identify potential contributors to fatigue, mood changes, and poor seasonal resilience.
Questions connected with this Edit.
Quest Diagnostics
TSH with Reflex to Free T4
- What it measures
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone, with free T4 added if the laboratory reflex criteria are met.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Symptoms or history suggest a possible thyroid contribution to changes in energy, temperature tolerance, bowel habits, or cycles.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Iron, TIBC and Ferritin Panel
- What it measures
- Serum iron, iron-binding capacity, transferrin saturation, and ferritin as a marker of iron stores.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Heavy menstrual bleeding, dietary limitation, suspected depletion, or possible iron overload makes the iron pattern clinically relevant.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. The current storefront marks this test as requiring fasting. Follow the exact order instructions for duration and other preparation; discuss medication timing with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy, Total, Immunoassay
- What it measures
- 25-hydroxy vitamin D, the main circulating marker used to assess vitamin D status.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Diet, limited outdoor exposure, bone health, or another clinical factor makes vitamin D assessment useful.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
CBC (includes Differential and Platelets)
- What it measures
- Red-cell measures, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, and a white-cell differential.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Fatigue, suspected anemia, immune-cell changes, or another clinical question warrants a blood count.
- What ordering involves
- Whole blood from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Hemoglobin A1c with eAG
- What it measures
- Glycated hemoglobin and calculated estimated average glucose over roughly two to three months.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- There is a reason to assess longer-term glucose regulation alongside nourishment, movement, and sleep.
- What ordering involves
- Whole blood from a blood draw. A1c alone does not require fasting; other tests in the same order may.
- Keep in mind
- Anemia, hemoglobin variants, recent blood loss or transfusion, and altered red-cell turnover can affect interpretation. It does not reveal individual meal-related glucose peaks.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
- What it measures
- Glucose, electrolytes, proteins, and markers related to liver and kidney function.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A broader metabolic baseline or follow-up may clarify symptoms or previous results.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Looking beyond the season.
Thyroid function & iron stores
TSH and free T4, a complete blood count, ferritin, and selected iron studies can help investigate relevant symptoms. Antibodies or additional thyroid tests depend on the clinical question. Ferritin can rise with inflammation, so interpretation belongs beside the full pattern.
EXPLORE FOUNDATIONAL TESTINGVitamin D & vitamin B12
25-hydroxyvitamin D is the blood marker used to assess vitamin D status when testing is indicated. B12 testing may be useful with dietary risks, anemia, or neurological symptoms. A borderline B12 result sometimes warrants further assessment. Replenish an identified need and reassess thoughtfully.
EXPLORE THE LAB GUIDEMetabolic health & sleep
Glucose or HbA1c may be relevant when the history suggests a blood-sugar concern. A sleep history can be more useful than another panel; persistent snoring, unrefreshing sleep, or marked daytime sleepiness may warrant a sleep assessment.
READ ABOUT METABOLIC TESTINGHormonal transitions
Cycle changes, perimenopause, and postpartum recovery can overlap with seasonal symptoms. Start with the timeline and symptom pattern. Hormone testing should answer a specific question; it does not diagnose SAD, and no single hormone measurement explains every symptom.
EXPLORE WOMEN’S HEALTH TESTINGThere is no universal seasonal panel or validated set of “optimal” values for everyone. Interpret results using the laboratory method, your history, relevant trends, and the decision a result could change.
Explore All Lab Tests 32 more options
Quest Diagnostics
Hepatic Function Panel
- What it measures
- Liver-related enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- History, symptoms, medications, or prior findings give a specific reason to assess liver health.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Micronutrients, Antioxidants Panel
- What it measures
- Selected antioxidant nutrients: vitamins A, C, E, and coenzyme Q10.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Diet, absorption, or supplementation raises a focused question about selected antioxidant nutrients.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. The current storefront marks this test as requiring fasting. Follow the exact order instructions for duration and other preparation; discuss medication timing with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- This panel measures vitamins A, C, E, and CoQ10, not collagen, skin appearance, or every antioxidant system.
Test information & references
Precision Analytical (DUTCH)
DUTCH Complete
- What it measures
- Sex hormones and selected metabolites, daily cortisol and cortisone patterns, and selected organic-acid markers.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A clinician has a specific hormone-metabolism or daily rhythm question after reviewing cycle history, symptoms, and hormone use.
- What ordering involves
- Timed dried urine samples collected with the at-home kit. Record sleep timing, cycle day when relevant, hormone use, and collection times. Do not substitute DUTCH Complete, Plus, or Cycle Mapping schedules for one another.
- Keep in mind
- Daily patterns are affected by timing, medicines, and collection conditions. These tests do not diagnose grief or adrenal fatigue.
Test information & references
Genova Diagnostics
GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile - 1 day
- What it measures
- Selected markers of digestion, intestinal inflammation, and organisms in a one-day stool sample.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Persistent digestive symptoms warrant a closer look after the diet, bowel pattern, medication history, and clinical assessment have been reviewed.
- What ordering involves
- Stool collected with the one-day at-home kit. Follow the selected laboratory instructions for collection days, sample handling, and recent antimicrobial or supplement use.
- Keep in mind
- A stool result is a snapshot. Microbial associations do not prove a cause of symptoms or establish one ideal microbiome; individual markers differ in clinical validation.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Apolipoprotein B
- What it measures
- Apolipoprotein B, a protein that helps estimate the burden of atherogenic lipoprotein particles.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A cardiovascular risk review would benefit from particle-related information beyond a standard cholesterol result.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Tiny Health
Vaginal Health Test
- What it measures
- Vaginal microbial DNA using shotgun metagenomics, including relative abundance patterns and vaginal community state type.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Persistent or recurrent vaginal symptoms raise a question about microbial patterns, with findings interpreted alongside examination and tissue health.
- What ordering involves
- Vaginal swab collected with the at-home kit. The listing describes this test for women over 18. Follow Tiny Health’s supplied vaginal-swab instructions for timing and preparation; do not apply another laboratory’s kit instructions.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret microbial detection with symptoms and examination. This is not a urine culture or a complete explanation for recurrent urinary symptoms.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH), Female
- What it measures
- Anti-Mullerian hormone, a marker that adds information about ovarian reserve.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A fertility evaluation needs ovarian-reserve context, especially for anticipating response to ovarian stimulation.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. AMH can generally be measured on any cycle day; discuss recent hormone use and relevant clinical context.
- Keep in mind
- AMH informs ovarian reserve and anticipated response to stimulation. It does not measure egg quality or provide a definitive prediction of natural conception.
Test information & references
Precision Analytical (DUTCH)
DUTCH Adrenals Only Panel
- What it measures
- Daily free cortisol and cortisone, associated metabolites, and DHEA-S in dried urine.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A clinician has a defined question about adrenal hormone patterns after reviewing sleep timing and relevant symptoms.
- What ordering involves
- Timed dried urine samples collected with the at-home kit. Use the supplied DUTCH Adrenals Only dried-urine schedule and record collection and sleep times. Review medications and supplements with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- Daily patterns are affected by timing, medicines, and collection conditions. These tests do not diagnose grief or adrenal fatigue.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- What it measures
- C-reactive protein, a nonspecific marker of inflammation.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- An inflammatory condition is suspected or an established inflammatory pattern needs monitoring.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Inflammatory results are nonspecific and may change after recent illness or injury. They do not identify the source of inflammation or measure emotional grief.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Sed Rate by Modified Westergren
- What it measures
- The rate at which red blood cells settle, an indirect marker of inflammation.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- The clinical picture calls for an additional nonspecific inflammation marker.
- What ordering involves
- Whole blood from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Inflammatory results are nonspecific and may change after recent illness or injury. They do not identify the source of inflammation or measure emotional grief.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel with Inflammation
- What it measures
- Standard and advanced lipid-related markers plus selected inflammation markers, including ApoB, lipoprotein(a), and high-sensitivity CRP.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A cardiovascular assessment calls for additional lipid and inflammation detail beyond routine testing.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. The current storefront marks this test as requiring fasting. Follow the exact order instructions for duration and other preparation; discuss medication timing with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- Inflammatory results are nonspecific and may change after recent illness or injury. They do not identify the source of inflammation or measure emotional grief.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Thyroid Panel (FT3, FT4, TSH)
- What it measures
- TSH, free T4, and free T3: the thyroid-regulating signal and circulating thyroid hormones.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Persistent symptoms or prior results justify assessment of thyroid function.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
3X4 Genetics
3X4 Genetics Test + Blueprint Report
- What it measures
- Inherited genetic variants used to describe selected nutritional, metabolic, and lifestyle-related pathways.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A person wants to discuss inherited tendencies in nutrition and lifestyle with a clinician familiar with genetic interpretation.
- What ordering involves
- Buccal swab collected with the at-home kit. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Inherited risk is probabilistic. Performance varies by condition and the ancestry of the populations used to develop the model; a risk score does not establish disease.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Hemoglobin A1c
- What it measures
- Glycated hemoglobin, reflecting average blood glucose over approximately two to three months.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Longer-term glucose trends would inform metabolic care.
- What ordering involves
- Whole blood from a blood draw. A1c alone does not require fasting; other tests in the same order may.
- Keep in mind
- Anemia, hemoglobin variants, recent blood loss or transfusion, and altered red-cell turnover can affect interpretation. It does not reveal individual meal-related glucose peaks.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
hs-CRP
- What it measures
- Low concentrations of C-reactive protein using a high-sensitivity assay.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Cardiovascular risk assessment would benefit from an additional inflammation marker when acute illness is absent.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Inflammatory results are nonspecific and may change after recent illness or injury. They do not identify the source of inflammation or measure emotional grief. These two high-sensitivity CRP listings are alternatives, not a reason to order duplicate measurements.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Cardio IQ hs-CRP
- What it measures
- Low concentrations of C-reactive protein using a high-sensitivity assay; a separate ordering option within the Cardio IQ range.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Cardiovascular risk assessment calls for high-sensitivity CRP; choose this or the other hs-CRP option rather than ordering both routinely.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Inflammatory results are nonspecific and may change after recent illness or injury. They do not identify the source of inflammation or measure emotional grief. These two high-sensitivity CRP listings are alternatives, not a reason to order duplicate measurements.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Micronutrient, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- What it measures
- Circulating coenzyme Q10, a compound involved in energy metabolism and antioxidant activity.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A targeted nutritional question makes a circulating CoQ10 measurement relevant.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Circulating CoQ10 is affected by supplementation and lipoproteins. It is not a direct measure of whole-body mitochondrial performance.
Test information & references
SpectraCell
Micronutrient Test
- What it measures
- The response of living white blood cells to different nutrient conditions in a laboratory assay.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A clinician is exploring a nutritional question and can relate the assay to intake, symptoms, and established nutrient testing.
- What ordering involves
- Whole blood collected by a phlebotomist using the supplied kit. Follow the selected laboratory collection and shipping schedule; SpectraCell currently says no fasting is needed for its individual Micronutrient Test.
- Keep in mind
- An ex-vivo cell-response assay is different from a serum nutrient concentration. Use alongside diet, symptoms, and established tests rather than assuming every flagged result requires high-dose supplementation.
Test information & references
Boston Heart Diagnostics
Polygenic Risk Map - Female Complete
- What it measures
- Combinations of inherited variants used to estimate susceptibility to selected conditions.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A genetics-informed prevention conversation includes family history, current biomarkers, the limitations of risk scores, and privacy considerations.
- What ordering involves
- Saliva collected with the at-home kit. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Risk estimates are probabilistic, not diagnoses. The current listing describes comparison with a European reference dataset, so applicability across ancestries needs particular care.
Test information & references
Jona
Jona Clinical Gut Microbiome Analysis Advanced
- What it measures
- Microbial DNA from shotgun metagenomic sequencing together with selected stool chemistry markers.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Persistent digestive concerns warrant a discussion about whether microbial and stool-chemistry information would change care.
- What ordering involves
- Stool collected with the at-home kit. Follow the selected laboratory instructions for collection days, sample handling, and recent antimicrobial or supplement use.
- Keep in mind
- A stool result is a snapshot. Microbial associations do not prove a cause of symptoms or establish one ideal microbiome; individual markers differ in clinical validation.
Test information & references
TruDiagnostic
TruAge + TruHealth
- What it measures
- DNA-methylation-based estimates of biological aging and related health patterns.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- An informed longevity discussion includes exploratory aging estimates alongside established metabolic markers and physical function.
- What ordering involves
- Bloodspot collected with the at-home kit. The current storefront marks this test as requiring fasting. Follow the exact order instructions for duration and other preparation; discuss medication timing with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- Methylation-derived estimates are not direct measurements of serum nutrients or hormones, a disease diagnosis, or proof of lifespan extension.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Heavy Metals Panel (Venous)
- What it measures
- Arsenic, lead, and mercury in venous blood.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- An occupational, household, dietary, or environmental history suggests exposure to one of the measured metals.
- What ordering involves
- Whole blood from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Heavy Metals Panel, 24-Hour Urine
- What it measures
- Selected metals excreted in urine over a complete 24-hour collection.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A specific exposure question requires assessment of metal excretion over a full day.
- What ordering involves
- Complete 24-hour urine collection using the laboratory container. Follow the exact start/stop and storage instructions. Incomplete collection affects results; do not add a chelation challenge.
- Keep in mind
- Excretion over one day is not total body burden. Recent exposures and specimen handling matter.
Test information & references
RealTime Labs
Environmental Toxins Panel
- What it measures
- Selected environmental chemical metabolites in a urine specimen.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A relevant exposure history supports a discussion about whether measured urinary chemical metabolites would change practical exposure reduction.
- What ordering involves
- Urine collected with the at-home kit. Use the RealTime Labs urine kit and its current collection, storage, and shipping instructions. Do not substitute blood-collection instructions.
- Keep in mind
- A spot urine finding reflects the substances measured and recent exposure or excretion. It does not establish total body burden, locate the source, or prove the cause of symptoms.
Test information & references
Access Labcorp Draw
Arsenic, Lead, Mercury, Random Urine
- What it measures
- Arsenic, lead, and mercury in a random urine sample.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- The exposure history points toward arsenic, lead, or mercury and the selected specimen fits the clinical question.
- What ordering involves
- Random urine sample collected according to the order instructions. Follow the exact assay instructions and disclose recent seafood intake when arsenic is measured. Do not add a chelation challenge.
- Keep in mind
- Speciation may be needed to distinguish arsenic forms. Concentration and recent exposure affect urine findings; results are not a total toxin burden.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
PFAS (FOREVER CHEM) 9
- What it measures
- Nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and the reported combined concentration.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A credible exposure history makes a PFAS measurement useful for an informed exposure-reduction conversation.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- The result cannot identify the exposure source, attribute symptoms, predict individual disease, or establish a treatment by itself.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Lipid Panel, Standard
- What it measures
- Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and calculated lipid measures.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A baseline or follow-up cardiovascular assessment is needed.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. The current storefront marks this test as requiring fasting. Follow the exact order instructions for duration and other preparation; discuss medication timing with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel without CO2, ALT
- What it measures
- Selected metabolic, electrolyte, protein, kidney, and liver-related markers. This specific panel omits carbon dioxide and ALT.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A clinician specifically selects this reduced metabolic panel and confirms that omitted markers are not needed for the question.
- What ordering involves
- Serum from a blood draw. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- This is not the same panel as the Women’s Health Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: CO2 and ALT are omitted. Confirm which measurements are needed before ordering.
Test information & references
Precision Point Diagnostics
Comprehensive Thyroid Panel w/ Antibodies
- What it measures
- TSH, free and total T3, free and total T4, plus thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Symptoms, family history, or previous thyroid findings call for both thyroid-function and antibody assessment.
- What ordering involves
- Serum collected by a phlebotomist using the supplied kit. Follow the instructions supplied with the exact order. Fasting and medication timing may change when tests are combined.
- Keep in mind
- Interpret with the reason for testing, symptoms, medical history, and the laboratory method. An isolated result is not a diagnosis.
Test information & references
Quest Diagnostics
Functional Health Panel (Female)
- What it measures
- A broad set of 55 reported biomarkers selected for an assessment of female health; review the current analyte list to avoid duplicate orders.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A wider baseline is clinically justified after reviewing existing results and the risk of unnecessary overlapping tests.
- What ordering involves
- Blood draw; the listing specifies plasma, serum, and whole blood. The current storefront marks this test as requiring fasting. Follow the exact order instructions for duration and other preparation; discuss medication timing with the ordering clinician.
- Keep in mind
- This Quest panel overlaps with individual tests. Review the exact 55-marker list and existing results before ordering; a broad panel can produce incidental findings.
Test information & references
US BioTek
Oral Microbiome Profile
- What it measures
- Selected oral organisms and oral pH using a targeted quantitative PCR profile.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- A dental or medical clinician considers a targeted microbial profile useful alongside oral examination and daily oral-care history.
- What ordering involves
- Oral specimen using the supplied kit; the storefront lists saliva. Confirm the kit method before collection. The storefront lists saliva, while manufacturer instructions describe an oral collection kit. Confirm and follow the supplied kit method and restrictions on recent eating, drinking, and oral products.
- Keep in mind
- A targeted profile is not a complete census of the oral ecosystem. Detection does not independently establish active dental disease or systemic disease causation.
Test information & references
Access Medical Labs
Urinalysis w/ Reflex to Culture
- What it measures
- Urine chemistry and microscopic findings, with culture performed only when the laboratory reflex criteria are met.
- Why it is here · When it may be useful
- Current urinary symptoms require evaluation for infection or another urinary problem.
- What ordering involves
- Urine collected according to the laboratory instructions. Obtain during symptoms when evaluation is needed. Collect before antimicrobial treatment when feasible, without delaying necessary assessment or treatment.
- Keep in mind
- A culture is not automatic for every sample. Reflex criteria, contamination, and recent antimicrobials affect interpretation; persistent symptoms may require reassessment.
Test information & references
Ordering eligibility, availability and collection fees can vary by test and location. Confirm the current listing and your clinician’s instructions before ordering. Laboratory results belong within your history and care; no single result identifies the whole cause of a symptom.
08 / The physician behind the Edit
09 / Related reading & collections
Keep exploring.
Is every autumn energy dip seasonal affective disorder?
No. SAD is a recurring seasonal pattern of depression. Symptoms, timing, duration, and their effect on daily life need assessment; low iron, thyroid problems, sleep disorders, and hormonal changes may overlap.
Do I need all 19 products?
No. The collection offers different tools and several alternative preparations of the same botanical. Begin with light, food, sleep, movement, and connection, then consider only what answers a clear need.
Can these herbs replace treatment for depression?
These herbs are not established substitutes for assessment and effective care for depression. Persistent symptoms deserve a plan that can include therapeutic light, psychotherapy, and other appropriate care.
Does a light box replace vitamin D?
No. Therapeutic light boxes filter ultraviolet light and work through the eyes and circadian system. Vitamin D status is a separate nutritional question.
Are the doses in a collection right for everyone?
No. Age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, medicines, diagnoses, product concentration, and laboratory findings can change suitability and dose. Public educational selections are not an individualized prescription.
10 / Research & references
The details behind the Edit.
Research & references
Botanical references are preserved with the complete article and individual selections. This is educational information and does not establish a physician–patient relationship. Purchases through Fullscript may financially support my practice.
The changing light is an invitation to pay closer attention to what the body needs.
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