Wintertime Sickness Support
The weather outside is frightful, but this cup of tea is so delightful.
Welcome back,
This week we are going to talk about wintertime icky sicky feelings and herbs that may help support you and your family during these times.
Do you get sniffles, coughs, or other icky feelings during the fall and winter weather changes? Well let’s talk about what fall and winter bring and how we can support ourselves through it.
It is common to see over 20% of the population each year come down with the flu and even more with symptoms like coughing, runny nose, and fevers.
So, what can we do to support ourselves when the season rolls around to make us feel icky?
Herbs for winter:
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that is commonly consumed as a tea. It is known for its many health benefits and has been used for centuries to boost the immune system and fight off infections. When consumed as a tea, echinacea has several actions that can benefit the body. It is anti-inflammatory and boosts the immune system; it also has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Ideas for use
Brew echinacea tea: Echinacea tea is a popular way to consume this herb. Simply steep a teaspoon of dried echinacea in hot water for five to ten minutes, strain, and enjoy. Echinacea tea is believed to support the immune system and help fight off infections.
Make echinacea tincture: To make echinacea tincture, combine echinacea root or herb with alcohol (such as vodka) and let it sit for several weeks. Strain the mixture and take a few drops as needed to support your immune system.
Use echinacea in salves or balms: Echinacea is also a popular ingredient in topical creams, balms, and ointments. Mix echinacea extract or oil with other skin-soothing ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, or shea butter to create a healing salve for minor skin irritations.
Echinacea can be a beneficial addition to your diet, especially during cold and flu season. However, it is important to note that echinacea should not be consumed by people with autoimmune disorders or allergies to plants in the daisy family. As with any herbal supplement, it is always best to check with your healthcare provider before adding it to your routine.
Calendula
Calendula tea is a simple and effective way to support your body's natural healing processes and promote overall health and wellbeing. It is anti-inflammatory, has antiseptic properties, and may help stimulate your immune system.
Ideas for use
A salve for chapped winter skin
Brew a cup of warming calendula tea to help boost your immune system and fight off winter colds. Calendula is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for supporting overall health during the colder months.
Make a tincture to use a few drops as needed to boost your immune system.
Calendula, also known as marigold, has a long history of use in various cultures for its medicinal properties. The ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians believed in its healing properties and used it to soothe various ailments.
Elderberry
Elderberry is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an effective natural remedy for common cold and flu symptoms such as cough, fever, and sore throat. It is also believed to help reduce the duration of these symptoms, allowing individuals to get back to their daily routines more quickly. Additionally, elderberry has been found to have a positive effect on heart health, as it can help reduce blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
Ideas for use:
Elderberry syrup: Elderberry syrup is a popular way to consume elderberries. It can be made by simmering elderberries with water and sugar, then straining the mixture and adding honey and spices. Elderberry syrup is often used as a natural remedy for colds and flu.
Elderberry tea: Elderberry tea is another way to consume elderberries. Simply steep dried elderberries in hot water for several minutes, then strain and drink. Elderberry tea is said to have immune-boosting properties and can be enjoyed as a warm beverage on a chilly day.
Elderberry jam: Elderberry jam is a tasty way to enjoy elderberries. Like other types of jam, it can be spread on toast, used as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal, or added to baked goods. Elderberry jam can be made by simmering elderberries with sugar, lemon juice, and pectin until thickened.
During the Middle Ages, elderberry began to be used for its immune-boosting properties. It was believed to help protect against the plague, and was used to treat respiratory infections, colds, and flu. It has been shown in modern times to help reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms and is a popular natural remedy during the winter months.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a refreshing herb that can help soothe sore throats and congestion. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help fight off winter illnesses.
Peppermint has a long history of use during the winter months. The use of peppermint dates back to ancient times where it was used for medicinal purposes. Peppermint was used as a remedy for a variety of ailments such as upset stomach, headaches, and congestion.
Ideas for use:
Brew a hot cup of peppermint tea to warm up on chilly days. Simply steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for a few minutes, then add honey or sugar to taste. Peppermint tea can help soothe sore throats and ease stomach discomfort, making it a great go-to during cold and flu season.
Make your own peppermint-scented candles or room spray. Peppermint has a refreshing and invigorating aroma that can help boost mood and energy levels. To make candles, melt soy wax in a double boiler, add a few drops of peppermint essential oil, and pour into a jar with a wick. To make room spray, mix water, witch hazel, and peppermint essential oil in a spray bottle and spritz around your home.
Ginger
Ginger has natural warming properties and can help soothe sore throats and upset stomachs. Its use during winter time can be traced back to ancient Chinese and Indian cultures where it was believed to have warming properties that could help fight off colds and flu. Ginger was also used as a digestive aid to help soothe upset stomachs, which were more common during the winter months due to the consumption of heavier foods. It also contains antioxidants that can help boost the immune system. Avoid ginger if you take heart medication and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Today, ginger is still a popular ingredient during the winter months. It can be found in everything from teas and tonics to baked goods and savory dishes. Ginger's warming and comforting properties make it a favorite during the colder months, and its health benefits continue to be recognized by modern medicine.
Ideas for use
Add fresh ginger to hot water with lemon and honey for a soothing tea.
Make a ginger syrup and use it to sweeten hot beverages or cocktails.
Make a ginger and orange marmalade to spread on toast or biscuits.
Use ginger in your chai tea for a spicy and comforting drink.
Cinnamon
Historically, it has been used to ward off colds and flu due to its warming and antibacterial properties. Cinnamon tea was also believed to improve circulation and lower blood sugar levels. Cinnamon tea was often enjoyed with honey and milk for added flavor and richness.
It was also used as a medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including coughs, colds, and digestive issues. Cinnamon was believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and was also used to treat infections and fevers. Modern research has shown that cinnamon may have a variety of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar control, and boosting brain function.
Ideas for use
You can also use cinnamon to make a homemade air freshener by simmering cinnamon sticks and other herbs in a pot of water on your stove. This will fill your home with a warm and inviting scent, perfect for wintertime gatherings. This is called a simmer pot and is a natural alternative to candles.
Use cinnamon essential oil in a diffuser to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home. Cinnamon oil is also known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help keep your home healthy during cold and flu season. Make sure your furry friends are away from your diffusing area as it can be detrimental to their health.
Brew a cup of cinnamon tea by steeping cinnamon sticks in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Add a dash of honey and lemon juice for added flavor and health benefits.
Add cinnamon to your morning oatmeal or sprinkle it on top of your toast or pancakes for a warm and comforting breakfast.
Essential oils to use:
Peppermint oil
This oil can help soothe sore throats, clear sinuses, and provide relief from headaches caused by cold and flu.
Tea Tree oil
This oil has antiviral and antibacterial properties that make it useful for preventing and treating infections.
Lavender oil
This oil is known for its calming and relaxing properties and can help reduce stress and anxiety during the cold winter months.
Lemon oil
This oil has antiseptic properties and can help boost immunity, improve mood, and provide relief from respiratory issues.
*It is never recommended to ingest essential oils unless directed by a doctor*
Hopefully this quick guide to wintertime herbs and oils has helped you better understand how sickness was handled traditionally before modern times. Plants can be a great source of support for you all around, but especially if you need extra support during cold and flu season.
This publication has not been approved by your local health department or the FDA and is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. The content provided on this publication is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health-related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this publication should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The claims made about specific products throughout this publication are not approved to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or ailments.
Some resources:
https://www.herbsociety.org/herbs/articles/cinnamon.html
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cinnamon
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665023/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3793238/
https://ediblesema.com/herbalism/through-the-seasons-winter/
https://chestnutherbs.com/5-tonic-herbs-to-boost-immunity-this-winter/
https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/wellness/medicinal-herbs-for-immunity-anxiety-best-for-winter-herbalist-a4304291.html
https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/blogs/ppj/stock-your-winter-herbal-apothecary
https://muih.edu/five-top-wintertime-herbs/