Herbs to Help You Transition to Winter
We aren’t far away from the Winter solstice, the cold weather is starting to creep in - we’ve had our first zero temperatures here this week - and I’m definitely craving all the warm stews, soups, porridges, and stewed fruits to stay warm. As the winter cold sets in, it's important to give our bodies the support they need to keep you healthy and maintain optimal health and wellbeing.
Herbs are our allies at every time of year, and are one way to start building up your defences and nurturing your body through the harsher seasons. By adding simple herbal practices into your daily routine you can start to do everything from boosting your immune system, relieving seasonal depression, soothing aches and pains, and supporting skin health and digestion.
Herbal remedies work so well because they replicate the same natural minerals and cells of our own bodies, they work with the natural healing abilities of the body to ease the burden on your organs, cells, nervous system and more.
Plus herbal remedies are gentle, and do not cause all the unwanted side effects and irritations many over the counter medicines can cause.
Here are some of my favourite and most used herbs that can help you support your body through the winter months. Start taking these herbs now so they have time to build up in your system and give you their full healing benefits foe winter…
Echinacea
Echinacea is a well-known immune system enhancer, often used to prevent and reduce the duration of common colds and respiratory infections. It strengthens the body's defense mechanisms, promoting a speedy recovery. Additionally, Echinacea aids in reducing inflammation and enhancing overall immune function. It is typically consumed as a tea, tincture, or capsule.
Only start taking echinacea when you feel the start of a cold or illness - a cough, sore throat and/or swollen glands. Echinacea is a herb that ramps up your immune system response to allow your body to better fight off invading germs, but to take it long term is detrimental to your health and the quality of your immune system.
Rosehip
Rosehip is rich in vitamin C, boosting the immune system over the long term helping it in fighting off colds and flu. It also contains antioxidants that support skin health and protect against oxidative stress. Rosehip is delicious made into a syrup which can be added to teas, yogurts, porridges, added to smoothies, or taken by the spoonful daily.
This is one of my favourites for building up the immune system before winter even hits as well as supporting your skin health from the inside out, and helping to protect your skin from that harsh, drying, cold winter air.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is often used to alleviate symptoms of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and promote mental well-being during the dark winter months. It helps balance mood and relieve mild to moderate depression. St. John's Wort can be consumed as a tea, taken in tincture form, or in capsule form.
Astragalus
Astragalus is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. This particular adaptogen supports overall immune function and helps support lung health. Traditionally it was used to prevent and treat respiratory infections. Astragalus root can be taken as a tea, tincture, or in capsule form.
Ginger
Ginger is a warming herb that helps to combat the cold weather. It helps to relieve indigestion, and reduces nausea. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with sore throats and congestion. It can be consumed as fresh ginger root tea, added to meals, or taken in capsule form.
Holy Basil
Holy Basil also known as Tulsi, is another adaptogen and a herb with numerous health benefits, particularly during the winter season. It supports the body's stress response system, promoting a healthy immune system and enhancing mental clarity. Holy basil is often consumed as a tea or taken as a tincture or capsule.
Thyme
Thyme has antiseptic and expectorant properties, making it beneficial for respiratory health. It helps relieve congestion, coughs, and sore throats. Thyme can be used in cooking, made into a tea, or used as an ingredient in homemade chest rubs.
Wishing you a healthy and enjoyable winter season.
xo Emily
Remember if you have any underlying health conditions it’s always worth consulting a healthcare professional before incorporating these herbs into your routine. These herbs should complement medical advice and treatments, not replace them.
