Herbal Allies for Cold & Flu Support
Is it just us, or is everyone sniffling right now? Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just trying to avoid catching whatever is going around, now is the time to bring in a few herbal allies to support your immune system, soothe irritated throats, and help your body do what it does best, heal.
At Planted Wellness Co., we believe in the long game when it comes to health. Herbs aren’t magic pills or instant cures, they’re tools. Just like a balanced diet, movement, sleep, sunshine, and hydration, herbal medicine works by supporting your body’s natural processes over time. They build resilience, help systems regulate, and offer gentle, powerful nudges in the direction of wellness.
Winter is a season where that kind of support is especially welcome. Below are five tried-and-true herbal companions we love for cold and flu season, and yes, you can find them in tincture, tea, or oxymel form right here in our shop.
1. Echinacea Root
Immune System Activator + First-Defense Favorite
This well-known herbal powerhouse is your go-to when you feel that uh oh, something’s coming on tickle. Echinacea supports your immune system by stimulating white blood cell activity, helping your body respond more quickly to bacterial or viral intruders.
It’s most effective when taken at the first sign of illness, it doesn’t suppress symptoms like over-the-counter meds, but instead encourages your immune system to rise to the challenge. Think of it as calling in reinforcements, not a rescue crew. Consistency is key: it’s meant to be taken regularly for a short period during the onset or early stages of illness, not as a daily tonic.
👉 How to use: At the first sign of illness, take Echinacea Root Tincture 2–3 times daily for 3–5 days to support immune defense.
💚 Try it from PW:
Echinacea Root Tincture
Glowroot Tea – A beautiful blend of echinacea root, dandelion root, hibiscus, lemon balm & marshmallow root for immune + digestive balance.
2. Mullein
Lung Support + Respiratory Soother
Mullein is one of our favorite herbs for winter respiratory wellness. It’s a gentle expectorant that can help loosen congestion while also soothing irritated tissues in the lungs and throat — perfect for dry coughs, chest tightness, or post-viral recovery.
👉 How to use: Take Mullein Tincture in warm water or tea to support lung function, especially during lingering coughs or flu recovery.
🌬️ Wait, smoke it? Yep.
Mullein has a long history of use as a smokeable herb to open the lungs and ease breathing. While it might seem counterintuitive, when dried and smoked on its own or blended with other soothing herbs like mullein flower, marshmallow leaf, or mint, it can help clear mucus and relax tight airways. (Just be sure you're using clean, organically grown leaf, like ours, and always in moderation.)
💚 Try it from PW:
Mullein Tincture
3. Lemon Balm
Mood Brightener + Fever Helper + Gentle Antiviral
Winter gloom and sick days got you down? Lemon Balm is here to help lift the fog. Traditionally used to calm the nervous system and gently lower fevers, it also has mild antiviral properties and a lovely lemony flavor that makes it a star in teas, tinctures, and oxymels.
And bonus, this is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors during winter! Keep a small pot on your kitchen windowsill for fresh leaves all season long. You can snip it as needed to use in teas, calming mocktails, or even as a bright, citrusy addition to salads and seafood dishes. It’s as beautiful in the kitchen as it is in the apothecary.
👉 How to use: Add Lemon Balm Tincture to your tea during the day to support rest, mood, and immune function.
💚 Try it from PW:
Lemon Balm Tincture
Ember Bloom Oxymel – a zesty immunity blend with hibiscus, lemon balm, turmeric, rosemary & mountain mint.
4. Ginger Root
Digestive Support + Warming Circulation Booster
Ginger isn’t just for cookies and stir-fry. It’s a serious winter wellness MVP! This warming root helps promote circulation (great when you’re chilled), supports digestion (nausea be gone), and may help reduce inflammation in sore muscles and joints.
But don’t stop at tea, Ginger Root Tincture makes a fantastic addition to winter mocktails or even flavored coffee drinks. Add a dropper to a cinnamon latte, chai, or gingerbread-style brew for a spicy wellness kick. Or mix it with sparkling water, citrus, and herbs for a refreshing digestion-friendly mocktail after meals.
💚 Try it from PW:
Ginger Root Tincture
5. Oregano (plus Garlic!)
Antimicrobial Defender + Immune Booster
This herbal duo packs a punch! Oregano is known for its strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties — a true warrior herb when you need extra protection. Garlic brings powerful circulatory and immune support to the table, helping your body stay resilient through seasonal bugs.
At Planted Wellness Co., we offer two versions so you can choose what works best for your body and needs:
Go for Oregano Tincture if you’re looking for a pure, potent herbal extract.
Choose Oregano & Garlic Tincture when you want to combine forces for even more immune firepower.
👉 How to use: Take Oregano & Garlic Tincture at the onset of symptoms or during exposure to support your body’s natural defenses.
💚 Try it from PW:
Oregano & Garlic Tincture
Oregano Tincture
Iron Cloak Oxymel – With echinacea, oregano & yarrow for immune system armor.
Bonus Tip: Try an Herbal Steam!
Feeling congested? A good old-fashioned herbal steam can work wonders for stuffy sinuses, tight chests, or that foggy, run-down feeling. The warmth soothes irritated tissues, loosens mucus, and carries the aromatic compounds of your herbs deep into your respiratory system, fast.
How to Do It:
Heat a pot of water until it’s steaming (not boiling).
Carefully pour it into a large bowl and add your herbs of choice:
A few drops of tincture (Mullein, Lemon Balm, or Oregano all shine here)
Or stir in 1 teaspoon of our Smoke & Steam Oxymel — a spicy, aromatic blend of sage, rosemary, yarrow, and cayenne
Place the bowl on a table, drape a towel over your head and the bowl to make a steam tent, and close your eyes.
Inhale deeply for 5–10 minutes. Blow your nose, sip some tea, and thank yourself.
🧪 Note on Oxymels in Steams:
Because our oxymels contain apple cider vinegar, we recommend using just 1 teaspoon per bowl of water to keep the acidity gentle. Steaming with small amounts of vinegar can offer additional antimicrobial support, but may not be ideal for very sensitive airways, asthma, or irritated skin. Always steam gently and with care.
Pro Tips:
Add a drop of eucalyptus essential oil if you’d like a stronger menthol effect, optional, but nice.
Keep tissues nearby, because things are going to move (in the best way).
Make it a ritual: light a candle, take a few deep breaths beforehand, and treat it as sacred downtime for your body to rest and receive.
This is one of our favorite ways to slow down, reconnect, and let plants gently do their magic, especially at the height of cold and flu season.
Ready to Stock Your Herbal Apothecary?
All of these herbal allies, and more, are available in our online shop.
💻 Shop Online
📍 Follow us on Instagram to see where the Mobile Apothecary will pop up next!
Stay warm, stay nourished, and remember, your garden has your back. 🌱
