Late Winter Wellness: Herbal Remedies to Beat the Last of the Cold & Flu Season
Winter is on its way out, but before we start dreaming of spring gardens and sunshine, there’s one last hurdle—late-season colds and lingering sniffles. If you’ve made it this far without catching something (congrats!), or you’re still fighting off a stubborn winter bug, now is the time to give your immune system a little extra love.
Luckily, nature has our backs. Many medicinal herbs have been used for centuries to help boost immunity, soothe symptoms, and speed up recovery. Below, we’re sharing our top herbal remedies to help you stay well as winter wraps up.
1. Turmeric: The Anti-Inflammatory Superhero
🌿 Best for: Fighting inflammation, boosting immunity, and soothing sore throats
💡 How to use: Golden milk, teas, fresh turmeric shots, or tinctures
Turmeric is famous for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a fantastic herb to support the immune system and help your body recover from illness. Curcumin, its active compound, has been shown to have antiviral and antibacterial effects, making it perfect for fighting off colds and flu.
Golden Milk Recipe for Immunity:
1 cup warm milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder (or grated fresh turmeric)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ginger powder (or grated fresh ginger)
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
A pinch of black pepper (enhances curcumin absorption)
Directions:
Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat (don’t boil).
Stir in turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper.
Let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
Add honey or maple syrup to taste.
Sip warm and let your body soak up the goodness!
📍 Find fresh turmeric rhizomes for planting and turmeric tinctures stocked in our shop
2. Ginger: The Ultimate Cold-Fighter
🌿 Best for: Sore throats, nausea, digestion support
💡 How to use: Fresh tea, infused honey, or candied ginger
Ginger is well known for its ability to soothe sore throats, calm nausea, and warm the body. Its antimicrobial properties also help fight off colds before they take hold.
Quick Ginger Tea for Sore Throats:
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
1 cup hot water
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Squeeze of fresh lemon (optional)
Steep ginger in hot water for 10 minutes, then strain and enjoy. Add honey and lemon for extra soothing benefits.
📍 Find fresh ginger root and ginger root tinctures stocked in our shop
3. Echinacea: The Immune System’s Best Friend
🌿 Best for: Preventing illness, shortening colds
💡 How to use: Teas or tinctures
Echinacea is a powerhouse when it comes to fighting off colds. It stimulates the immune system and may help reduce symptom severity. To get the most out of echinacea, start taking it as soon as you feel a scratchy throat or body aches coming on.
Echinacea Tea Blend:
1 teaspoon dried echinacea
½ teaspoon dried peppermint
½ teaspoon dried lemon balm
1 cup hot water
Steep for 10-15 minutes and sip throughout the day. This blend not only supports immunity but also soothes the nerves and promotes relaxation.
📍 Find echinacea plants stocked in our shop to grow your own
4. Thyme: Nature’s Cough Syrup
🌿 Best for: Coughs, congestion, and respiratory health
💡 How to use: Steam inhalation, tea, or infused honey
Thyme has powerful antimicrobial and expectorant properties, making it excellent for clearing mucus and calming coughs.
Thyme Steam Inhalation for Stuffy Noses:
Add 2 tablespoons of dried thyme to a bowl of hot water.
Drape a towel over your head and breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes.
This helps loosen congestion and opens up the sinuses naturally!
📍 Find common thyme plants stocked in our shop to grow your own
5. Lemon Balm: The Stress-Reliever
🌿 Best for: Reducing stress, promoting sleep, easing digestion
💡 How to use: Tea or fresh leaves topping fruit or in salads
Stress can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness. Lemon balm is a gentle yet powerful herb that helps calm the nerves and support restful sleep—both essential for staying well.
Lemon Balm Sleep Tea:
1 teaspoon dried lemon balm
½ teaspoon dried chamomile
1 teaspoon honey
1 cup hot water
Steep for 10 minutes before bedtime for a soothing, stress-relieving nightcap.
📍 Find lemon balm plants in 2inch and quart pots stocked in our shop
Final Thoughts: Nature Knows Best!
As we transition into spring, keeping herbal remedies on hand is a great way to stay ahead of seasonal shifts. Whether you're sipping on golden milk, steaming with thyme, or stirring up a ginger tea, these plant-powered wellness tips will help you feel your best.
💡 A Quick Note: While we love sharing the benefits of medicinal herbs, we’re not medical professionals. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
