Top 5 Natural Remedies to Get Prepared for Winter
As the cold weather approaches, it’s wise to stock up on natural remedies that can boost your immunity and help combat common winter ailments! The following are five time-tested natural remedies (all kid-safe) to have on hand for the winter season:
- Elderberry Syrup: Elderberries are rich in vitamins A and C and have powerful antiviral properties. Taken as a syrup, elderberry can strengthen the immune system and has been shown to shorten the duration of the flu and reduce the need for medication. Many families take a spoonful of elderberry syrup daily in winter as a preventive and increase the dose at the first sign of a cold. See our favorite Elderberry Syrup Recipe Here!
- Echinacea: Echinacea is a well known herb for immune support. Studies even indicate that echinacea root can stimulate the immune system and has been shown to reduce the severity and length of colds and upper respiratory infections when taken at the onset of illness. It’s often consumed as a tea or tincture. Start using echinacea when everyone around is getting sick, or at first sniffle, to help your body fend off infection.
See our Go-To Echinacea Immune-Boosting Tea Recipe Here! - Garlic: This pungent kitchen staple is a powerhouse natural remedy. Garlic contains allicin, a compound with strong antibacterial and antiviral effects. It provides fantastic support for the immune system through its antibacterial properties and antioxidants. To use, add extra fresh garlic to your cooking during winter or even take it raw (finely minced with honey to soften the spice). Garlic can help your family stay healthy and fight off coughs, colds, and the flu.
Don’t miss our recipe on how to make Fermented Garlic Honey AKA Nature’s Cough & Cold Syrup! - Ginger: Ginger root is a warming remedy that has been used for thousands of years for various ailments. It has notable anti-inflammatory properties and can stimulate the immune system to fight viruses. Ginger is superb for soothing sore throats, relieving nausea, and easing congestion. A hot ginger tea with lemon and honey is perfect on chilly days or when you feel a cold coming on. Ginger also helps comfort an upset stomach and reduce aches and pains that often accompany winter illnesses.
See our delicious and comforting Ginger Tea for Cold & Tummy Troubles Recipe Here! - Bone Broth: A nourishing bone broth is more than just comfort food – it’s packed with nutrients that support overall health. Simmering bones (chicken or beef) releases gelatin, minerals (like calcium and magnesium), and amino acids that can bolster your immune system and gut health. Sipping warm bone broth or using it as a soup base in winter helps keep you hydrated and provides essential nutrients. It’s an age-old remedy for when you’re under the weather – think of classic chicken soup, but even more nutrient-dense.
Find our Simple and Delicious Bone Broth Recipe Here!
By preparing these natural remedies in advance, you can confidently face the winter sniffles and symptoms. Having elderberry syrup, herbal teas, and other homemade remedies ready to go will help you and your family stay healthy and recover faster when cold and flu season strikes!