5 Herbs to Have on Hand for Winter
When winter rolls around so does sickness, with less time spent outdoors and windows closed tight our homes are incubators for all kinds of illnesses. While there are ways to help our immune systems; getting indoor plants or an air purifier, supplementing with whole food sources of vitamin D and vitamin C, eating a whole foods (and seasonal) diet and getting outside even for a little bit everyday sometimes the sickness still finds it’s way in. Here are some herbs to keep on hand (and are also easy to source) for when the inevitable does hit.
Immune supporting and healing herbs
Echinacea Echinacea angustifolia: the powerhouse of immune support Echinacea is a must have for every household. A natural antibiotic and blood purifier, this herb can be wild-crafted (do so sustainably) grown and even purchased. It aids the process of antibody formation and stimulates the production of white blood cells. It can help to strengthen and clear lymph nodes, and inhibits hyaluronidase (an enzyme produced by bacteria that breaks down compounds that bind cells together) which inhibits the spread of infection. It is wonderful for topical infections, although popular use today has it in tincture form and is often used to treat colds and flues.
Uses: Urinary tract infections, colds/flues, allergies and respiratory diseases, infections/burns/wounds/anti-fungal help and snake bites/spider bites and stings
Safety: Do not use internally for long term, if you have an auto-immune disorder then use with caution and do not use internally.
Elder Sambucus canadensis, S. nigra: Commonly known as Elderberry the Elder plant has several useful parts. The flowers are an excellent remedy for acute ailments and the berries have decongestant and antiviral properties which makes them ideal for colds/flues. You can easily wild-craft elderberries (do so sustainably), grow them yourself or source them from an herb supplier. Elderberry is commonly used as an immune aid and is a little milder than Echinacea with less warnings, many people take elderberry syrup as a daily supplement/seasonal supplement or at the onset of any viral like cold/flu exposure and symptoms.
Uses: Colds/flues, bruises/sprains/hemorrhoids, eye irritation/conjunctivitis and for strengthening the immune system
Safety: All parts of the fresh plant are mildly toxic and need to be dried before use. You can also boil the berries before use to avoid toxicity. Do not use the fresh plant. Avoid the bark and root as this can case vomiting-they should not be used internally. The leaves and unripe berries are toxic.
Cayenne Pepper Capsicum annuum: While not technically and “herb” this spicy pepper has many medicinal uses and is so easy to get ranging from growing it yourself to sourcing it organically from the grocery store and even herb suppliers. This is a warming herb and has many medicinal uses ranging from topical to internal. This is a must have for every household, and a great internal remedy if you can handle the spice.
Uses: Stops bleeding /blood clotting aid, Sore throats, colds/flu, poor circulation/warming of the hands and feet, achy joints/arthritis/muscle strains, general tonic/immune booster and diabetes/blood sugar control
Safety: Use gloves when preparing, do not touch your eyes after using it. Wash hands after handling and applying topically.
Garlic Allium sativum: Garlic is one of my favorites to have around, in the kitchen and in my medicine cabinet. Another natural antibiotic, this is handy for cold/flu season and other viral issues. This is probably one of the safest herbs to have on hand and is easy to find and source. You can find fresh organic garlic at any grocery store, grow it yourself or source it from herb suppliers. I am not sure how common it is in the wild though, but you might be able to wild-craft it sustainably.
Uses: Viral/bacterial/parasitic infections, Thrush/yeast/fungal infections, digestive issues, lowers blood sugar in diabetes, bronchitis/whooping cough/congestion, elevated blood cholesterol/elevated blood pressure and corns/warts/acne
Safety: no cautions noted on garlic
Calendula Calendula officinalis: The healing herb, this one is also a must have and perfect if you have little ones in the house. This herb is good for all kinds of skin conditions and can really help soothe and heal. It’s a gentle herb with little caution.
Uses: Skin diseases/cuts/rashes/wounds/burns/cold sores/herpes/chicken pox/irritations, anti-aging/collagen productions, Soothes muscles spasms, helps heal wounds/ulcers/hemorrhoids, stomach/intestinal disease, immune/lymph support, menstruation/PMS, oral health, inhibits cancer and liver/gallbladder/whole body detox
Safety: Some are allergic to Calendula-if you are allergic to chamomile, ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemum, Echinacea and other plants in the aster/daisy family do not use Calendula. Safety is unknown with using Calendula internally when pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not take internally if you are using prescription medicines without first consulting a doctor.
These are my top 5 herbs to keep on hand for the winter season, ranging with a variety of uses these herbs are sure to help pull you through and are great for the entire family. Make sure to take note of the safeties with each herb.
What herbs do you like to keep on hand? How do you use herbs? Comment down below and share your favorites.
