My Amish friends are predicting a really cold winter based on things like the fuzz on caterpillars, the thickness of acorn shells, the way squirrels are behaving, the size of pinecones, and bird migrations. While I can’t say for sure if these predictions will be spot on, I am actually looking forward to a chilly winter this year, and maybe even some snow—though I know my friends from the north will probably just roll their eyes at this southern girl! With colder weather, common colds, the flu, and the sniffles tend to show up more often. That’s why I like to have some natural remedies ready for winter.
My Amish friends are also getting their remedies together—both natural and conventional—to prepare for winter. Snow and ice can make travel tough for them, so they like to be ready in advance. They have a pretty good track record with their predictions, so I’m starting to stock up too!
I’m focusing on my seven favorite natural remedies that I always keep on hand as we move into cold and flu season. Here they are:
I love using Elderberry Syrup to help prevent colds and flu, or to speed up recovery if we do get sick. My recipe mixes dried elderberries, raw honey, and herbs to make a powerful and effective natural syrup. It’s easy to make and much cheaper than store-bought versions with similar ingredients.
If we get a cough or cold, I like to have homemade vapor rub on hand. I use it on the bottoms of feet and on the back and chest to help calm coughing and congestion. Always check with a doctor before using anything herbal on children.
We take fermented cod liver oil every day in the winter for the fat-soluble vitamins and Omega-3s. It’s especially important when I’m not getting Vitamin D from the sun. I’ve found from tracking my Vitamin D levels that I absorb these vitamins better from whole food supplements like cod liver oil than from isolated D3 capsules.
Another thing I keep ready in the fridge is my homemade cough syrup. I mix raw honey with lemon juice and herbs to easily soothe coughs or a tickling throat. The honey and cinnamon combination also seems to help speed up recovery from many illnesses, even if there’s no cough involved.
Broth is another staple for us in winter—it’s a superfood that we always have on hand. I usually make my own broth and always have some cooking or in the fridge, but buying pre-made broth is a good time-saver too.
In the winter months, I keep raw garlic on hand to help speed recovery from illness. I also use it in soups and stir-frys. I’ll usually mince a clove of raw garlic to drink with water when I start feeling sick and repeat this every few hours until I feel better.
Probiotics are another key part of our winter routine. I take them preventatively and add a bit more if we’re sick. It’s important to keep the gut healthy, especially during winter months when it might need some extra care.
Finding comfort is important too. I try to keep the winter blues away by staying cozy indoors and making the most of the season.
What natural remedies do you like to have on hand during the winter?
