4 Home Remedies for Winter
So here we are, it’s that time of year again, the winter months are approaching and you are already thinking of the best ways to support your immune system through the winter season. Natural remedies are always my first line of defense – from stuffy nose to sore throat, and everything in between, I will always prefer the natural way. And the good news is – I honestly always get the best results using my at-home remedies. So, let’s get started, here are my 4 home remedies I use every winter!
4 Home Remedies for Winter
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberries are packed with antioxidants and have been used for centuries.
fire cider
One of the most popular ways to fight off cold and flu season naturally.
fermented honey garlic
Two of natures best known healers come together in one.
honey lemon cough drops
Finally, a cough drop you don’t have to question the ingredients on.
Elderberry Syrup
First up, Elderberry syrup. Possibly my favorite home remedy I use for immune support. It’s tasty and it’s packed with antioxidants and vitamin c. While it may not completely take away an already occurring sickness, some research suggests it may help shorten the duration and lessen the severity of colds and flu symptoms. I love having this on hand during the winter months it’s safe and effective (and doesn’t come with a long list of potential side effects). I personally supplement with it all winter long, as soon as I start to feel the cold weather coming in. I’m not paranoid of getting a little winter cold, but if you can boost your immune system before hand you’re setting yourself up for a healthier winter season.
This Elderberry syrup is also safe for kids! My kids absolutely love it. I even give it to my kids when they are babies, however, if your baby is under one, it’s wise to swap the honey out for maple syrup in this recipe I’m about to give you. The good thing with this syrup is that out of all common cold remedies, kids love this one, they actually think it’s a treat (at least mine do!)
Elderberry Syrup Recipe:
1 cup of dried elderberries
1 Tablespoon of freshly grated ginger
Handful of clove
6 cups of water
1 1/2 cup of raw honey (local if possible)
*choose organic ingredients when possible*
Instructions:
In a pot, boil all of the ingredients (minus the honey). Once it comes to a boil, lower to a simmer, and let the pot simmer for 45-60 minutes (stirring as needed). Once the elderberry mixture is done, it should have simmered down to about 2 1/2 cups. Add your honey in at the end.
You can keep the syrup stored in the fridge for 4-6 weeks. Take 2 teaspoons every 3 hours at the first sign of sickness. You can also supplement 2 teaspoons daily for a daily does of immune support. Remember, if you give this syrup to a child under one, swap the honey out with some maple syrup!
Fire Cider
I know we all see the fire cider recipes make their way around the internet every winter, and there’s a good reason for that. It’s literally packed with nutrients, and from my personal experience, it helps so much! I love making this and keeping it on hand.
Fire Cider Recipe:
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) – with the mother
1 cup of cranberries
1 jalepeno
1 cayenne pepper
1 ginger root (3 inches)
1 turmeric root (3 inches), or 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon allspice berries
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 sprig of rosemary
1 sprig of sage
2 oranges
2 limes
2 lemons
5 garlic cloves
1 red onion
*choose organic ingredients when possible*
How to use:
Take a small shot daily, or if your feeling sick you can take up to 3 times a day.
Rub it on sore muscles and/or achy joints
You can add more honey to it to make it thicker, and use as a cough syrup.
Soak a cloth and place it on your chest for congestion (sort of like a vapor rub).
Instructions:
First, you are going to want a gallon jar for this. Everything else is quite simple!
You’re going to wash and cut up all of the fresh ingredients.
With the citrus (oranges, limes and lemons) you can squeeze the juices in the jar, then toss in the peels as well. With the garlic, ginger, and turmeric you can grate or cut up into smaller pieces.
After, washing and cutting everything, you just throw in the rest of your ingredients, and top the jar off with the ACV, ensuring all of your ingredients are fully covered. Give it a stir with a wooden spoon.
Next you are going to cover your jar, use either parchment paper or paper towel, secure it with a rubber band.
Place the jar in a cool dark place, gently shake or stir every few days, for 4-6 weeks.
After infusing for 4-6 weeks, you’re going to strain your fire cider with a cheesecloth. Get as much of the liquid out as possible.
Transfer your fire cider into smaller jars and store in the refrigerator.
Fire cider will be immediately ready to use, so enjoy!
Fermented Honey Garlic
Both honey and garlic possess natural antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Fermentation may enhance these properties, potentially making them more effective in fighting off bacteria and viruses that can contribute to illness. Honey may provide some immune-boosting effects with its vitamin and antioxidant content. Garlic’s potential to fight infection can also indirectly support the immune system. Making this recipe the perfect remedy!
Fermented Honey Garlic Recipe:
1 cup of raw honey
1 cup of peeled garlic cloves
*choose organic ingredients when possible*
Instructions:
Put the peeled raw garlic in a jar. Pour the honey over the garlic cloves. Make sure all of the garlic cloves are completely covered.
Put the lid to the jar on loosely and store in a dark place (I keep mine in my pantry).
Within the first week you will see bubbles start to form – this is a part of the fermentation process.
The honey garlic will take a month to fully ferment, but you can eat it after that first week.
After the fermentation process is done, you can store the honey garlic in a cool place for a year (or longer). If it still looks good, it’s safe to eat. Always use your discernment and toss it if it looks/smells bad!
Honey Lemon Cough Drops
The trio of lemon, honey, and ginger is a popular home remedy for coughs, as each ingredient brings its own powerful benefits:
Lemons are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that may help support the immune system, potentially reducing the duration or severity of coughs. Honey has a demulcent property, which means it coats and soothes the irritated throat tissues. This can help reduce coughing frequency and intensity. Honey also may have some mild antimicrobial properties, potentially aiding in fighting off infections that contribute to coughs. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the airways, which can contribute to coughing. Similar to lemon, ginger can have a soothing effect on a sore throat, easing discomfort associated with coughing.
Note: If you don’t feel like making the cough drops you can also take hot water, and make a tea with these three ingredients. Drinking hot drinks while having a scratchy throat is also very soothing. Ginger tea with lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey is a great way to help your cough!
Honey Lemon Cough Drops Recipe:
1/2 cup of raw honey
3 Tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger
*choose organic ingredients when possible*
Instructions:
Take all of your ingredients and pot and boil over medium heat. Boil it until it starts to harden. You can test it by pouring a little bit in ice water, if it hardens like a cough drop, then its ready! Remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. After you let it sit, it’s ready to pour into small candy molds. Once you have it in the mold, let it sit and harden completely before removing. If you would like you can dust the drops in powdered sugar, but it’s not necessary. You can store the cough drops in a sealed jar or container for up to a month.
Enjoy & Be Well
On top of these 4 remedies, remember to take good care of yourself in general. Eat organic, whole foods. Get some sunlight. Move your body. If you do find yourself feeling under the weather do things immediately to help your body be more resilient. I personally love to take a hot shower – helps with nasal congestion, or a warm bath – add some drops of eucalyptus oil, eat some chicken soup – or just drink the bone broth (yum), drink some herbal teas – get plenty of fluids, and last, but certainly not least – REST.
I hope you enjoy these remedies as much as my family and I do! Wellness is such an important part of your life. Taking care of yourself and your family, naturally, is one of the best things you can do! I’m so happy you took the time to take steps to bettering your health. Let me know which remedies you try and how it works for you!
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