Herbs For Winter Wellness

It is that time of year again!! In many areas it is the season of Fall and Winter. For many of us in the southern states, that means colder temperatures and drier air -- which we are definitely not used to! So this is typically the time of year where many are catching viruses or suffering from cold symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, nasal congestion, chest congestion, or sore throats. You may feel fatigued and just worn down with no energy to prepare for the holidays and the stress that comes along with it.

Does this look like how you are feeling?

Luckily for us, mother nature provides us with an abundance of botanicals that can be used medicinally in these situations. Let's take a look at a few of them!

*** ANY RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE SACRED PERENNIAL WEB-SITE ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT FROM A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL. ***

- Bayberry Bark (Myrica cerifera L.) : Bayberry bark has bactericidal properties and is also considered a circulatory stimulant which promotes sweating.

- Boneset AKA "Feverwort" (Eupatorium perfoliatum L.) : Boneset has been used for fevers and influenza as it has immune stimulating and antispasmodic properties. Boneset combines well with yarrow and elderflowers.

- Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) : With immune-boosting properties, echinacea can be beneficial at the time of exposure if around somebody else who is sick.

- South African Geranium (Pelargonium sidoides) : Used to ease coughing and symptoms of bronchitis, sinusitis, and the common cold.

- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) : Contains berberine which has antibiotic and immune-boosting properties.

- Allspice (Pimenta dioica) : Antispasmodic, antiviral, and antioxidant properties. Indicated for colds and fevers.

- Anise Seed (Pimpinella anisum) : Has antibacterial, antispasmodic, and antiviral properties. Indicated for use with fevers, colds, coughs, and nausea.

- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) : With properties of being an analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, and expectorant, chamomile is an herb indicated for colds, fever, inflammation, nausea, and viruses.

- Peppermint (Mentha piperita) : Analgesic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antiviral, and decongestant are just some of the many properties peppermint has. Peppermint is indicated to be used for congestion, coughs, diarrhea, influenza, inflammation, nausea, and sore throats.

There are obviously many, many more herbs available to address the symptoms of winter sickness, but hopefully these will encourage you to research how you can use them yourself this season if you need to. Please be sure to check for any contraindications and safety measures prior to using medicinal herbs. Just because they are natural, does not mean that they are safe and so they should be treated with respect and care. Please work with a qualified herbalist who can offer some guidance to your individual needs.