Skip to content
Fast & Free Delivery over $45 How fast will I receive my order? ZIP Code: - Receive it More Info

4 Steps to Thrive with Herbs this Winter

4 Min Read
Cup of healing tea with autumn hips in his hands
Updated on December 21, 2018

Winter is upon us. With its chilly weather and lengthened nights, we are drawn towards warmth and hibernation. Yet, our modern lives beckon us outwards, exposing us to the vulnerabilities of the season. Fortunately, our body is a well-constructed vessel built for survival. From head to toe, each of our body systems interact with one another in a beautiful dance to maintain homeostasis.

There are times of the year when certain body systems take on more strain. Top of mind for many of us this season is our immune system. Herbalists like to take this opportunity to use the power of plants to gently assist the body in its immune function. Since everything is interconnected that means caring for our overall internal ecosystem, from digestive, respiratory and skin health to the nervous system.*

Here’s a quick look at these body systems and some of our favorite ways to support them with herbs this winter.

 

Step 1: Nourish the immune system

One of the best ways to directly support the immune system for winter is through food. As Medical Herbalist David Hoffmann says, “We must ensure that the physical body has the appropriate nutritional and health support to help it perform optimally.”

For this we like to incorporate medicinal herbs and mushrooms like astragalus, elderberries, rose hips, shiitake, reishi, and maitake into our meals. Support your immune system by sipping our organic Reishi Mushroom daily immune tonic tea, and keeping our organic Echinacea Plus® Elderberry tea on hand for times when extra support is needed.* For a culinary delight, try making a big batch of Astragalus Miso Immunity Soup and Ginger Cinnamon Elderberry Syrup.*

Astragalus miso soup

Step 2: Feed your microbiome

Since we’re learning more and more about how much impact our gut ecology can have on our immunity, it makes sense to keep it functioning well. Many of our ancestors relied upon seasonally available roots and tubers which are rich in prebiotic starches to support a healthy digestive system.

Roots like dandelion and burdock are great sources of inulin and other prebiotic starches. To receive the most benefit, these herbs are best eaten in food quantity. Try incorporating fresh burdock root into your meals. Its slightly bitter, earthy flavor makes it a great addition to stir-fries, soups, or grated onto salads. If fresh burdock root is not available to you, it can also be taken as a tea or tincture. You can also find it in our organic EveryDay Detox® Lemon tea.

Dandelion root can be made into a valuable tea by coarsely chopping fall-harvested roots and roasting over low heat for 5-10 minutes. Simmer one tablespoon per 8 ounces of water for 15 minutes. Strain and serve. If you don’t have access to whole dandelion roots, you can also find it in our organic Roasted Dandelion Root tea.*

Cut-up dandelion root on a wooden cutting board on a table

Step 3: Moisturize from the inside

When we breathe, we take in air through the nose and mouth, which passes down the throat and into the lungs, creating a respiratory superhighway.

Luckily, certain herbs can help support the respiratory tract. A few herbs we turn to are marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, and licorice root, which can be made into a soothing beverage to sip on throughout the season. To make your own throat soothing tea, we recommend making a traditional decoction. For two servings, combine ½ teaspoon of licorice root and 1 teaspoon each of cut and sifted marshmallow root and sustainably-harvested slippery elm bark to a small pot. Add 2 cups of water, cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Strain herbs and serve.*

If you don’t have time for that or access to those herbs, grab a cup of our organic Throat Coat® tea.

 
Old kettle on the evening garden, kettle on a metal surface

Step 4: “Oilinate” your skin

The skin is our largest and most outward-facing organ. It serves as a protective barrier between us and outside world making it an integral system to include in our winter wellness routine. Its porous and absorbent nature also makes it a traditional route to deliver herbal medicine.

To care for your skin, try applying an herbal-infused oil all over your body. Known in Ayurvedic medicine as “oilination,” the act of applying warm oil to the skin through massage is traditionally thought to help stimulate the lymphatic system, an integral component of the immune system. This daily act is traditionally performed with raw sesame oil, but we like infusing our oil during this season with a few drops of essential oils for additional benefits. Try adding a few drops of a Four Thieves-style essential oil blend of lemon, clove, cinnamon, rosemary and eucalyptus traditionally used during winter months. Or if applying before bed, the addition of lavender with its calming scent can be a soothing ritual before bed. Whichever method you choose, apply it to dry skin, and let soak for 15 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water so the oil absorbs into the skin. This is an incredibly grounding practice. If oilinating 15 minutes before a shower is too daunting, apply the oil at the end of the shower and then rinse with the oil still on.

Our relaxing organic Cup of Calm® tea pairs nicely with this ritual for a pleasant dose of nervous system support.

 
Woman making organic skincare products in her studio

You Might Also Enjoy

Shop All
Popular
Lemon Balm Tea. light & citrusy and relieves stress Lemon balm calms the nervous system and supports digestion

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon Balm calms the nervous system and supports digestion
Popular
Nettle_3D front facing box Introducing our new industrially compostable tea wrapper! Coming soon to a tea near you

Nettle Leaf Tea

Nettle Leaf supports joint health and overall wellness
Popular
Turmeric & Ginger with Meadowsweet Tea Turmeric & Ginger with Meadowsweet Tea

Turmeric & Ginger with Meadowsweet Tea

This blend supports a healthy response to inflammation associated with an active lifestyle
Popular
Traditional Medicinals logo. Daily. Herbal. Organic Dandelion Leaf & Root. Balanced & Earthy. Detox + Kidney Health. Caffeine Free. 16 Wrapped Tea Bags. Herbal Supplement. NET WT .99 OZ (28g). USDA ORGANIC logo Dandelion Leaf & Root (Taraxacum officinale). This blend supports kidney function and healthy digestion.

Dandelion Leaf & Root Tea

Dandelion Leaf & Root supports digestion & kidney health while aiding the body's natural detoxification process
Popular
Traditional Medicinals logo. Daily Herbal. Organic Chamomile & Lavender. Pleasantly Floral. Supports Relaxation. Caffeine Free. 16 Wrapped Tea Bags. Herbal Supplement. NET WT .85 OZ (24g). USDA ORGANIC logo. This blend settles your nervous system when stressed. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Chamomile & Lavender Tea

This blend settles your nervous system when stressed and eases tension
Popular
Traditional Medicinals logo. Seasonal. Wellness. Breathe Easy. Promotes Respiratory Health*. Eucalyptus Mint. Caffeine Free. 16 Wrapped Tea Bags. Herbal Supplement. NET WT .85 OZ (24g) This blend promotes respiratory health like a breath of fresh air. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Breathe Easy® Tea

This blend promotes respiratory health like a breath of fresh air
Popular
Traditional Medicinals logo. Seasonal. Wellness. Organic Throat Coat. Supports Throat Health*. Original with Slippery ELM. Caffeine Free. 16 Wrapped Tea Bags. Herbal Supplement. NET WT 1.13 OZ (32g) This blend supports throat health. Slippery ELM (Ulmus rubra). Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis). Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina)

Throat Coat® Tea

This blend supports throat health
Popular
Traditional Medicinals logo. Relaxation. Wellness. Organic Cup of Calm. Calming and Relaxing. CHAMOMILE MINT. Caffeine Free. 16 Wrapped Tea Bags. Herbal Supplement. NET WT .85 OZ (24g). USDA ORGANIC logo. New Look, same trusted formula!

Cup of Calm® Tea

This blend is calming and relaxing when you need it most
Popular
Traditional Medicinals logo. Seasonal. Wellness. Organic Echinacea Plus. Promotes Immune Function. ELDERBERRY. Caffeine Free. 16 Wrapped Tea Bags. Herbal Supplement. NET WT .85 OZ (24g). USDA ORGANIC logo This blend boots the immune system. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea). Elder Flower & Fruit (Sambucus nigra). Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Echinacea Plus® Elderberry Tea

This blend boosts the immune system
Popular
Peppermint Tea. soothes the belly Peppermint soothes your belly and alleviates digestive discomfort

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint soothes your belly and alleviates digestive discomfort
Popular
Roasted Dandelion Root Tea packaging box Roasted dandelion root stimulates the liver and supports healthy digestion

Roasted Dandelion Root Tea

This blend stimulates the liver and supports healthy digestion
Popular
Traditional Medicinals logo. Daily. Herbal. Organic Ginger. Pleasantly Spicy & Warming. Digestion Support. Caffeine Free. 16 Wrapper Tea Bags. Herbal Supplement. NET WT .85 OZ (24g). USDA ORGANIC logo Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Promotes healthy digestion and prevents nausea due to motion.

Ginger Tea

Ginger promotes healthy digestion and prevents nausea due to motion
Popular
Traditional Medicinals logo. Daily Herbal. Organic Chamomile. Soothingly Sweet & Floral. Supports Relaxation. Caffeine Free. 16 Wrapped Tea Bags. Herbal Supplement. NET WT .74 OZ (20.8g). USDA ORGANIC logo Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Calms your nerves and supports healthy digestion.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile calms your nerves and supports healthy digestion
Popular
traditional medicinal smooth move herbal supplement this blend gently relieves occasional constipation overnight, generally within 6-12 hours

Smooth Move® Tea

This blend gently relieves occasional constipation overnight, generally within 6-12 hours

Reishi Mushroom with Rooibos & Orange Peel Tea

This blends supports a healthy immune system and helps keep the body in balance

EveryDay Detox® Schisandra Berry Tea

This blend stimulates the liver and supports the body's natural detoxification process

Fennel Tea

Fennel promotes healthy digestion; eases uncomfortable feelings of fullness, bloating and gassiness

EveryDay Detox® Lemon Tea

This blend promotes healthy skin and supports the body's natural detoxification process

Herbal Cold Care™ Tea

This blend provides warm, soothing comfort when you need it most

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Dandelion Chai Probiotic Tea

This blend supports healthy digestion

Related Articles

View All

Herbal Basics: Adaptogens 101

We can all agree that sometimes our natural rhythm falls out of step. We live in a world where it is easy to take on too much, flaring up stress,...

Dandelion Date Shake

By Sarah Kate Benjamin of The Kosmic Kitchen If you've never had a date shake you're in for a real Southern California treat. Invented in the 1930's by a date...

A Conversation with Nioma Narissa Sadler: Empowering Women and Transforming Communities

Author: Jules Benefico Join us for an insightful conversation with Nioma Narissa Sadler, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, and Goodwill Ambassador at Traditional Medicinals®. Nioma is not only...

Voices Are For Using, Not Losing™: Get to know Jake & Shelby Singer/Songwriter Duo

Jake & Shelby, the dynamic pop duo aged 18 and 19, are rapidly climbing the music charts with their mature and fresh sound, drawing inspiration from John Mayer, Madison Cunningham,...

Identity Herbalism with Erin Masako Wilkins of Herb Folk Medicine

Erin Masako Wilkins is an Asian American herbalist and acupuncturist. She has been a practicing herbalist for over a decade specializing in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. She aims to...

Celebrating the Holidays and the Planet

Tis the season of green! We are proud to announce that we at Traditional Medicinals have joined forces with the Environmental Media Association (EMA), using our voices to elevate eco-consciousness...

Q&A with Rosemary Gladstar, “Godmother of Modern Herbalism” and Traditional Medicinals Co-Founder

Photo taken by Danielle Cohen Meet Rosemary Gladstar, known as the godmother of modern herbalism, she has captivated a global audience with her wealth of knowledge and passion for herbal...

Voices are for Using, Not Losing™: Tips from a Celebrity Voice Coach

Meet RAab Stevenson, singer, songwriter, vocal coach, arranger, producer, artist and developer. Robert “RAab” Stevenson has worked with some of the most famous voices and producers heard on pop radio...

How Tea can Protect Ecosystems: FairWild collection with the BBC Storyworks Commercial Production

Climate change is altering landscapes. It’s harming global ecosystems and the people who depend on them. Over 40% of medicines found in western pharmacies are derived from plants, many of...

3 Herbal Hacks for Mental Health

Big emotions are often natural reactions to very real challenges. Occasional stress, overwhelm and stretches of melancholy can feel scary. And yet, you’re not alone. We’ve all had seasons of...

Herbalist Tips for Healthy Skin

While clear, dewy skin is often a bit of good luck, long-term health is very much dependent on healthy habits. Herbalists use plants inside and out to nourish the skin,...

4 Ways to Soothe an Anxious Mind and Stomach

Have you ever had an anxious gut feeling about something or felt nervous and experienced butterflies in your stomach? These sensations emanating from your belly remind us that the brain...