Prepare for Winter with Herbal Tonics

Herbs can be used to balance and support the body’s systems. By promoting general health within systems, herbs can be used in acute situations but also as a proactive measure for nurturing the body before stressors such as seasonal transitions.

When to Begin Preparing?

Three months before winter’s beginning, we can prepare by strengthening the most likely affected systems. Nourishing the body and particular organs can help them to stay resilient when exposed to pathogens and stressors. Three months of this can fortify our defenses in preparation for colder days, less sunlight, and more time indoors when germs are going around.

How to Choose Which Herbs to Take?

Herbs can be used individually as singles or together as a formula. Trying specific herbs as singles is a great way to discover herbal allies, herbs that you have affinity with that can be particularly helpful to you and your needs.  Experimenting with herbs in this way is also a great way to tap into the magic of herbalism.   

We offer a selection of over 150 single extracts to empower our clients to discover what herbs work for them or to create a custom formula that combines the gifts of many plants. A well designed formula will blend herbs that work cohesively and amplify specific actions. Novice herbalists and practitioners can utilize our Custom Pharmacy to formulate their own herbal formulas.

Each person has a unique physiology; working with a knowledgeable practitioner is important for matching herbal allies to individuals. An experienced practitioner can help to create especially balanced and effective formulas.  

Which Systems Need Support in Winter?

Many people find themselves particularly susceptible to flus, bronchitis, pneumonia or just frequent colds during the winter months.  

Below is a short section on herbs that many have found supportive.

• Sinus

 Goldenseal, Umckaloabo, Elder Flower or Echinacea. 

• Throat

Propolis, ElderBerry, Echinacea, or Propolis Throat Spray nurturing to the throat.

• Respiratory

The lungs can be supported with our Lung Tonic, Cordyceps, and/or American Ginseng. 

• Immune System

Beginning in Autumn we can prepare our immune system for winter, a time when our immune systems work harder. Medicinal mushrooms are an ally during this time. Our Mushroom Blend and our Immune Tonic, which contains many mushroom extracts, are wonderful tonics to prepare the body now for upcoming seasonal stresses.

Preparing with Tonics

When preparing for seasons ahead, herbs can be taken as a Tonic to fortify specific systems. Tonics are taken generally in smaller doses than acute remedies. In the case of illness a switch to an acute remedy with an increased dosage may be suggested. However, preparing with an herbal tonic ahead of time, illness will likely be less severe and of shorter duration.

Read More about Tonics and Acute remedies below.

Beyond Herbs…

Knowing your personal susceptibilities you can start preparing now to support the body not only with herbs, but also with other healthful tools, such as nutritious meals, joyful movement, social engagement, activities that provide emotional fulfillment, and by making time for rest.