homestead
Herbs and their Uses: The Best Herbal Remedies for Winter
- November 9, 2021
Depending on where you call home, the feeling of fall and maybe even winter is definitely in the air. Being in tune with the seasonal changes is a huge part of not only gardening and understanding when to harvest crop, but also when and how to prepare your apothecary cabinet with herbal remedies to help get you through the winter months. Cold and flu season are quickly approaching and it is more essential than ever to stock up your home apothecary with herbs that will help support you and your family.
In this article I will share different herbs and their uses, including my favorite herbal remedies to have on hand during these colder months. I’ll be providing:
- 15 different medicinal herbs and their uses
- Herbs for colds and coughs
- The best winter herbal recipes
- Herbal winter tea to have on hand for cold and flu season
winter herbs
15 Different Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses
Here is a comprehensive list of staple herbs for health and ensure your apothecary cabinet is stocked before winter season hits. Keep in mind this is a large list, but you can adjust the herbs you grow based on which herbal remedies work best for your family.
*Always research each herb you choose for personal safety concerns before using them.
Looking to add some of these medicinal herbs to your garden? This herb variety pack has you covered and includes 15 of the most popular medicinal varieties.
medicinal herb #1
anise
approx. 100 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #2
basil
approx. 120 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #3
lemon balm
approx. 80 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #4
caraway
approx. 200 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #5
sage
approx. 25 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #6
chamomile
approx. 100 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #7
cilantro + coriander
approx. 80 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #8
dill
approx. 100 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #9
fennel
approx. 100 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #10
hyssop
approx. 40 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #11
mint
approx. 100 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #12
rue
approx. 90 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #13
summer savory
approx. 220 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #14
wormwood
approx. 350 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
medicinal herb #15
yarrow
approx. 100 seeds
Anise has a long history of medicinal use. It is still used all over the world as a digestive-aid and anti-flatulence agent. Anise has also been used for centuries relieve coughs and colds. In fact, scientists have even proven that the essential oils in the Anise seeds DO have expectorant properties.
Anise can be used as a tea or syrup to aid in the relief from cough and congestion. Try a simple tea made from crushed seeds after a large meal – you will be surprised at how effective it can be.
winter herbal remedies
herbs for Colds and Coughs
There are lots of herbs (especially in this seed pack) that are great to be used for a winter herbal remedy, but one that stands out and feels like a bit of a secret is Yarrow.
Yarrow is a do-it-all for flu and fever as it is both an anti-inflammatory as well as being antimicrobial. It reduces pain, is an anti-catarrhal, relaxes circulation, and is a mild sedative.
Yarrow can be taken as a tincture in the mornings to prevent sickness, used to clean countertops to prevent the spreading of those winter germs, and can be added to a hot towel and wrapped around your feet to suck out those toxins when you are sick.
Looking to add some of these medicinal herbs to your garden? This herb variety pack has you covered and includes 15 of the most popular medicinal varieties.
winter herbal remedies
The best Winter Herbal Recipes
Fire Cider
Fire cider is a staple herbal remedy to have stocked in your kitchen this winter. This recipe supports your immune system and warms up your circulation. It is a great herbal remedy to prevent sickness and help attack any “tickle” you may feel coming on. In short, Fire Cider is a herbal-infused vinegar that uses common kitchen ingredients and is customizable based on what you may have available on hand.
Some of the most common ingredients in Fire Cider include:
- Horseradish root, which is a herb used in fire cider recipes for its strong and warming action that helps support healthy gut bacteria growth.
- Ginger, used to increase circulation throughout your body, monitors inflammation and stimulates immunity to prevent illness invasion.
- Garlic, turmeric, thyme, lemon, onion, and cayenne are also commonly found, but again this recipe is a “use what you have” recipe that always turns out amazing.
Fire Cider is typically taken by the spoonful on a daily basis, but can be diluted by water to taste. It may take a bit of time to become acquainted to this pungent and powerful herbal remedy. Fire Cider can also be used for sore and aching joints, soaked in a clean cloth and placed on your chest to help alleviate congestion, or added to a bloody mary.
Have you already made your homemade fire cider this season? If so, what did you put in yours? Share your incredibly healing herbal remedy with us on Instagram and tag @homestead.onthehill
Echinacea Tincture
The echinacea plant is also beautiful with bright, vibrant colors; a welcoming sight in any garden. Plus, echinacea has the added bonus of medicinal healing properties that make it a great winter cold remedy. Check out this article we wrote stating the different ways to use echinacea medicinally; tinctures, teas, etc.
Have you already made your homemade fire cider this season? If so, what did you put in yours? Share your incredibly healing herbal remedy with us on Instagram and tag @homestead.onthehill
winter herbal remedies
Herbal Winter Tea to Have on Hand for Cold and Flu Season
A nice hot cup of tea is the perfect remedy when you just can’t get warm, you’re fighting a winter cold, you’ve been outside working in the frigid air, or you are looking to settle down after a day of chasing a two year old around :).
Herbal tea, also know as tisanes, are drinks made from steeping herbs, flowers, spices, or dried fruit in water. Fun fact, they are all caffeine-free (I see you pregnant mamas), except for Yerba Mate, because they do not come from a tea plant. Below are some recipes for different tea mixtures that use the medicinal herbs we have highlighted above.
Chamomile Tea Latte
Of course you know chamomile is great as a sleeping remedy and a sore throat or cold remedy, so it is no surprise that it is first on this list. But how fun to mix it up and make it into a tea latte.
A tea latte is defined as a tea mixed with steamed milk. Check out the recipe below to see how Oh How Civilized makes this delicious chamomile winter tea.
2 cups milk (any kind)
2 tablespoons chamomile tea (or 2 chamomile tea sachets)
5 cloves, crushed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick
ground cinnamon for garnish
- Heat milk, chamomile tea, cloves, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan.
- Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes.
- Strain chamomile tea latte into a French press. Add vanilla extract.
- Close French press lid and pump the plunger.
- Pump until it doubles on volume, which should take just a few pumps.
- Pour chamomile tea latte into 2 mugs and garnish with ground cinnamon.
Have you already made your homemade fire cider this season? If so, what did you put in yours? Share your incredibly healing herbal remedy with us on Instagram and tag @homestead.onthehill
When Mint Meets Lemon:
Herbal Tea Recipe
Mint and lemon are a natural match; for teas, cocktails, kombucha, etc.. This extremely simple recipe combines freshly dried mint, dried lemon balm, and a dried lemongrass to make a refreshing hot tea. As an added bonus, mint leaves also help relieve indigestion and are rich in phosphorus, calcium and vitamins like C, D, E and A which improve the body’s immune system.
- 1/2 cup dried mint
- 1/2 cup dried lemon balm
- 1/2 cup dried lemongrass
Have you already made your homemade fire cider this season? If so, what did you put in yours? Share your incredibly healing herbal remedy with us on Instagram and tag @homestead.onthehill
Let’s connect! Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. If you make this recipe, I’d love to see! Tag your instagram versions with @homestead.onthehill and #homesteadonthehill.