The best botanicals for long cold nights

5 Best Herbs for The Common Cold

Is your nightstand covered in cough drop wrappers and piles of used tissue? Best as we try, it seems that the pesky winter cold takes us down at least once a year. And like The Cranberries, sometimes these colds linger.  We've compiled a comprehensive botanical guide on how to manage that unwanted cold with some plant-based remedies, including our go-to recipe for making your own cough syrup.

NETTLE

Nettle is like one of those winter leafy greens that can counteract the lethargic vibes that come from overeating during holiday feasts. When your energy is low, nettle tea is a go-to to boost your energy levels. To balance the strong earthy taste of the tea, sweeten it with honey or berries to your liking.

GINGER

Fresh lemon, ginger, and honey tea is drunk by the gallons in our homes during the winter months. It’s always good and gives the peace of mind of being good for us. Ginger is an antiviral, also known as a circulation booster, as well as supporting digestion and removing congestion.

SAGE 

A classic and versatile antibacterial. When brewed with broth or as a tea can calm that fever, and gargling as a mouthwash brings relief to sore and itchy throats. 

GARLIC

Nature knows what it's doing by blooming plants that bring immune-supporting properties during the cold season. Aromatically fragrant in your bone broth, these antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory gems keep us going through all our dark winter days.

PEPPERMINT

When the nose won't stop running, the head won't stop pounding, and the tummy won't stop aching, peppermint tea is like one of those “magic” cure-alls. There's a reason it was even a common remedy dating back to ancient Eastern herbalism. Its antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties can bring instant relief to all those sinus-heavy heads out there.

How To Make Your Own Cough Syrup

Now that you know which herbs can ease those persistent cold symptoms, I invite you to infuse them into your favorite cold-day comforts. Perhaps it's a lemon, ginger, and garlic bone broth? Or a peppermint and nettle tea? How about a sage steam shower? All of the above sound like a dream, whether you have a cold or not. And when you inevitably treat yourself to something hot to drink, nurse that winter cold with an herbal honey syrup to boost your cold-fighting botanical powers. Get the full recipe here.