Getting Through Winter, Naturally

It may feel like we have been within winter’s stormy grip for a long time, but we still have just under two months to go. Not to make anyone gloomier, but winter isn't done with us just yet.
Regardless of how much winter we have left, there are plenty of natural things we can use to help us get through the coldest and dreariest days.

Illness Help

With the chilly air and the rain, we spend more of our time inside breathing stuffy air. Which means we are more prone to catching sickness during the winter. Here are some options for naturally combating cold and flu season.

Elderberry Syrup - Elderberry syrup works wonders for making us feel better when we are sick. The berry grows in abundance here on the north coast, but never eat the berries raw. In raw form, they are poisonous. Look for recipes online for how to process foraged berries, or purchase some from a reputable source. 

Ginger - Upset stomach from too much holiday dessert, or maybe the stomach flu? Ginger is a great option to ease that icky tummy. You can chew on candied ginger, drink ginger tea, or eat soup with ginger added to the broth. 

Prevent with Echinacea, Zinc, and Vitamin C - If you are around sick people, or are just feeling a bit off, you can try to reduce your symptoms before they get worse by taking echinacea, zinc, and vitamin c. 

Mood Boost Through Scent

Sometimes you need a mood booster throughout the day. Perhaps it’s been raining for days on end, and you are feeling especially blue. Or, you could be snowed in and have a powerful case of cabin fever. Grab some pine boughs from outside, or add some oils to your diffuser.

Pine toner - for a little boost of peace and tranquility every morning and night, put a pine sprig in your toner. If you aren’t keen on trying this with your fancy face toner, buy a bottle of witch hazel - it’s inexpensive and a top-notch toner.

Diffuse to destress - 
Lavender - Use lavender if you need to reduce anxiety and calm yourself down. Use it before bed or during your morning meditation.
Lemon Balm - Reduce stress and anxiety with lemon balm. Drink it in a tea, cook with it, or diffuse the oil.
Chamomile - Use chamomile to calm yourself if you are feeling anxious or upset. It is delicious in tea.​

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​Diet

Even if dieting wasn’t on your New Year’s list of goals, you could still alter your diet if you find yourself sad and depressed during the winter. 

Reduce Sugar Consumption - Diet plays a huge role in not only how our bodies perform, but also how our brain performs. Feed on junk and sugar, and your brain doesn’t know which chemicals to release. If you want to feel better and ease the winter blues, reduce your sugar consumption.

More Veggies and Fish - B12, folic acid, and Vitamin D are all things our bodies need more of during the winter. Taking supplements is fine, but the best way to absorb and process things through your body is through natural, healthy, delicious foods.​

I'm definitely ready for Spring, how about you?