The onset of cold and flu season means stockpiling OTC remedies, and hibernating when symptoms strike. But when I can, I prefer to seek out natural solutions and prepare a winter medicine cabinet using herbs grown at home. Herbs have been used around the globe for centuries to prevent or alleviate common winter ailments like colds, flu, and sore throats and there are plenty of reasons why!
Growing your herbs can be more cost-effective than buying dried or processed herbal remedies, and when you plant at home you’re guaranteed to have what you need in stock year-round. Instead of trudging to the local pharmacy or natural store in the middle of a cold snap or when faced with a sudden onset of illness, fresh herbs readily available right from your windowsill or cold frame afford you peace of mind. Many of the plants I like to use are best when fresh, and plants, especially functional ones, make your home beautiful, alive, and cheerful even in the darkest days of winter. Additionally, each herb packs a medicinal punch and can be used for a variety of ailments while remaining staples of your spice cabinet in the kitchen.
The Best Herbs for Your Winter Medicine Cabinet
While it’s true that herbs are often associated with warm weather and sunshine, that’s not the case for every herb, with plants like rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, and mint lasting well throughout the winter months. Using a cold frame, you can successfully grow these herbs in winter. A lot like a raised bed but enclosed with a glass or plastic top, a cold frame is a great option for chilly climates and dedicated gardeners. The purpose, of course, is to let the sunshine in while keeping the cold out, so your plants stay cozy and growing throughout winter. Make sure to vent your frame to keep airflow adequate and plants healthy.
Rosemary:
A sun seeker, Rosemary thrives indoors with plenty of sunlight; but can also survive in cold frames. Native to the Mediterranean, Rosemary loves humidity and takes in moisture from the air to meet a portion of its water needs. I spray my rosemary twice a day, and this keeps her happy! The culinary and medicinal variety (Rosemarinus officinalis) grows on upright stems with leaves about an inch long and is rich in antioxidants. Rosemary is a popular home herb throughout colder months as it’s known to help with respiratory health, boost circulation, and aid in digestion. A steaming cup of rosemary tea serves me better than Advil for headaches and cold symptoms and after a long run, Rosemary oil works wonders on sore muscles.
Oregano:
Fairly easy to grow indoors, this plant needs well-drained soil and moderate sunlight, making it a clear winner for your kitchen window box.
Not just a delicious addition to pasta sauce, Oregano is known to contain antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it effective in the fight against colds and coughs. I like to brew it in tea and drink it hot—finding it helps with sore throats. I’ve also used Oregano in a steam inhalation to clear congestion and while it may leave a distinctive taste in your mouth, you won’t hesitate to use it again when knocked down by the common cold. Oregano certainly won’t survive the winter unprotected, so make sure you stick this one in your cold frame.
Sage:
Sage is a perennial but does need a bit of support to make it through Ontario’s long and at times harsh winters. Lift half-hardy and tender salvias from the bed and transplant them to pots in a bright, cool but not freezing location within your home or frame.
Similar to the plants already listed, Sage is a popular choice for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it a staple for solving sore throats and digestive issues.
Not a huge fan of sage myself, I shy away from steeped teas but still keep some around as a tonic to gargle for pesky sore throats.
Thyme:
One of the hardier plants found in herb gardens, even a light green thumb can keep Thyme alive. Thyme plants thrive indoors or in a cold frame, but do require regular pruning and well-drained soil to maintain plant health.
I love using thyme in my cooking, adding it to chicken dishes or homemade bread and buns when I start to feel under the weather, or adding it to honey for sore throats and strong medicinal teas. Thyme is excellent for respiratory health, with antiseptic properties that can help fight off infections.
Mint:
A prolific grower, I feel Mint is best grown in pots year-round to contain its spread; making this an easy choice for your winter home garden. Mint likes cool environments and partial sunlight and grows easily both from existing shoots and seeds.
Who doesn’t enjoy mint tea after dinner? I always keep mint handy for calming my stomach, soothing headaches, or clearing my sinuses.
You can also make combinations from each of these herbs to pack a double punch and boost your immunity. For example, blend rosemary, oregano, and thyme for a potent tea, or press Mint and Rosemary with your favorite essential oil for a restorative and relaxing bath soak proven to ease muscle tension and improve circulation.