Preparing for Fall Season Change

As summer comes to an end and fall begins you may notice the vibrant leaves of autumn begin to from and the air begin to cool and become crisp. This is the time when I like, many of us, start to think about the end of summer fun and the coming of cold and flu season. While I’ve worn many hats over the years – from a nurse attending to patients to a herbalist nurturing nature’s remedies – one thing has remained consistent: the importance of proactively addressing wellness as the seasons change.

I wanted to share some quick tips on how I keep myself and my family well during this particular season change.

1. Boosting Your Immunity and maintaining its strength Essential oils and Herbs have been used for hundreds to aid in maintaining wellness and healing the body. Each plant is packed with a variety of health benefits which can aid the body in functioning correctly and, in this case, prepare for a battle.

Here are some items I always have on hand.

• Elderberry… Elderberry is by far one of my favorite herbs. I would say it is in my top 5, if not number one, and one I always have in the house and carry with me on travels. I prefer using it as a syrup, Which I make in the home on demand to optimal potency, but will also use the tincture form as well.

  • Known for its immune boosting benefits. Elderberry stimulates the immune system to prepare for action, in the correct way. I find myself taking a tablespoon a day here and there during times of stress, pending travel, sniffling noes, sore throat, feelings of weirdness. If I happen to get sick, I take my elderberry syrup 3-4 times per day until a couple days after I feel well.

• Raw Honey… Raw unfiltered honey can have soothing benefits for throats and coughs and something I am never without. Raw honey, and I specify raw or local honey for medicinal reasons. Raw honey has been commonly used to soothe throats, reduce coughs, and also reduce inflammation. Everyone in my home gets honey added to their tea when ill, EXCEPT my new born. It’s important to only use honey if you are over the age of 1year old.

  • As honey is known for suppressing a cough or the urge to cough. It can also aid with clearing phelm as well. I usually will add honey to my tear and water I am drinking to aid with the ailments of being ill and for its nutrients.

• White Willow Bark… White Willow Bark is another one of my favorites. It is known as natures aspirin and is actually where aspirin came from. With its powerful anti-inflammatory benefits and pain relieving benefits. I commonly will add the bark to a tea to aid with body aches. I will take a 60drops (about a teaspoon), I give my children (10-20 drops) of a tincture to aid with reducing fevers every 2-4 hours.

• Ginger… Ginger is an easy to find herb and known for many things. Used by many to aid with upset stomachs. Used by others for its immune boosting benefits. And used by some for its warming sensations. Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory. I keep dried ginger in the house as it is more potent and lasts longer but on occasion I’ll get a fresh ginger of a brew of fire cider.

  • I commonly will make a ginger tea with lemon and honey if feeling under the weather, or am cold. I also add ginger to my elderberry syrup and other herbal teas.

• Turmeric…Turmeric is another easy to find herb I love and commonly add it to teas and food. I usually will use in combination with white willow bark in a tea to help with body aches and any fevers we may develop in the house. I usually have this in tincture form and add about 60drops (about a teaspoon), I give my children (10-20 drops) of a tincture to aid with reducing fevers every 2-4 hours.

There are many more herbs I can add to this list which I also use but these are the top 5 items I always have in my home to aid with combating anything we may encounter. As a reminder, always consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new herbs to your routine.

2. Nourishing Your Body with Seasonal Foods Did you know commonly sought after foods in different seasons actually have medicinal purposes? Call it your intuition or Mother Nature being wise. Common seasonings/herbs include Allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and more actually affect your immune system and health in a positive way. If you are NOT combining them with too much sugar which actually lowers your immune system and stresses the body. Other foods such as pumpkin and sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, is precisely what our bodies need to stay healthy. Embrace squashes, sweet potatoes, apples, and dark leafy greens.

*Just a tip… Did you know there are different types of sugars which actually may be beneficial to you? Rock sugar and Black sugar are new sugars I have added to my home because they actually have healing properties.

3. Prioritize Gut Health Everything begins with what you are putting into your system. What you put into your system is supposed to be fuel you use for energy, building, or repairing your body. Did you know a significant portion of our immune system resides in our gut. Consuming fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir can introduce beneficial bacteria to our digestive system.

4. Embrace Good Hygiene Practices As a nurse, I can’t stress this enough. Regular hand-washing, using sanitizers when needed, and ensuring that your living space is clean can drastically reduce the spread of pathogens. I love also having essential oils going in the diffuser to aid with uplifting spirits and cleansing the air in the home.

5. Stay Hydrated and Active Water is vital, water is life. As the air becomes drier, ensure you’re sipping water throughout the day. Adding a squeeze of lemon or a teaspoon to warm or hot water can also aid with soothing the throat as the air becomes dry. Additionally, continue to engage in physical activities. Whether it’s a brisk walk amongst the falling leaves or an indoor yoga session, keep moving.

Fall Season…Fall can be a wonderful time as it brings its own set of activities and gatherings my family loves. It offers us the chance to slow down, reflect, and care for our health in more deliberate ways. By embracing some of these practices, we can ensure that we’re not just warding off potential illnesses, but we’re stepping into winter with vibrancy and vitality.

From my family to yours…

Enjoy each day and take a moment to observe the blossoms, trees, gentle breeze, animals playing, and people becoming more active. I congratulate you in starting and continuing on your health journey along with the rediscovering of yourself.

Jasmine Hutchinson PHN, BSN, RN

Want to try organic herbal products… Check out the ReachWellness Etsy Shop for other organic handmade herbal blends, teas, and classes.

DISCLAIMER…THIS BLOG IS INTENDED SOLELY TO SERVE AS A RESOURCE TO HEALTH INFORMATION AND TO PROVIDE YOU WITH BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SYMPTOMS, CAUTIONS, SAFETY CONCERNS, NATURAL REMEDIES, DIY RECIPES, AND NUTRITIONAL CONCERNS RELATED TO ALL ASPECTS OF HEALTH. THIS BLOG DOES NOT PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLANATION OF ALL ASPECTS OF ANY HEALTH CONDITION OR CONCERN OR EVEN THOSE ASPECTS THAT ARE DISCUSSED IN THIS BLOG. THIS BLOG IS NOT INTENDED TO BE–AND YOU SHOULD NOT USE IT AS–A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL ADVICE OR HEALTH CARE GIVEN BY A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER. BE SURE TO SEE A LICENSED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO HELP ENSURE YOUR HEALTH AND THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF YOUR FAMILY.