10 Herbs To Support Your Health This Autumn

From both a practical and an herbalist’s perspective, autumn is the time to stock up on herbs that support the immune system, respiratory health, and emotional well-being, as seasonal changes can bring about colds, flu, and stress. Here are some of the most important herbs families that should have on hand in autumn:

1. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)

• Why It’s Essential: Elderberry is well-known for its ability to prevent and reduce the duration of colds and flu. It’s rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making it a powerful immune booster.
• How to Use: Elderberry syrup, tea, or tincture is great for the whole family. It can be taken daily as a preventative or at the first sign of illness.

2. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

• Why It’s Essential: Astragalus is a famous adaptogen used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to strengthen the immune system and build resilience over time. It helps the body adapt to stress and seasonal changes while warding off illness.
• How to Use: It can be brewed into teas, added to soups or broths, or taken as a tincture to bolster immune defenses throughout the fall and winter.

3. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

• Why It’s Essential: Echinacea is a popular herb for stimulating the immune system and reducing the severity of colds and upper respiratory infections. It’s particularly helpful when used at the onset of symptoms.
• How to Use: Taken as a tea, tincture, or capsule, it’s best used during the first few days of illness to help your body fight off infections faster.

4. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

• Why It’s Essential: Ginger is warming, anti-inflammatory, and excellent for digestive support and cold prevention. It helps improve circulation, warm up the body, and soothe digestive discomforts often associated with the change in diet during autumn.
• How to Use: A tincture, or fresh ginger tea, combined with honey and lemon, is great for easing congestion and soothing sore throats.

5. Rose Hips (Rosa canina)

• Why It’s Essential: Rose hips are rich in vitamin C, supporting the immune system and providing protection against colds and infections. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that make them useful for joint health during colder months.
• How to Use: You can make rose hip tea or include rose hips in syrups, jams, or tinctures for daily immune support.

6. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

• Why It’s Essential: Thyme is a potent antimicrobial and expectorant herb, making it useful for respiratory infections such as colds, bronchitis, and sore throats. It helps clear mucus and soothe coughs.
• How to Use: Thyme tea, tincture, or herbal steam and baths is great for clearing up chest congestion and fighting respiratory infections.

7. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

• Why It’s Essential: Licorice root is excellent for soothing sore throats, supporting the adrenal glands, and helping manage stress. It’s also mildly antiviral, adding another layer of protection against colds.
• How to Use: Licorice can be brewed into tea or used in herbal cough syrups for throat and lung support.

8. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

• Why It’s Essential: Chamomile is gentle but highly effective at reducing stress and improving sleep. Autumn can bring emotional shifts as the days get shorter, and chamomile helps to ease anxiety and promote restful sleep.
• How to Use: Chamomile tea, tincture, or bath is a soothing, calming bedtime remedy for the whole family.

9. Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

• Why It’s Essential: Mullein is another excellent herb for respiratory health, especially for dry, irritated lungs and persistent coughs. It’s soothing and helps to clear out mucus.
• How to Use: Mullein tea or tincture is commonly used for bronchitis, colds, and chest infections.

10. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

• Why It’s Essential: Peppermint is great for digestive health, fever relief, and soothing congestion. Its cooling properties are helpful in breaking fevers, and its aroma can clear nasal passages.
• How to Use: Peppermint tea or essential oil (diluted and applied topically) works wonders for easing stomach upset or clearing stuffy noses.

Why These Herbs?

These herbs have been chosen because they are:

• Immune-boosting: Helping the body fight off infections common in cooler weather.
• Respiratory-supportive: Clearing mucus and soothing irritated lungs as the dry air of fall sets in.
• Adaptogenic or calming: Helping the body handle stress and adapt to seasonal transitions.
• Safe for family use: Most of these herbs are gentle enough for children, making them perfect for family use.

Having these herbs on hand ensures that you’re prepared for seasonal changes, ready to support the health of your family, and able to maintain a sense of well-being as the cooler months approach.

If you are looking for herbal products made with these herbs, you are in the right place: our apothecary is stocked and ready to ship. Just click here and select the products you'd like us to send you!

I hope you found this post supportive for your herbal education. Remember this post and all posts on the Birth Song Botanicals website are for educational purposes only and are not meant to treat, diagnose, or cure any disease. Nor are these posts and all other posts intended to replace medical care or advice. Please seek appropriate medical care from a health care provider as needed.

Stay healthy and rooted in nature, my friend!

Hugs,
Maria

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