Stay Healthy This Holiday Season with Our Favorite At-Home Remedies
Home pantry herbal remedies
The holiday season is a time for celebration, indulgence, and, let’s face it, a little overindulgence. It’s also when our bodies might need extra support—whether from scratchy throats, heavy meals, or persistent sniffles. Thankfully, some of the best remedies are already in your pantry or garden. Over the years, I’ve relied on a mix of traditional and modern approaches to stay healthy during the holidays.
When it comes to herbal remedies, there are two main approaches: folk herbalism and the scientific method. Folk herbalism uses time-tested traditions, the kind of remedies your grandmother might have whipped up with fresh herbs and pantry staples. The scientific method ensures consistency and validation through research, which is essential for products sold commercially. Both have their place, and together, they offer practical ways to care for yourself and your family this season.
Bitters: Gold for the Holidays
Garlic Honey
Holiday meals are rich and indulgent, but often taxing on our digestive systems. Enter bitters, yes the same that you dash into a cocktail, made with herbs like dandelion, burdock, and orange peel that stimulate the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, encouraging better digestion. Bitters are the unsung heroes of the herbal world, often the ingredients are overlooked as “weeds” but celebrated by herbalists as resilient plants!
Weeds like dandelion and burdock thrive in harsh conditions for a reason, and their bitterness is the secret to their strength. A small daily dose of bitters between meals helps your digestion stay sharp throughout the holiday season.
Where to Find Them: Ready-made options like Urban Moonshine Original Bitters or Anima Mundi Bitters are excellent choices. Or head to your beverage nook and dash a few of those cocktail bitters in your glass of water a few times day! For the DIY crowd, steep dried bitter herbs in alcohol for a few weeks to create your own. Use the 1:5 ratio 1 part plants, and 5 parts alcohol in your jar!
Soothe a Sore Throat with Herbal Honey
There’s nothing worse than a scratchy throat threatening to ruin your holiday cheer. My go-to remedy is herbal honey, a simple and effective blend of honey, sage, thyme, and garlic.
Ingredients: Honey, garlic, sage, and thyme.
Method: For the full effect, fill a jar halfway with herbs and garlic, then cover with honey and let it macerate for three weeks in a cool, dark place.
Quick Fix: In a pinch, chop up onion and garlic, mix them with honey, and let the blend sit for a few hours. The onion and garlic will release juices into the honey, creating a potent remedy you can spoon out as needed. Pair with hot lemon water for added relief.
Calm an Upset Stomach
Homemade Marshmallows
Between rich meals and holiday treats, it’s no wonder our stomachs sometimes rebel. Peppermint, ginger, and chamomile teas are classics for soothing an upset stomach, but for something a little more unique, try making homemade marshmallows.
Yes, you read that right—marshmallows! The traditional version was originally crafted as a remedy for digestion and sore throats. These blissful pillows of gelatin are not only delicious but also healing.
Here’s a quick recipe:
Brew a strong marshmallow root tea and let it cool.
Mix 1 cup of the tea with bovine gelatin and honey.
Whip until fluffy and set in a tray to cool before cutting into squares.
These marshmallows are a balanced, healthy sweet treat and a nod to old-fashioned remedies.
Clear the Sniffles
Herbal Mixture for Homemade Steam Pot
Congestion can make the holidays miserable, but herbal steams are a quick, soothing remedy. Boil water, add dried herbs like peppermint, eucalyptus, or rosemary (or a few drops of essential oils), drape a towel over your head, and breathe in the healing steam.
For an underrated but powerful option, try mustard! A dollop of strong mustard, like Lusty Monk, clears sinuses in no time. Or, for a spicier approach, add fresh jalapeños to your meals for an extra kick that will help open up your airways.
Support Local and Stock Your Pantry
When sourcing ingredients, look for high-quality options. Honey from your local beekeeper is packed with immune-boosting properties, and suppliers like Mountain Rose Herbs offer excellent herbs for homemade remedies.
Stay Well and Celebrate
This winter, stay proactive with these simple, effective remedies. Whether you’re sipping bitters, enjoying herbal honey, or whipping up a batch of old-fashioned marshmallows, a little preparation can keep you feeling your best. Blend the wisdom of folk remedies with modern science, and you’ll be ready to fully embrace the joy of the season.
Here’s to a happy, healthy holiday—cheers to staying well!