StarsAndYarrow

When Autumn is upon us, we either begin changing the way we care for ourselves or our immune system becomes quickly overwhelmed. Here are some ways you can ease your body into fall and winter naturally to prevent illness.

Autumn is my favorite time of year. This may come as a surprise because of my relationship with plants, but there is something very clear and refreshing about the crisp winds that blow around us and the coziness that we can find indoors. The apothecary is well stocked from summer’s abundance and the dehydrator is often humming with the last herbs from the garden.

This is the time of year when our immune system needs to be at it’s strongest. As the season changes, our body is trying to catch up and is often worn out by summer work and play. Here’s how to ease gently into the transition to give our body what it needs.

1. Don’t fight the transition. It may be tempting not to wear a scarf, hoodie, or closed in shoes after a summer of t-shirts or flip flops, but as soon as the temperate dips, be sure to dress appropriately. The change of the temperature signals many natural changes like migration and falling leaves- it also creates changes in our body. Our bodies know that cooler temperatures open the door for microscopic invaders. A scarf or hat can sometimes prevent that chill from lowering our immune system.
2. Switch your eating habits to include hot soups and homemade stews. Chili is a well-known fall food for a reason. Garlic, onion, and warming spices are a balm to the body and spirit. The vegetables found in a common chili can help our body fight off viruses and bacteria that begins to run rampant in our environment and also help our body align with the season. Cooked food is also more easily digested which can help if you are already coming down with an illness. Many spices used in traditional fall meals are actually antibacterial and will attack any germs that may be trying to cause havoc in your body so be generous with the cayenne and oregano!
3. Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables. Fall is a wonderful time for apples, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, squash and pumpkin, and beans. These foods give our body what it needs this time of year. The warmth, vitamins, and fiber from these foods fuel our body with energy and also gently stimulate the immune system. Add warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, and ginger for an extra boost to the circulatory system and anti-viral benefits. Now is the perfect time to get out that soup pot and crock pot and make a hearty pumpkin soup, stir-fry, or stew.
4. This time of year, we need to increase circulation and include adaptogenic and anti-viral herbs that can help prepare you for the fall and winter include: Elderberry, Echinacea, yarrow, calendula, goldenrod, thyme, turkeytail mushroom. These herbs can be included in your cooking or taken as a tea or supplement. Tinctures are a fantastic way to take herbs in a ready-made dropper bottle (click here to view the tinctures in my shop) as they are available any time you need them. Adding lots of fresh thyme to your soups and stews is a wonderful way to assist your body as well as add a savory and rich flavor to your meals!
5. Tea. Drinking tea before the season fully changes is another way to signal to your body that it should begin to expect a temperature change. An Echinacea tea or calendula tea is especially potent as these herbs can prevent illness and strengthen the immune system before you are exposed to the common cold or virus. If you are already sick however, skip the elderberry and Echinacea, as these herbs are only effective before illness enters the body. The warmth from the tea stimulates your blood circulation which helps you feel more energized. Really enjoy this time as you sip your tea and make it a daily healthy habit. Consider journaling or reading during this time to relax your body and cozy into the season.

All transitions are beautiful parts of our world- taking a bit of time for self-care before stress and illness strike is a perfect way to align ourselves to nature and allows us to enjoy the beauty of the season that much more.

-Jessica