When the air turns crisp and cozy layers come out, our bodies naturally crave warmth and grounding. It’s also the season when immune strength and nourishment become essential. Herbs are one of the simplest ways to support your body—bringing balance to your immune system, calming the mind, and keeping skin and hair vibrant even in the driest months.
Here are some of the most beneficial herbs to reach for this season. We’ll begin with how they support your immune system and inner wellness, then move into their skin and hair benefits, because beauty truly begins within.
1. Echinacea
Echinacea is often called the queen of immune support. Rich in plant compounds like alkamides and caffeic-acid derivatives, it helps activate macrophages—your body’s cleanup crew and first responders—to strengthen the immune system’s first line of defense. Think of it as your gentle ally at the very first sign of a seasonal tickle, encouraging your immune system to respond quickly and effectively without overstimulating it.
How it supports the body:
- Helps shorten duration and severity of seasonal discomforts when used early.
- Strengthens immune cell communication and responsiveness.
- Naturally anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, protecting tissues during immune stress.
For skin & hair: a balanced immune system supports calmer-looking skin and helps prevent inflammatory flare-ups during cold months.
How to use: Take echinacea tea or tincture at the first signs of a cold, for about 7–10 days.
2. Yarrow
Yarrow has been used for centuries to break fevers gently and promote circulation. It helps the body sweat naturally, clearing waste and supporting the lymphatic system (key for immunity). Its flavonoids and volatile oils calm inflammation and promote resilience.
How it supports the body:
- Yarrow encourages gentle perspiration during the first stages of illness (“sweating it out”).
- Helps regulate circulation and lymphatic flow.
- Soothes the mucous membranes of the respiratory system.
For skin & hair: Yarrow’s mild astringent quality helps tone and clarify skin and can calm scalp irritation when used in rinses.
How to use: Enjoy as a hot tea at the first sign of fever or congestion; pair with elderflower or peppermint.
3. Mullein Leaf
Mullein is your respiratory comfort herb, soothing dry coughs, easing the lungs, and helping loosen congestion. The mucilage and saponins in mullein create a gentle coating that comforts irritated tissues while supporting productive breathing.
How it supports the body:
- Helps moisten dry coughs and supports clear breathing.
- Eases throat irritation and supports healthy mucus production.
- Acts as a gentle expectorant for lingering colds.
For skin & hair: A mullein steam or tea can bring moisture back to dry winter skin.
How to use: Drink as a strained tea or add leaves to an herbal steam for sinus comfort.
4. Oregano
Oregano isn’t just a kitchen favorite, it’s a potent immune ally. Its aromatic compounds, particularly thymol and carvacrol, have antimicrobial and antioxidant actions that help defend against seasonal challenges.
How it supports the body:
- Encourages immune resilience during exposure to environmental stressors.
- Supports clear sinuses and a healthy respiratory tract.
- Provides antioxidant protection that reduces oxidative stress during illness.
For skin & hair: Oregano’s antioxidant and balancing properties help keep the scalp and skin clear. It's best to create a oregano infusion and avoid the essential oil.
How to use: Add fresh oregano to soups and teas, or dry the leaves for immune blends.
5. Marshmallow Root
When you think dryness, think marshmallow root. This herb is rich in mucilage, a gel-like compound that coats and soothes irritated mucous membranes from the throat to the gut.
How it supports the body:
- Calms sore throats and digestive irritation.
- Acts as a natural demulcent, helping your body retain hydration.
- Supports gut lining health, which plays a major role in immune balance.
For skin & hair: That same soothing quality comforts dry, irritated winter skin. Hence why it stars in our Nourish Body Oil, leaving skin soft and supple without greasiness.
How to use: Make a cool-water infusion to preserve its mucilage; sip throughout the day.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary brings clarity and warmth. Rich in rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, it enhances circulation and supports cognitive and immune function through its potent antioxidant actions.
How it supports the body:
- Rosemary enhances blood flow and supports detox pathways.
- Fights free-radical stress with strong antioxidant power.
- Encourages mental clarity and warmth in cold weather.
For skin & hair: Rosemary invigorates the scalp, promotes circulation, and supports hair growth—why it’s central in our Repair Hair Oil.
How to use: Add rosemary sprigs to tea or broths, or steep in apple cider vinegar for a rejuvenating tonic.
7. Nettle
Nettle is a deep-nourishing tonic packed with iron, silica, and chlorophyll. It supports immunity by strengthening the body’s blood and mineral stores—helping you stay grounded through the darker months.
How it supports the body:
- Restores trace minerals depleted by stress.
- Gently anti-inflammatory, supporting joint and immune comfort.
- Helps regulate histamine and allergy responses.
For skin & hair: Nettle promotes stronger hair growth and healthier skin through its nutrient density, one reason we use it in our hair oil to restore shine and vitality.
How to use: Drink as a long-steeped infusion for a daily mineral boost.
8. Thyme
Thyme is one of the best herbs for the respiratory system. Its thymol content provides antimicrobial, antiviral, and expectorant benefits, perfect for soothing congestion or lingering coughs.
How it supports the body:
- Clears mucus and opens the airways.
- Supports immune resilience against seasonal microbes.
- Acts as a warming herb that helps circulate vital energy.
For skin & hair: Thyme helps maintain scalp balance and can purify skin when used in rinses or herbal steams.
How to use: Add to steams, teas, or broths. Combine with honey for a simple herbal cough syrup.
9. Calendula
Calendula radiates gentle, golden healing energy. It’s a lymphatic and anti-inflammatory herb, helping the immune system clear waste and restore balance.
How it supports the body:
- Encourages healthy lymph movement—key for immune function.
- Calms inflamed tissues and promotes faster recovery.
- Helps balance immune reactions and reduce irritation.
For skin & hair: Calendula soothes, and strengthens the skin barrier—ideal for hands and faces exposed to cold air. You can find Calendula in several of our products.
How to use: Enjoy in teas, steams, or infused oils for topical nourishment.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric brings inner light to the darker seasons. Its active compound curcumin supports immune regulation, reducing excess inflammation while promoting antioxidant protection.
How it supports the body:
- Balances inflammatory pathways.
- Supports joint and muscle comfort.
- Protects against oxidative stress that can weaken immunity.
For skin & hair: Brightens dull complexions and supports collagen health over time.
How to use: Add to teas, golden milk, or broths with a pinch of black pepper for better absorption.
11. Ginger
Ginger warms, energizes, and awakens circulation, stimulating digestion and helping immune cells move freely through the body.
How it supports the body:
- Warming digestive and immune tonic.
- Helps break down mucus and relieve coldness.
- Naturally anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
For skin & hair: Improves blood flow for naturally radiant skin and healthy follicles.
How to use: Add fresh slices to tea, or simmer in soups and tonics.
Traditional Fire Cider Recipe (with Immune-Boosting Herbs)
Fire cider is a traditional herbal tonic made to stoke warmth, support digestion, and strengthen immunity through winter. The base recipe uses apple cider vinegar to extract nutrients and protective compounds from aromatic roots and herbs.
Base Ingredients:
1 cup grated ginger
1 cup grated horseradish (optional for extra heat)
10 cloves garlic, crushed
1 medium onion, chopped
1 sliced hot pepper (like jalapeño)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Raw apple cider vinegar to cover
Raw honey, to taste (after steeping)
How to Make:
Combine all ingredients (except honey) in a clean glass jar.
Cover with apple cider vinegar, leaving an inch of space at the top.
Seal with a plastic lid and store in a cool, dark place for 3–4 weeks, shaking daily.
Strain, discard solids, and sweeten with honey.
Add These Herbs for Extra Immune Support:
- Echinacea – boosts immune activity at the first sign of illness.
- Thyme – adds antimicrobial support for respiratory health.
- Rosemary – enhances circulation and antioxidant protection.
- Calendula – gently supports lymph flow.
- Yarrow – encourages gentle perspiration during fevers.
- Nettle – adds trace minerals and nourishment to your tonic.
Take 1–2 tablespoons daily during the colder months, or add a splash to warm water for a zesty immune shot.
Bringing It All Together
The beauty of herbs is how seamlessly they support both inner health and outer radiance. When we strengthen our immune system, nourish our blood, and keep the body warm and balanced, our skin and hair reflect that harmony.
As you sip your teas or stir your fire cider, remember, you’re working with the same plants God placed in creation for healing and renewal. Slow down, pour warmth into your days, and let these herbs carry you through the colder seasons with strength, glow, and grace.