It’s that time of year again when I take stock of the home apothecary and plan for what we will want on hand during the winter months. This is a task I take seriously because a well stocked apothecary makes dealing with colds, flu and keeping up winter wellness a bit easier.

Prevention is key when it comes to health so that is where we start. During the fall when school begins we are exposed to a lot more people than during our slow summer days. Vitamin C (in a low maintenance dose) and a quality multi vitamin become part of our daily routine. This is the time to take a look at the supplements in the cabinet and toss anything that is expired. I also like to use a vitamin D supplement in the winter when the sun sets at 5:00pm and our sun exposure is limited. Lastly, I keep Super Immune on hand and take it immediately if I feel I am getting run down. The key ingredient is the lysine and it seems to make a huge difference in bolstering my immune system when I am feeling a cold come on. I take these frequently in the winter but my son doesn’t swallow large capsules yet so I haven’t used these for him. We also use humidifiers in our bedrooms at night. The cold air is so drying to the sinuses and a bedside humidifier makes a world of difference.

Next, I think about what I want on hand when one of us is already unwell and past prevention. For colds I like to have garlic marinated in honey, herbal lozenges, a variety of herbal cough teas (I try to buy these from local herbalists in my state), eucalyptus essential oil for the diffuser, and plenty of lip balm and tissues with aloe vera. For a cold, rest and plenty of water is most important.

I always pray that the flu will skip us each year, but it is necessary to be prepared in case we fall ill. If I feel even a twinge of a stomach upset my first line of action is to take a few activated charcoal pills to try and pull out anything that may get worse. In my experience this has saved me several times from getting a long lasting bug. I may also drink a glass of water with psyllium husk to further sweep my digestive tract. My husband and I use charcoal and psyllium but I have yet to introduce these products to my nine year old. I keep plenty of peppermint tea in stock for his tummy if it feels upset. Staying hydrated is important especially if there has been throwing up, so I keep Gatorade stocked in the garage fridge. Yes, it has food coloring and sugar, but I see it as medicine and not a daily drink. It is time tested and tastes good. I have used a lot of the hydrating powders from the health food store and many don’t taste good, or they have so many electrolytes that I believe it can actually throw your natural electrolyte balance off! Gatorade is gentle, hydrating and safe for children as well. We also keep plenty of ibuprofen on hand year round, pills for us parents, and children’s liquid Motrin for our son. I find it works best for body aches and fever reducing.

Those are the very basics I keep on hand for winter wellness. I like a variety of herbal teas when it is cold out as well as zinc, iodine drops and other vitamins if I feel the need. Lots and lots of mandarins! These little jewels are my favorite fruit and we eat them all throughout the fall and winter months. I also keep iodized salt in the bathroom to add to water for gargling. Salt is cleansing and makes a great wash for the tonsils.

And while not kept in the apothecary pantry I also make sure we have plenty of warm scarves, socks, slippers, flannel robes, sweaters, boots, hats, gloves and layering pieces. Proper winter gear is a necessity in this part of the country and can be found for great prices at thrift stores! I keep Cerave lotion and Aquaphore on hand for dry winter skin, and keep showers short so as not to further dry out the skin. I also keep a Trader Joe’s hand sanitizer spray in the car for after grocery shopping.

I am a big fan of heating pads, space heaters and electric blankets during the winter. I want to be cozy and nothing is quite so soothing to a body aching with flu than a warm heating pad. I know cold exposure therapy is very in fashion these days but in all the years I’ve studied herbalism, keeping warm in the winter is the first rule! Forget running out in the snow in your undies, it just isn’t necessary nor does it bring any great benefit that can’t be accomplished in some other way.

Lastly, make sure to have warming foods stocked up. Hearty chilis and stews, shepherd’s pie, all variety of soups but especially chicken noodle, homemade casseroles, plain yogurt dressed up with berries for probiotics and fermented pickles for their probiotics as well. I usually have bland foods on hand for anyone battling the flu. Crackers, simple toast, and maybe even 7Up for a special treat.

This is just a quick overview and I’m sure I forgot something, but the overall message is that now is the time to get your winter wellness supplies in order so you don’t have to run out the door when you or someone in your family isn’t feeling well or when the weather is nasty and the roads are treacherous.

If I forgot something essential let me know in the comments! Cozy movie suggestions are welcome too because curling up in a blanket with a warm cup of tea and watching a movie is the best activity when you are home and under the weather. Stay well friends!