Use These Five Plants to Stay Ahead of the Cold and Flu Season
Have you or a loved one been searching for a way to beat the aches and pains that seem to settle deeper as the weather turns colder? Whether it's arthritis, chronic pain, or those persistent bone and joint woes, the colder months can make these challenges feel even more overwhelming. With less outdoor activity, shorter days, and more time spent indoors, many of us find ourselves feeling stiff, sore, and in need of relief. But the answer to these problems might just be growing around you.
For centuries, the land has provided natural remedies that offer relief and healing—plants that can be harvested and used to soothe sore muscles, ease inflammation, and boost your immune system to fend off seasonal colds. However, depending on your geographic location and weather patterns, some plants may no longer be in season for harvesting. In that case, you may need to source them online or receive them as gifts from fellow harvesters. We personally recommend Northwest Wild Foods for berries we may have missed (nwwildfoods.com) and Spruce on Tap for spruce tips and other plant-based products (spruceontap.com).
Now, let’s dive into the five plants we recommend harvesting for fall and winter to stay ahead of the cold and flu season while giving your bones and joints the care they deserve:
1. Huckleberries (ǂawiyaǂ)
ǂawiyaǂ
Antioxidant-rich berries that boost immunity and protect against seasonal illness.
A family favorite, huckleberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making them perfect for boosting your immune system during the cold season. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or turned into jams and syrups. If you're unable to harvest them locally, Northwest Wild Foods offers high-quality berries that can be delivered straight to your door.
2. High Mountain/Labrador Tea (ʔakinmiǂyukquǂaqpi·k)
ʔakinmiǂyukquǂaqpi·k
A soothing herb for coughs and colds, known to clear the respiratory system.
This plant is renowned for its ability to support respiratory health, making it a must-have for those seeking relief from colds and flu symptoms. Labrador tea can be brewed into a soothing herbal tea, helping to calm coughs and clear congestion. Its warming properties make it a perfect companion for the colder months.
3. Elderberry (yuk/yukwuʔk)
yuk/yukwuʔk
Packed with antioxidants, elderberries strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Elderberries are a powerhouse for immune support. They’re full of antioxidants and vitamins, and their immune-boosting benefits are well-documented. Elderberries are great for making syrups, teas, or even tinctures to protect you from seasonal illnesses.
4. Rosehips (kwuq̓upis q̓uǂwa)
kwuq̓upis q̓uǂwa
Vitamin C powerhouses that enhance immunity and skin health during colder months.
Rich in vitamin C, rosehips are known for their immune-enhancing benefits. Whether made into a tangy tea or added to meals, rosehips offer a delightful way to support your health. Their high antioxidant content also makes them excellent for soothing skin during the colder months.
5. Devil’s Club (naǂi·¢axawuk)
naǂi·¢axawuk
A powerful anti-inflammatory plant that supports joint health and fights off colds.
Devil’s Club is a powerful plant, long revered for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. We were fortunate enough to harvest some this past weekend. Its ability to relieve joint pain and inflammation makes it an essential remedy during the cold season. We love using Devil’s Club in teas, soothing creams, and muscle rubs, and we’re excited to announce that we’ll soon be incorporating it into our new bone, joint, and muscle rub as well as soothing cream formulations!
Honoring Nature’s Cycles
As many of you know, much of our work takes place across British Columbia and Montana—our ancestral homelands. This deep connection allows us to share traditional knowledge, meet new plant allies, and connect to the land with our youngest child, doing what we love. Each time we harvest, whether it’s for Devil’s Club or huckleberries, we are reminded of the journeys, stories, and spiritual blessings that come with this work.
We hope these five plants can help you stay ahead of cold and flu season while offering relief for your joints, muscles, and overall health. And don’t worry—if you’ve missed the chance to harvest some of these plants locally, you can still find them online.
Bonus Plants!
Before we go, we couldn’t resist sharing two more plants that are perfect for this time of year:
Bonus Plant 1: Calendula
Calendula is a skin-soothing wonder, ideal for healing dry and cracked skin during the colder months. We use calendula in our products, and you can find it in our Minnie’s Kisses Face Cream and Sweet Grass Hyaluronic Serum.
Bonus Plant 2: Willow
Willow bark is known for its pain-relieving properties, making it great for aching joints and inflammation. Explore our willow-infused products here:
Minnie’s Kisses Face Cream
Old Growth Lotion
Old Growth Lotion
Powerful Ingredients, Naturally Derived
Stay well this season, and get ready to enjoy the upcoming soothing Devil’s Club products! Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Stay Informed and Inspired!
Want to stay updated on new harvests, seasonal tips, and exciting product launches? Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new offerings, traditional plant knowledge, and self-care inspiration. We promise to keep you connected to the land and to your well-being!
Don’t Forget!
Our Mountain Soul Tea Collection has been repackaged and restocked after selling out fast last time! These wild-harvested blends are perfect for sipping through the colder months. Grab your favorites before they’re gone again!
Explore the Teas Here
Exciting News! 📚
We’re now taking pre-orders for our upcoming book, Walking Through the Seasons! 🌿 This is your chance to dive deep into the traditional knowledge of plant medicine, nature’s cycles, and how you can bring these teachings into your daily life. Secure your copy now and be among the first to receive it!
Walking Through The Seasons
“Where your journey begins, in the waters of the earth, the breath of the wind, and through the whispers of our ancestors.”
Warmest wishes,
Darcy and Jenny Fisher
Keepers of The Seasons | Six Twenty Skincare
