Natural Winter Remedies: Astragalus

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), which has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, may help to strengthen the body against illness when used over time.

How to use: Take astragalus in tincture or capsule form throughout the cold and flu season. You can also incorporate dried astragalus slices into soups or rice; remove the astragalus before serving.

Natural Winter Remedies: Thyme

Loaded with antibacterial compounds, fresh or dried thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a cold-season powerhouse.

How to use: Use fresh or dried thyme in stews and soups. To make a steam, pour near-boiling water into a pot. Add a pinch of fresh or dried thyme, turn off heat, and create a tent by draping a towel over your head and the pot. Breathe in steam for five minutes.

Natural Winter Remedies: Slippery elm

A sore-throat soother extraordinaire, slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) products are high in "mucilage," a substance that coats the throat and helps relieve coughs.

How to use: Look for slippery elm lozenges and follow package directions. To make a tea, simmer 1 tablespoon dried slippery elm bark per cup of water; strain and drink.

Natural Winter Remedies: Elderflower

The flower form of the elder plant (Sambucus nigra) can induce sweating, which may help reduce fever.

How to use: Look for elder in cold formulas. To make a tea, pour boiling water over a teaspoon of dried elderflower. Steep 10 to 15 minutes, then strain. Drink up to three cups per day. Or make a tea that combines elder, echinacea, and a pinch of peppermint.

Natural Winter Remedies: Ginger

A cup of tea made with ginger (Zingiber officinale) can help ease congestion and warm the body, which helps your system fight infection. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a good sore-throat remedy, too.

How to use: Simmer fresh or dried ginger for 20 minutes; strain and add a touch of honey and a squeeze of lemon, if desired. Incorporate ginger liberally into stir-fries and soups.

Natural Winter Remedies: Goldenseal

For short-term use only, goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) can help to clear up bacterial infections and restore the respiratory system lining after a bad cold.

How to use: Goldenseal is very bitter, so stick to tinctures or capsules. Use small doses of this potent herb. Safety note: Pregnant women and those with hypertension should not use goldenseal.

Natural Winter Remedies: Elderberry

The classic form for elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a tasty syrup: European studies have shown it to be helpful for seasonal flus (talk to your doctor before using it for H1N1, or swine flu).

How to use: Follow package directions for the syrup at the first sign of symptoms.

Natural Winter Remedies: Echinacea

A go-to herb for colds, this plant (Echinacea purpurea and E. angustifolia) may help support your immune system to fight viruses. The root, leaves, and flowers are all medicinal.

How to use: Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of tincture (herbal extract) every two hours until symptoms are gone. Echinacea also comes in tea blends.

Natural Mood Boosters-Hawthorn

Though mainly studied as a heart-health herb, hawthorn can help to ease broken hearts, too, along with mild depression and anxiety.

Hawthorn is available in tincture and capsule form, but it also makes a delicious tea. Simmer the berries for 20 minutes; strain and drink.

Natural Mood Boosters-Oat Tops

The milky tops of the oat plant, which contain B vitamins and minerals, can soothe stress and boost moods.

Oat Tops makes a wonderful tea; follow instructions for lemon balm, above. Also works as a mood- and skin-soothing bath; brew a strong tea and add to water.

Natural Mood Boosters-Lemon Balm

This member of the mint family is both calming and uplifting, making it useful for easing day-to-day stress, insomnia, and the winter blues.

Lemon balm is delicious in tea form; pour boiling water over fresh or dried leaves, let steep for 20 minutes. Drink a few cups daily. Or combine lemon balm with oat tops.