Blog

As the chill of winter settles in, so do the seasonal sniffles, dry skin, and general fatigue that come with it. But you don’t have to turn to your pharmacy first—nature offers a wealth of gentle, effective herbal remedies to help you stay well during the cooler months.

At The Herbal Connection, we believe in empowering our community to take wellness into their own hands using high-quality, organic herbs and botanicals. Whether you’re new to herbal DIY or a seasoned home herbalist, this guide will walk you through how to make simple, natural salves and syrups to support your body during winter.

❄️ Why Herbal Remedies in Winter?

Winter is a time when our immune systems are more taxed, skin dries out from indoor heating, and our bodies crave warmth and nourishment. Herbal remedies work in harmony with the body, offering support for common ailments like coughs, colds, dry skin, and low energy without harsh chemicals or synthetic additives.

DIY herbal care is:

• Accessible and affordable with bulk herbs

• Customisable to your needs

• Empowering and nurturing—a form of self-care

Let’s dive into a few of our favourite herbal preparations.

? DIY Winter Wellness Salve

This herbal salve is perfect for dry skin, cracked heels, windburned cheeks, and even sore muscles. It’s made with deeply nourishing oils and healing herbs like calendula and comfrey, which help repair the skin and reduce inflammation.

? Ingredients:

• 15g dried Calendula petals

• 10g dried Comfrey leaf

• 100ml olive oil or sweet almond oil

• 10g beeswax pastilles

• Optional: a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil

? Instructions:

1. Infuse your oil: Place dried herbs in a heatproof jar or bowl. Warm your oil gently in a double boiler and pour over the herbs. Let it infuse on low heat for 1–2 hours or infuse for 4–6 weeks in a sunny windowsill for a cold-infusion method.

2. Strain: Use cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to remove the herbs.

3. Melt beeswax: In a clean double boiler, melt beeswax into the infused oil until fully dissolved.

4. Pour into jars: Carefully pour the warm mixture into small sterilised jars or tins. Let cool and label.

? Use as needed for dry skin, minor cuts, or as a chest rub with eucalyptus oil for stuffy sinuses.

? DIY Elderberry Syrup for Immunity

One of the most beloved winter remedies, elderberry syrup is known for its antiviral properties and ability to shorten the duration of colds and flus. Add in warming herbs like ginger and cinnamon, and you’ve got a powerhouse winter tonic.

? Ingredients:

• 40g dried Elderberries

• 1 tbsp dried Ginger root

• 1 tsp Cinnamon chips

• 500ml water

• 150ml raw honey

? Instructions:

1. Simmer herbs: In a saucepan, combine elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and water. Simmer gently for 30–40 minutes until reduced by about half.

2. Strain: Press through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to extract all the liquid.

3. Sweeten: Let the mixture cool slightly, then stir in honey.

4. Store: Pour into a sterilised glass jar or bottle and refrigerate. Use within 2–3 months.

? Take 1 teaspoon daily for general support, or every 3–4 hours during the onset of a cold.

? Shop Elderberries

? DIY Herbal Steam for Congestion

A simple steam with the right herbs can clear sinuses, soothe sore throats, and ease winter tension.

? Suggested herbs:

• Peppermint

• Eucalyptus

• Thyme

• Lavender

? How to steam:

1. Place a tablespoon of your chosen herbs into a heatproof bowl.

2. Pour boiling water over the herbs.

3. Drape a towel over your head and breathe deeply for 5–10 minutes.

? Great before bed or first thing in the morning when sinuses feel tight.

? Shop Herbal Steam Herb

? Bonus: Cold & Flu Tea Blend

A simple, nourishing tea to keep in your winter rotation.

Blend:

• 1 part Elderflower

• 1 part Yarrow

• 1 part Peppermint

• Optional: Lemon balm or Ginger

Steep 1 tsp in hot water for 10 minutes. Sip 2–3 times daily during cold symptoms.

? Browse Bulk Tea Ingredients

? Why Choose The Herbal Connection for Your DIY Remedies?

We’re proud to support our customers and herbal businesses with:

• Organic and wildcrafted ingredients

• No minimums on custom blends

• Sustainable packaging

• Fast, friendly service from our Gold Coast HQ

From beginners to experienced herbalists, we’re here to help you stock your herbal medicine cabinet naturally.

? Final Thoughts

Caring for yourself during winter doesn’t have to mean over-the-counter medications and chemical-laden treatments. With a few simple ingredients and some guidance, you can create natural herbal remedies that support your body, soothe discomfort, and help you feel empowered in your own wellness journey.

Let us help you get started—explore our full range of herbs, spices, and botanicals here.