Explore how traditional plant remedies can help you feel your best this season

We all know the warning signs of an impending cold- the scratchy throat, flushed cheeks, and drippy nose. They’re the unwelcome hints that your body is in the early stages of fighting off an attack on your immune system.

Whether you're preparing yourself before you get sick, or already feeling under the weather, read below to learn about plants like ginger and garlic and what vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals they can provide your body. We've also highlighted farms on GrownBy selling products with these ingredients, so you can easily stock your pantry this flu season.

Diversify your diet & join a CSA today!

Healthy doesn't have to be boring! Studies show that diverse diets rich in fresh, whole food from the farm can lower the risk of chronic diseases, while adding more color and flavor to your meals.

Ginger

You might be familiar with ginger when it comes to tackling nausea or indigestion. But this golden root can do more than settle an upset stomach; it’s jam-packed with gingerol, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Its abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants makes this herb a popular choice for immune support during the winter months.

The Cold Bomb Tea Mix from Roots From Eden mixes together powerful ingredients like fresh ginger and lemon to help reduce cold and flu symptoms.

Garlic

This bulb vegetable can be eaten raw or cooked, and is often used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When crushed or chopped, it produces a chemical called allicin that provides garlic’s health benefits. While eating raw garlic every day has many benefits, most people are typically turned off by its pungent taste and aroma. Garlic supplements can be a great alternative in that case, but it is important to note that freshly crushed garlic retains the most potent natural compounds.

Check out the Fire Cidar from Messiahs Market for a fresh handmade pick-me-up!

Elderberry

Elderberry supplements have grown in popularity in recent years at grocery stores for their high vitamin C content and antioxidants like anthocyanins. It’s important to note that elderberries should not be consumed fresh. Raw elderberries contain a toxic compound called cyanogenic glycoside that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fresh elderberries are often made into teas or syrups for their wellness properties, but can also be made into jams, pies, or wine for flavor and enjoyment.

. 

The Elderberry Syrup from Millboro and Co. Farm is a homemade product that includes local honey and is high in antioxidants and vitamin A.

K & B Elderberry Acres sells a variety of teas using elderberries and flowers grown on their farm in Ohio

Turmeric

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow-orange root and a relative of ginger. Its primary compound, curcumin, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. While widely used in culinary dishes for its color and spice, turmeric is also a common ingredient in wellness shots, drinks, and supplements, often paired with black pepper to help maximize absorption.

Try out the Golden Milk from Backyard Harvest Co- a plant-based wellness shot that can be enjoyed chilled or warmed.

Mullien

Mullein is a flowering plant most often used to support respiratory wellness. It has expectorant and anti-inflammatory qualities and is commonly enjoyed as a soothing herbal tea made from its leaves or flowers. An expectorant is traditionally used to help clear the airways by supporting the natural process of expelling mucus (think Mucinex). Mullien is gentle enought for you to include in your daily routine.

Wild Child Herbal Remedies sells an Herbal Elderberry Syrup that incorporates several ingredients, including mullein, that address respiratory symptoms.

GrownBy is the fair & farmer-owned marketplace that helps more people eat more local.

GrownBy is the first farmer-owned marketplace that simplifies sourcing seasonal food fresh from the farm. We put the farmers market in your pocket! Find a local farm near you.

GrownBy currently serves the US and Canada and is available on desktop at  www.grownby.com  or on mobile app on  Apple iOS  and  GooglePlay.