Get Ready for Winter: Essential Preparations You Can Start Now

Summer is behind us, or so we hope, and with the fall comes not only refreshing cool breezes but also the risk of colds and viruses. Here are five essentials to stock up on for your home and pantry as winter approaches, and how they can benefit you from the get-go.

Vitamins

Don't underestimate the power of off-the-shelf vitamins to boost your immune system. While nothing beats healthy eating, taking the right doses of vitamins can certainly help. Consult with a naturopathic expert, especially if you're on certain medications. The top vitamin to consider as fall and winter roll in is, of course, Vitamin C. It's best taken daily to help strengthen your immune system, and you can increase the dose if you catch a viral infection or cold. Not a fan of swallowing pills? These days, chewable vitamins come in a variety of forms and sizes. Start taking Vitamin C now, and don't wait for the first rain.

Honey

Not just for Rosh Hashanah—honey is a wonder food and a superfood that’s important to keep in your pantry year-round. In winter, you can add it to tea or take a teaspoon by itself every few hours. For a severe cough, try pouring honey over sliced onion in a jar, letting it sit for a few hours to let the onion's juices mix with the honey. Then, take a teaspoon of the liquid several times a day. Mixing honey with lemon or even olive oil can also soothe a sore throat.

Herbal Teas

Aside from their great taste, various herbal teas can also alleviate pesky symptoms of fall and winter colds. Quality blends are available at natural food stores, some pre-bagged and boxed, others sold as leaf and fruit mixtures. Options include melissa tea, fennel tea, chamomile, mint, and teas featuring various other plants. Check the package for each tea's specific uses, or ask for recommendations at a natural food store. These teas warm your body, and their pleasant aroma can help clear your airways and ease colds.

Legumes and Spices

While a good diet is important year-round, it's especially crucial in winter. Help your body combat illnesses and viruses by adding orange vegetables and warming spices like cinnamon and turmeric to your daily menu now. Cook different legumes at least twice a week and incorporate them into various dishes. Here's a handy tip: cook a batch of legumes like brown lentils and freeze them. Add a handful straight into soup or stew as you cook.

Citrus Fruits

Arriving just in time—like everything else in Hashem's world—are citrus fruits. Loaded with Vitamin C, consuming them in good amounts as winter approaches and during it will significantly boost your body and immune system. Try to eat citrus fruits whole, but every so often treat yourself to freshly squeezed orange juice or a tasty lemonade. Adding a slice of lemon or orange to a cup of hot water can make a healthful brew when you add a bit of honey, cinnamon, and a piece of ginger. Give it a try.