6 herbal remedies to boost your immune system as flu season kicks in

As the temperature drops and the nights get darker increasingly earlier, it becomes increasingly clear that it’s that time of year – time to break out the scarves and boots, invest in hot chocolate and soup, and dig out the heaters. In other words, as the overused quote from Game of Thrones goes, winter is coming, meaning it's also time to restock your over-the-counter cold medicine because flu season has arrived.

But maybe this year you’re not so keen on the de rigueur drowsiness that comes with cold and flu meds, or the sugary aftertaste of effervescent vitamin C tablets. If so, consider the power of plants to up your immunity and help you ward off infections.

Yep, this is how to build a cold/flu season first aid kit with herbs.

Remedies made from herbs and plants are full of powerful allies for your health and immunity, explains Sarah Corbett, a clinical herbalist at US apothecary Rowan and Sage – and science is starting to agree: “Research is beginning to confirm the efficacy of folk medicines people have been using for hundreds of years,” says Corbett.

Here are six easy herbal medicines you can add to your medicine cabinet (or fridge, as it may be) for a prevention booster, or as a healing aid.

(But first, get the power combo: herbs may give your immune system a little boost but nothing says wellness booster like the flu shot. Each year the flu shot is updated to help better fight viruses going around, because yes, the virus gets stronger – and so should you. Get your flu shot.)