When temperatures drop, our bodies are put to the test. That’s when winter illnesses start to appear: colds, flu, sore throats, bronchitis, or stomach bugs settle into our daily lives. Cold weather weakens our natural defenses, viruses spread more easily, and immunity struggles to keep up. Fortunately, there are simple, natural, and effective ways to protect yourself, prevent relapses, and get through winter in good shape. By adopting the right habits and supporting your immune system, it’s possible to stay healthy even in the heart of the cold season.
When the cold sets in, our bodies become more vulnerable. Winter illness is a broad term for common infections during cold seasons, often caused by viruses such as influenza, the common cold, bronchitis, or viral gastroenteritis. These conditions are favored by confined indoor spaces, lack of sunlight, and a weakened immune system.
Respiratory viruses spread more easily in winter, particularly due to dry air that dries out mucous membranes, making them more permeable to infection. Among the most common viruses are the flu virus (Influenza), rhinovirus (responsible for colds), and coronaviruses (excluding SARS-CoV-2). The main season spans from October to March, during which our immune defenses are under significant pressure.
Those most affected include children, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and people with chronic illnesses. Recognizing the early signs of a seasonal infection helps to react quickly and avoid complications.
Preventing winter illness starts with strengthening the immune system using natural solutions. Medicinal plants like echinacea, ginseng, acerola (a natural source of vitamin C), or black elderberry are known to stimulate immunity.
Food supplements rich in vitamins D, C, zinc, and probiotics also play a key role in preventing seasonal infections. A balanced diet, full of seasonal vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and fiber, supports immune function.
Other essential habits:
These solutions are especially useful from the first chills, to stop infection from taking hold.
Once a winter infection takes hold, the goal is to relieve symptoms and support the body’s recovery. For colds or flu, combining rest, proper hydration, and herbal teas (thyme, ginger, sage, chamomile) can ease sore throats, headaches, and body aches.
Homeopathy also offers targeted support, such as Oscillococcinum, Gelsemium sempervirens, or Belladonna, depending on symptoms. For chesty coughs, natural syrups with ivy, marshmallow root, or plantain are effective. For nasal congestion, seawater-based sprays with essential oils (peppermint, eucalyptus) can help clear the airways.
Aromatherapy provides powerful synergies in cases of bronchitis or ENT infections, whether used in massages or diffusion. If symptoms worsen or persist after a few days, a medical consultation is essential.
What are the first signs of a winter illness?
The most common symptoms include sudden fatigue, runny nose, dry or productive cough, low to moderate fever, sore throat, chills, and sometimes digestive upset (in the case of gastroenteritis). Symptoms vary depending on the virus involved.
What’s the difference between a cold and the flu?
A cold appears gradually, with nasal congestion, sneezing, and a mild sore throat. The flu strikes suddenly, with high fever, severe body aches, and extreme fatigue. It also tends to last longer and can lead to complications.
How can I naturally strengthen my immunity before winter?
We recommend taking vitamin D, adaptogenic plants (like ginseng, rhodiola), and probiotics. A diet rich in antioxidants (berries, leafy greens, turmeric, garlic), stress management, and quality sleep are all crucial.
Are essential oils effective for prevention?
Some oils are known for their antiviral and immune-boosting effects, such as ravintsara, niaouli, thyme thujanol, or laurel leaf. They can support the body during epidemic periods when used in diffusion or diluted massage.
Do I need to see a doctor for every winter infection?
Not always. A mild cold or uncomplicated flu can be managed at home with natural remedies and rest. However, if symptoms persist beyond 4 or 5 days, worsen, or if the person is at risk, medical advice is recommended.
Can I catch multiple winter illnesses in one season?
Yes. Multiple different viruses circulate during the winter. It’s common to experience a cold, then a stomach bug or a throat infection, especially if your immune system remains weakened after the first illness.
Why do children get sick more often in winter?
Their immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to viruses. In addition, collective environments like nurseries and schools increase exposure and transmission.
Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium, can be particularly severe in infants and young children. In addition to standard antibiotic treatments, there are a number of natural remedies that can be used to treat this disease. Medicinal plants and essential oils offer alternatives for relieving symptoms and boosting … Read more
The immune system helps maintain the integrity of the organism by excluding foreign constituents. Immunity is the ability of an organism to defend itself against any aggression from the external environment (bacteria, virus, fungus, antigen). In autumn and winter, immunity weakens leaving the field free for any type of virus spreading like wildfire, thus becoming a major public health … Read more
Herbal teas are made by macerating, digesting, decocting or infusing plant material in hot or cold water. To extract all the necessary virtues, fresh or dried flowers, stems, leaves or roots can be used. Chamomile, cinnamon, ginger, verbena or even CBD… There are many plants and plant extracts available to create these delicious drinks with … Read more
Colds, flu, allergies… Winter is synonymous with a variety of discomforts. To stay in shape during this season, there are some effective vitamins available. The best of these are vitamins C, B and D, which should be taken daily to look after your body. Focus on vitamins C, B and D, sources of numerous benefits … Read more
It can be difficult to approach a new season. Especially when the seasonal transition involves winter. All winter conditions contribute to weakening your body. As winter approaches, your body begins to feel the effects of the change of season. Your metabolism tends to slow down. The cold and windy winter weather causes the body to … Read more
“Saro” is an English abbreviation of Mandravasarotra, which means“he who destroys evil or overcomes all trials” in Malagasy. It is also found in Madagascar under the name of ” fanalamangidy “. Saro essential oil, extracted from an ancient plant, is attracting growing interest in the world of phytotherapy and aromatherapy. This oil, with its many … Read more
Acutelaryngitis and tracheitis, characterised by rapid bouts of dry coughing, are common ailments that affect many people every year. In our search for effective, natural solutions, homeopathy offers a promising alternative. This gentle treatment, derived from natural sources, is renowned for its holistic approach to health, targeting not only the symptoms but also the underlying … Read more
Angina is an acute or sub-acute inflammation of the oropharynx, which may affect both tonsils or just one of them, and extend to the uvula, the pillars, the soft palate and the posterior wall of the pharynx. In the vast majority of cases, treatment is effective for these conditions, which may be the gateway to … Read more
The sinusitis acute is an inflammation of the sinuses , or not reaching the periosteum, with soon suppurative process . They are observed most of the time during the evolution of untreated acute coryzas, of which they represent a painful complication. Symptomatic medications Before the suppurative stage: As soon as the first symptoms of acute coryza appear, the patient reports pain at the … Read more
Acute bronchitis is a localized or diffuse inflammation of the bronchi . The most common cause is infectious: viral or bacterial . There is no radiologically detectable anomaly. When these appear, it is because the inflammatory process reaches the pulmonary alveoli. Clinically, acute bronchitis is manifested by a more or less intense febrile syndrome, accompanied by cough. The evolution can be … Read more
The cold and the microbes of winter put your immune system to the test. Colds, sore throats, nasopharyngitis, flu… there are many ailments that the body has to contend with. To boost your immune defences, your pharmacy can advise you on the best use of natural medicines. Phytotherapy (health through plants) has specific applications that … Read more
“A bitter remedy always has a salutary effect”. Did you know that grapefruit seed extract ,also known asGSE ,has a broad spectrum of action? Yes , it’s a100% natural , antibacterialremedy . However, in the case of digestive mycoses, bacterial and respiratory infections, or allergies, using this medicine is a wonderful idea to help the … Read more
Influenza is a contagious viral disease caused by the myxovirus influenzae, of which there are three known types: A, B, C and several subtypes. Although this virus confers immunity through the secretion of antibodies against the envelope antigen, the same individual may develop influenza-like illness several times in his or her life. This virus is … Read more
Hoarseness and aphonia are vocal problems that can disrupt our daily lives. These conditions, often caused by infections, allergies, stress or vocal overwork, can lead to an altered voice, making communication difficult. This article looks at these common vocal problems and explores homeopathic treatments that offer effective and appropriate solutions. We’ll start by looking at … Read more
Whatever the recurrent ailments envisaged, the homeopathic method requires reference to the concepts of chronic reaction modes. Observing the evolution of recurrent disease helps highlight reaction psoric symptoms and the reaction Sycotic symptoms . Psoric reaction symptoms These symptoms are defined by episodes involving the ENT sphere spread out over time in the same patient or in members of his lineage, in fact including … Read more
ENT sphere and ear infections The ear infection is inflammation and / or infection of the middle ear or the ear canal by a bacterium or a fungus. In fact, there are many forms of ear infections, depending on their causes and symptoms. In some cases, it may require surgery. We can distinguish otitis : Medium (acute, serous or chronic) … Read more
There are many food supplements available to help you in your daily life. Widely available and relatively inexpensive, they are often used in complementary and alternative therapies. Capsules, capsules, tablets, ampoules, lozenges, sachets of powder or liquid preparations… you can find these supplements in many different forms and compositions. These natural active ingredients have highly … Read more
Cleansing the nose should be as much a part of our daily routine as any other act of bodily hygiene. But few of us actually do it. Too restrictive? A cultural barrier? Or a question of habit? Nasal hygiene, which is mainly practised by infants, is a simple gesture with numerous benefits. It prevents and … Read more
Sore throat manifests itself as a sore throat when swallowing, with a burning or tingling sensation. The cause is often infectious (angina, rhinopharyngitis), but throat irritation can also be caused by excessively dry air, inhalation of tobacco smoke dust, incorrect use of the voice or the passage of an unusual object (fish bone, for example). … Read more
Winter is here, and with it comes a whole host of little ailments: colds, flu, sore throats… Mostly harmless, but very tiring . Readabout the appropriateherbal remedies on the blog of your online organic pharmacy. Winter and a weakened immune system What is the immune system? The immune system is a sophisticated biological network responsible … Read more