Stay Well This Winter, Naturally

'Tis the season when the body's immune system is most vulnerable. We asked two local herbalists for tips on staying healthy this winter.

A number of herbs boost immunity, says Lily Kunning, owner of Boline Apothecary in Clintonville, and one of the best ways to reap their benefits is by incorporating them into your diet. "I chose herbalism because it's readily accepted by the body because it's a food source," she says. Kunning makes homemade, herb-packed lentil soup with mushrooms, garlic, thyme and rosemary. "A lot of these herbs grow well here, so you can keep a patch of it to keep you going through the winter," she says.

Another delicious way to stay healthy is by drinking tea. "People will tell me, 'I only drink tea when I'm sick.' I'm like, 'Drink it before you get sick,'" says Maureen Burns-Hooker of Athens-based The Herbal Sage Tea Co. She recommends herbal blends, like her Family Health Tea with elderberry or Ginger Hibiscus. "The ginger's warming, and the hibiscus is high in vitamin C," she says. Find Herbal Sage Tea locally at Clintonville Community Market, Celebrate Local, Firefly Play Cafe, the Ohio Herb Education Center, Whole Foods Dublin and Wolf's Ridge Brewing. bolineapothecary.com, herbalsage.com

Bonus!

DIYers can make their own natural remedies at Boline Apothecary's Winter Wellness in a Jar class, Dec. 10. For $35, you'll make your own elderberry elixir, throat lozenges, dry-hand salve and lip balm, packaged together in a Mason jar. Or stop by the shop to purchase a ready-made jar for $28.