Défenses naturelles, notre top des plantes et actifs pour l’hiver

Natural defenses, our top plants and active ingredients for winter

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Winter is a season when our vitality is particularly challenged. And for good reason: temperature changes, reduced sunlight, lack of oxygenation (with the cold we go out and ventilate less), and often richer food (not to mention the holidays!), tend to throw us off balance.

For a peaceful winter, you can choose from traditional plants and targeted active ingredients that have become seasonal essentials. They support our immunity, and combined with a few simple tips, you can create a personalized wellness program for a serene winter!

Lifestyle

1. As you've probably gathered, to maintain balance, we try not to eat too much rich food on a daily basis. We focus instead on seasonal fruits and vegetables, and even in winter there's plenty of choice: butternut squash, cabbage, carrots, celery, mushrooms, leeks… Prepare them in soups (ideal after a festive meal), braised, or steamed, while also including some raw vegetables for vitality. For fruit, consider homemade compotes, baked apples (without sugar!) sprinkled with cinnamon or vanilla, but it's also important to eat some raw (why not in a smoothie?) for vitamins. In general, favor minimally processed foods: whole grains, virgin oils, fresh eggs and fish, and raw milk cheeses like goat cheese…

2. Consider herbal teas and infusions, varying the plants (lemon, thyme, rosemary, ginger, eucalyptus…) to warm and soothe, which can be enriched with good quality honey.

3. Even in winter, we try to go out regularly , to a park or in nature, to get fresh air, to revitalize ourselves, but also to capture natural daylight, which is very important for overall balance.

4. With the less pleasant weather, it's true that we don't really feel like leaving the house, but even if the season encourages us to slow down, we recommend maintaining some physical activity, even if it's gentler . Pilates, yoga, walking in nature—it doesn't matter as long as it suits you and you feel good doing it.

5. To revitalize our living spaces, we can also rely on essential oils , diffused for example, to cleanse and purify the atmosphere. Why not sweet orange, with its delightful scent, or eucalyptus radiata, which is one of the top choices for winter! (Essential oils have many contraindications; be sure to check the usage and precautions of the brand you choose).

6. To further protect our defenses, we must also be mindful of the effects of stress, as it weakens us as well. It's not always easy in our busy lives, but try to schedule activities each day that clear your mind and promote relaxation: sports, walks in nature, reading, a hot bath, meditation, time with friends…

7. Moreover, winter is a season that invites us to slow down , and with shorter days, we feel drawn to go to bed earlier. Following this inclination is highly beneficial, because with a proper night's sleep, the body relaxes deeply, repairs itself, regenerates, and replenishes its energy reserves.

Top plants and active ingredients to boost your natural defenses


Plants and active ingredients: the winter's best.

They can be found in food supplements ; for a course of treatment, you choose only one plant/or food supplement at a time!

On the plant side, the undisputed queen of winter remains the echinacea ; this pretty pink flower helps us fight against the cold, and every year we can count on it to accompany us.

Of course, we can't overlook vitamin C , the queen of vitamins. A powerful antioxidant, it helps support our immune system and fight fatigue—valuable properties during the colder months. It's found in our winter fruits: kiwi, papaya, pineapple… and of course, citrus fruits. Acerola and sea buckthorn are particularly rich in it and are often found in the formulas of dietary supplements designed to boost the immune system.

And speaking of citrus fruits, one of the most sought-after ingredients is grapefruit seed extract , yet another must-have for peak vitality. This ingredient, discovered in the 1980s, has now become nothing less than a staple to always have in your natural skincare kit!

Another nutrient that supports us through winter is vitamin D3 . Long thought to be primarily associated with bone health, we now know it also contributes to the proper functioning of our immune system. Ideally, it should be obtained through sun exposure, and our bodies are indeed able to store it during sunny days. However, it's very common for these reserves to be insufficient, so supplementation can be very beneficial during this period.

Another option is apitherapy, or "treatment by bees." Honey , more than just a treat, is a true balm of soothing relief for the respiratory system. Propolis acts as a "shield" for the hive against pests, and what it does for bees, it does for humans! As for royal jelly , the queen's fortifying food, it's the hive's "superfood." It's worth noting that at a time when we're discussing bee conservation, choosing organic apitherapy, respectful of both bees and the environment, makes perfect sense.

It's less talked about, but colloidal silver , especially if you choose a 100% natural version, is antimicrobial and antibacterial, cleansing, sanitizing, and soothing (for external use only). Very practical in a spray bottle, it can be used to purify the skin, the mouth, hands, and surfaces; you can even spray it in the air. It has the advantage of being discreet because its odor is completely neutral. It, too, deserves to be kept close at hand!

Key takeaways

Winter is a season that invites us to slow down and refocus. It's a time for pause that we can transform into a moment for ourselves. So, if this resonates with you, don't hesitate to adapt to its rhythm and take advantage of it to relax, snuggle up warm with a hot water bottle (ideal for comfort, relaxation, and for the cold and… liver!) with a good herbal tea. Aligning yourself with the seasons is also a great secret to vitality.

Dietary supplements

For external use

*This advice is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are ill, undergoing treatment, pregnant, breastfeeding, or a child, consult a healthcare professional. Check the instructions and contraindications of any dietary supplements, herbs, essential oils, or skincare products you wish to use. If you plan to combine several dietary supplements, herbs, or active ingredients, seek information first.