As the long summer days drenched in sunlight transition into the earthy tones of fall, we are welcomed by the beauty of the autumnal equinox—a time of balance, reflection, and gratitude for the harvest. This season encourages us to embrace cozy candlelit evenings and indulge in the rich flavors of autumn. However, it also brings a shift in weather, often resulting in cooler temperatures, drier air, and a greater risk of seasonal illnesses as our bodies adapt to these changes.
Herbal remedies have long been recognized for their immune system-supporting properties, helping support our bodies through the seasonal ailments that can accompany this time of year. As the days grow shorter and holiday festivities and social gatherings start filling your calendar, we also find ourselves navigating the temptation of more frequent alcoholic beverages. Coupled with the chill in the air, sugary holiday cocktails can leave us feeling run down, dry out our skin, and increase our chances of calling in sick on Monday morning. By incorporating herbal tinctures and powders into mocktails, we can invigorate our health, enhance our immune function, and make the most of this enchanting season—all without the need for pimple patches or depleting our PTO bank with sick leave.
Find Releaf™ with Elderberry
Welcoming the first chill in the air usually comes with welcoming the beginning of what can be a long season of colds and sniffles. Thankfully, we can lean on our immune system-supporting herb and mineral allies such as elderberry, nettle leaf and zinc.
Elderberry supports us when we are feeling sick and depleted by enhancing the body’s natural immune response1. Elderberry is one of the lead ingredients in Releaf™, which renews and rejuvenates the metabolic and immune systems, especially during those cool and crisp fall and winter months.
Immunity of Your Wildest Greens™
Nettle leaf is a powerful, nutritive herb that contains vitamins and minerals essential to helping the body stay healthy during the autumnal season. Vitamins C, K and B12 and minerals iron, magnesium and calcium are all found in nettles. Zinc, another essential mineral, plays a crucial role in the body’s defense mechanisms. It helps regulate immune cell activity and is necessary for wound healing and DNA synthesis. Research shows that adequate zinc levels are important for maintaining a well-functioning immune response, especially during times of increased stress or illness3. Our signature formula, Your Wildest Greens™ is packed with nettles and zinc to help keep you healthy and able to enjoy the season's transition, instead of feeling tired, run down and dreading the season ahead.
The Honest Youth™ of the Season
As the season shifts, the cooler air and lower humidity levels can wreak havoc on our skin. Along with the increase of holiday festivities and parties where you may be more likely to indulge in homemade treats or themed cocktails, these factors can contribute to skin that's left feeling dry, dull, and lifeless. Enter The Honest Youth™, a skincare solution that harnesses the hydrating power of tremella mushrooms. These incredible fungi act like a natural form of hyaluronic acid, effectively locking in moisture and revitalizing dry skin4. By incorporating The Honest Youth™ into your daily regimen, you can restore your skin's glow and vitality, ensuring you feel confident in your skin throughout the season.
Functional Mushroom Mocktails with Mindcraft™
Sugary cocktails and warm spiked drinks may initially seem like a comforting choice when the first leaves fall and we are spending more time gathering indoors, but the effects can leave us feeling dehydrated, fatigued, and more susceptible to seasonal ailments. Instead, we can embrace herbal mocktails as a substitute that not only captures the essence of autumn but also supports our well-being.
Try substituting your hot toddy with a mocktail infused with warming spices and immune system supporting herbs like cordyceps and lion’s mane mushrooms, which are rich in essential minerals and macronutrients to help keep your immune system strong.
You’ll find these fantastic fungi in our newest release, Mindcraft™, designed to support longevity, cognition and focus. Mindcraft™ is the perfect addition to your warmed apple cider, garnished with a cinnamon stick. This vibrant elixir provides a nourishing alternative to a traditional alcoholic staple, allowing us to enjoy social gatherings with a festive drink, without compromising our health.
Conclusion
As we embrace the beauty and balance of the fall equinox, integrating herbs and mindful practices into our routines can enhance our well-being throughout the season. By supporting our immune health with elderberry, nettles, zinc, mushrooms, and adding in nourishing skincare products, we can thrive in the cooler months. It’s time to savor the flavors of fall with an herbal mocktail and enjoy a vibrant, health-focused transition into the new season ahead.
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27023596/ (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27023596/)
- https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/110/table-of-contents/hg110-herbpro-stingingnettle/ (https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/110/table-of-contents/hg110-herbpro-stingingnettle/)
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9775844/ (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9775844/)
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20587384211000541 (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20587384211000541)