As the seasons shift, so does our health. The crisp mornings and cooler nights of autumn and winter are beautiful, but they also sneak in with sniffles, sore throats, and that first cold that makes the whole house feel heavy. At My Neighbor’s, we believe staying well starts not just with what you put on your skin but also with how you nourish and tend to your body from the inside out. These are some time-tested, neighbor-approved ways I lean on to get through the weather changes.

Building Your Foundation

Good health starts long before the first sneeze. A balanced diet, rest, and water are the strongest defense. Seasonal produce like apples, beets, squashes, and brassicas carry immune-supportive vitamins A, C, and K. They aren’t glamorous, but they are steady, everyday tools that help keep your body from tipping into exhaustion.

Herbal and Traditional Remedies

People have been turning to plants and fermentation for centuries to keep sickness at bay. None of these are miracle shields, but they do help your body find its balance.

Elderberry syrup or cordial is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. It won’t cure everything, but it may shorten the length of a cold and take the edge off.

Fermented foods like sauerkraut, miso, and kefir (my friend Lizzy swears by them) keep your gut microbiome thriving. And since your gut is your frontline defense, that resilience shows up everywhere else too.

Local honey is a quiet healer. A spoonful soothes a sore throat, and when it’s raw and local, it can help your body adapt to seasonal pollen shifts. If you can get your hands on manuka honey, it’s worth trying.

Simple Daily Habits

Sometimes the best medicine is the simple stuff.

Warm teas with ginger, lemon, and honey to keep things moving and calm inflammation.

Bone broth that feels like a hug from the inside. My daughter actually asks for it now, which makes me smile every time.

Saltwater gargles when your throat is raw.

Layers against the wind, especially around your neck and chest, because that’s where the chill sneaks in.

Sleep, which I know is impossible sometimes. I’m so pregnant right now that I hardly get any, but when I do, the difference is undeniable. One solid night and I feel like I’ve been given back a piece of myself.

Community Care

Illness has this way of reminding us we’re not in it alone. Sharing a jar of homemade broth with a neighbor, swapping remedies, or checking in on someone who looks worn down can mean more than we realize. My friend Triona makes broth that feels like medicine in a mug, and I keep meaning to get her recipe to share with you all. Staying well isn’t just about one body, it’s about how we care for each other.

A Neighborly Reminder

Natural remedies are gentle guides, not guarantees. Listen to your body. What works for me might not work for you, and if something feels off or lingers too long, that’s the time to see a doctor. But in the rhythm of everyday life, these small acts of care matter. They carry us through the rough patches and remind us to pause, to rest, to nourish, and to lean on our community.

So as the weather turns, let’s eat what’s in season, take the extra nap, and remember to check in on our neighbors. That’s what keeps us all strong, one season to the next.