The change of season definitely means a change in the daily needs of your organism. Changes in your environment like weather, temperature, and amount of daylight will affect your system, in ways that are obvious and not so apparent. It is logical, if you consider that the human being is the only organism living in all kinds of environments on Earth, from Africa to the North Pole. He is everywhere.

In the COVID era, a small ache or cough or light fever may cause panic. Don’t worry. It make sense that you should experience them, but don’t overreact. This is a tough situation, but you must always listen to “what your body says to you.”

Have you been overworking after a break? Did you wear a mask for a long time? Have you been stressed or depressed for some reason? Do you have a healthy diet?

Regarding diet, start with your daily beverages. Replace some coffees with herbal teas at home. Remember that always preparing your own food is worth the time and can be good for your budget. Try to find a good ‘herb provider’ for bigger quantities at a lower price. Empty a small space in your kitchen, a shelf or a drawer, and define a budget. Replace the budget for a new sweater with this space in your kitchen. You do not need to find fancy expensive herbs, just try to find as many organic substances as you can. Herbicides and herbal teas are not a good combination.

Start with the basics: chamomile, mountain tea (or something similar like linden or local ‘tea for coughs’), sage, rosemary, mint, thyme, marjoram and oregano. You can use all these in a mix of your preference and even in your cooking. ‘Invest’ in a good honey rich in aroma (meaning rich in volatile substances boosting your immune system). Tincture of bee propolis may be a little expensive but remember that you will use just a few (5-10) drops daily. All the above can support a system adjusting to environmental changes and small fall colds.

Some delicious and helpful recipes follow (in 1/2 litre of water=2-3 cups). For coughs: 2 tbsp of chamomile or linden, ½ tbsp of rosemary, 1 tbsp of mint, ½ tbsp thyme, 1-2 teasp of honey, 4 drops of propolis. For stomach ache: 2 tbsp of marjoram, ½ oregano, 1 teasp of honey. For stuffed nose: 2 tbsp of mint, 1 tbsp of thyme. If you find the taste too strong or too light try to raise the quantities or the opposite, in these formulas. And remember: Do not stress, and enjoy tea!

* The above is not medical advice but mere suggestions for improving your diet. Before reach herbal use you should consult your doctor, especially those who have health issues, are pregnant or are under the age of 6.

Evropi-Sofia Dalampira is an Agriculturist-MSc Botany-Biology and PhD Candidate in Agricultural-Environmental Education and Science Communication