As we let go of the summer rush and transition into the slower pace of fall, it's the perfect time to nurture our well-being. By focusing on balance and warmth, we can ease into this beautiful season with grace. Here are some simple, helpful ways to keep your body healthy and your heart happy as the weather cools.

Set the Mood

Essential oils can be powerful allies during these transitional months. Pure essential oils of clove, lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, and rosemary have natural antimicrobial properties that can help alleviate symptoms or even keep germs at bay. Try diffusing these oils in your home to purify the air or help clear your head after an illness. Not only will your space smell great, but you may find it helps you breathe easier, too.

Feed Your Soul

As we head into cold and flu season, eating well becomes even more important. Proper nutrition helps fend off illness that may be creeping in as schools back in session and we are all spending more time indoors. A visit to your local farmer’s market is a great way to load up on fresh, organic produce, and it’s the perfect time to stock your pantry with healthy preserves—or even finding time make your own!

For jam-making, I always turn to Pomona's recipes. Two of my holiday favorites for gift-giving are Blueberry Lavender and Blackberry Bourbon jams—both are always a hit! Another year-round staple in my pantry is homemade granola. For a perfectly crunchy batch, I swear by the recipe from Oh She Glows—it never fails!

Follow the below links to recipes from Oh She Glows + Pomona:

Jam - Pomona's Universal Pectin - Sugar Free No Preservatives 

My Favourite Homemade Granola (to date!) – Oh She Glows

Autumn Recipes for Health

Boosting your immune system with Vitamin C is key this time of year. Here are a couple of simple, tried-and-true recipes to keep you and your loved ones feeling your tip top.

Fire Cider

Fire cider is a traditional cold and flu remedy that’s easy to make and adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand. It’s a fun kitchen project, perfect for a quiet evening or as a group activity with friends.

Ingredients:

• Lemons
• Horseradish
• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary
• Chili peppers
• Peppercorns
• Oranges (and any other immune-boosting herbs or roots!)

How to make it:

1. Fill a 1-liter mason jar with a combination of these ingredients.
2. Pour raw apple cider vinegar over the ingredients until everything is fully submerged.
3. Seal the jar and let the mixture steep on your counter for 4-6 weeks, shaking the jar weekly to mix the ingredients.
4. Once the fire cider has steeped, strain out the solids and add local honey to taste.

You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture smells potent and tangy, and the ingredients inside have softened. Take a shot daily to boost your immunity, or mix it with warm water for a cozy, health-boosting drink.

Lemon-Infused Honey

Infusing honey with lemon is a delicious way to capture the healing benefits of lemons and enjoy them all winter long. This lemon-infused honey can be drizzled on toast, stirred into tea, or taken by the spoonful to soothe a sore throat.

How to make it:

1. Wash lemons thoroughly, leaving the skin on.
2. Slice lemons into rounds.
3. Start by placing a layer of honey at the bottom of a jar, then add a lemon slice. Keep alternating layers of lemon and honey until the jar is full.
4. Top off with more honey and press the lemons down so they’re submerged.
5. Flip and burp the jar daily (or continue pressing down the lemons) to ensure they stay covered in honey.
6. After 2 weeks, strain the honey and enjoy!

This simple recipe makes for a wonderful, immune-boosting treat that you can savor all season.

By nourishing your body and creating a cozy, inviting space, you can make this fall season a time of health, warmth, and balance. Let’s embrace the slower pace, fill our homes with soothing scents, and give our bodies the care they deserve. Stay well!

-Tam x