Everyone gets sick during the Winter months. Using herbal remedies to boost the immune system will help keep you healthy in this chilly weather. Once you get sick there are also herbs that speed up recovery and give relief from your symptoms. Here are a few herbal remedies and herbs perfect for the winter months.

Garlic can be used to fight bacteria, such as streptococci, clear chest congestion, reduce fevers and speed the healing of wounds. It is best eaten raw because cooking takes away its potency. Garlic, if not eaten raw, is available in pill and liquid form. Use it as a poultice (garlic and oil) and apply to scratches and minor wounds to make them heal faster. Take or eat some garlic if you feel sick or might be coming down with something. It will help your body fight off bacteria and viruses before they have a chance to spread. Garlic is used in many other herbal remedies. You might want to keep some (in pill form or raw) on hand at all times.

Home remedies are making a comeback. A couple of generations ago there was very little medicine. Knowledge of herbs, vegetables, fruits and berries was necessary to treat sickness. There were cures for coughing, mustard packs for chest congestion, and teas for fever and stomachaches. Food was both nutritious and a medicine, some to prevent and some to cure and people today are finding their way back to natural remedies.

Pioneers looked to their fields, woods, and garden for their medicine. We all know that apples keep the doctor away and cranberries are good for the urinary tract. Chicken soup soothes colds and vinegar cleanses the body. Many of our medicines today are versions of old-time remedies.

Ginger-ale and Coca-Cola were originally used as medicine. Digitoxin which is used to treat some cardiac conditions originated from the foxglove plant, morphine comes from the opium poppy, and quinine comes from the bark of the cinchona tree.

If you have an ailment, like cramps or stress, don't turn to your medicine cabinet just yet. Try drinking an herbal tea first. Some ailments can be relieved with a simple cup of herbal tea.

For cramps and crankiness, something women can definitely identify with, try a tea made with spearmint, lemon balm, raspberry leaf and nettle. This type of tea can actually relieve the irritability and cramps that often accompany menstruation. One to two cups daily in the week before and the week during your period should help.

To relieve bloating, try ginger or peppermint tea. One to two cups can relieve the puffiness you're feeling and even help settle a stomach.

Women may be interested in taking motherwort tea. This tea helps with anxiety and relieves premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. Motherwort also promotes the health of the uterus after childbirth.