Winter Wellness: 15 Natural Remedies and DIY Beauty Recipes

Winter can be a beautiful season for connecting with loved ones, but also cozying up at home, making time for restoration and quiet reflection on your life.

Sadly, these cold and dark months also challenge your body to adapt to the seasonal changes. With viruses all around, you may find yourself sniffing and sneezing, even if you’re trying to strengthen your immunity. The harsh winds outside combined with indoor heating will make you skin dry, while the lack of sunlight can make you feel sluggish and down. What’s more, the chilly weather can increase tension in your muscles and worsen your aching joints.

That’s why we’re upping our winter wellness game today, with 15 natural remedies and DIY beauty recipes that’ll help you take good care of your body and mind this season.

Important Note: This information is for informational purposes only, and cannot replace a consult with a medical professional.

The natural remedies below are shared to soothe everyday minor ailments like congestion, sore muscles or indigestion from overeating at Christmas. If you have any doubt about whether your symptoms could be signs of something more serious, always contact your doctor.

More so, “natural” does not necessarily mean “safe”, so please get informed about the proper usage, safe dosage and whether the suggested treatment is right for your specific health condition.

With these precautions in mind, let’s dive into some home remedies for everyday ailments, as well as winter wellness rituals to give yourself some much-needed TLC this season.

This article contains some affiliate links to ressources you may find useful, at no extra costs to you. All opinions are my own. 

Natural Remedies for Winter Ailments

Homemade Chest Rub to Relieve Congestion from My Tiny Laguna Kitchen

During cold season, whip up this natural homemade vapor rub with eucalyptus and peppermint to open up your airways. (Be careful: Menthol-based products are not safe for young children!)

Thyme Cough Syrup from Grow Forage Ferment Cook

Thyme’s properties to relieve coughs, mixed with soothing honey and lemon rich in vitamin C, make this DIY cough syrup a useful remedy to have at hand during the cold winter months.

Herbal Sinus Steam from Simply Living Well

Got a stuffy nose? This steam bath made with dried herbs and essential oils can help you open clogged sinuses.

Sinus Relief Bath Salts from Under a Tin Roof

Mix Epsom salt with dried herbs and essential oils to bring you some respiratory relief during your next bath. (Not suitable for children due to the menthol!)

Ginger Echinacea Herbal Throat Spray from Hello Glow

Soothe your sore throat with this DIY spray. Echinacea has been shown to shorten the duration of common colds, while ginger, thyme and mint are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Juniper Berry Salve from Schisandra and Bergamot

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, this homemade salve helps to moisturize your skin and reduce muscle pain.

Homemade Ginger Chews Against Nausea and Bloating from Detox DIY

Had a big meal? The nutrient-rich ingredients in these ginger chews supper your digestion.

Winter Wellness Rituals 

Winter Spiced Bath Salts from My Tiny Laguna Kitchen

Get warm and cozy with these homemade bath salts, made to relax your body and support good circulation.

Hanging Herbs in the Shower from Harvesting Quality Thyme

Upgrade your daily shower routine with these health-boosting bouquets, for some on-the-go aromatherapy.

Herbal Foot Soak with Cinnamon and Magnesium from The Herbal Academy

There’s nothing like a warming foot soak to relieve tensed muscles and support your blood flow during the cold winter months.

DIY Chai Vanilla Infused Body Oil from My Tiny Laguna Kitchen

Make your own fragrant body oil to moisturize dry winter skin in a natural way.

Rich Honey Hand Balm for Dry Hands from Hello Glow

Wave goodbye to dry, cracked, irritated hands with this homemade honey hand balm.

3-Ingredient Pumpkin Face Mask from My Moonstone Kitchen

Made with pumpkin, honey and cinnamon, this mask helps to gently exfoliate, hydrate and revitalize your skin.

Cardamom and Sugar Spicy Exfoliating Scrub from DIY Beauty Corner

Get rid off dead skin cells with this easy to make, 5-ingredient sugar scrub, packed with antioxidants from the cardamom.

Winter Solstice Simmer Pot from My Moonstone Kitchen

Ditch the synthetic home fragrances and bring some warmth and coziness to the shortest days of the year with this aromatic simmer pot.

Want to start your own kitchen apothecary and at-home spa? With a few natural ingredients like Epsom salt, dried herbs and spices, beeswax and carrier oil suitable for your skin, and a beginner set of essential oils, you have a great basic pantry to make the home remedies and beauty recipes mentioned above.

I’m curious, which winter wellness ritual will you be trying to take good care of yourself this season? 

You can find more self-care ideas in ‘The Benefits of Bathing: How to Turn Your Tub Time Into a Health-Boosting Ritual‘ and ‘How to Apply Heat Therapy at Home‘. Also check out 47 Ways You Can Make the Most of Rest Days for maximum restoration this winter.