
Let’s prepare for the ‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’
The arrival of autumn always reminds me of one of my favourite poems by Keats, “To Autumn,” which opens with that beautiful line: ‘Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’. There’s something so special about this time of year – the cooler, crisp air, shorter days, and the beautiful transformation of the trees as their leaves shift to vibrant shades of red, gold, and orange.
I love how fresh produce is in abundance at the farmer’s markets during this season – with stalls overflowing with root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, all perfect for hearty casseroles and stews. Autumn brings with it a comforting shift in the food we eat, with warming dishes made seasonal produce that fill our homes with the rich smells of slow-cooked meals.
At this time of year, my attention also turns to preparing my immune system for the inevitable rise in bugs and viruses; in this video I share some of my go-to immune boosting supplement protocols for the cooler months.
These are time-tested remedies I’ve relied on for years, many of which come from the Nottingham Herbalist, Katherine Bellchambers. Some of you may remember Katherine from the videos we’ve made together about the power of herbs for digestive and overall health. Katherine’s wisdom in herbal remedies is invaluable, and I often turn to her for my autumn and winter immune-boosting syrups and tinctures. You can learn more about Katherine here: Nottingham Herbalist.
My immune-boosting herbal remedies include:
Thyme and liquorice syrup: Thyme is naturally antibacterial, making it excellent for soothing respiratory infections and supporting lung health, while liquorice has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Elderberry syrup: Packed with antioxidants, elderberries are fantastic for boosting the immune system and helping to ward off colds and flu.
Echinacea tincture: A powerful immune stimulant, echinacea helps to fight off viruses and reduces the severity and duration of colds.
Alongside these herbal remedies, I also take the following supplements that keep my immune system strong throughout autumn and winter:
- Garlic tablets: Garlic is a natural antibacterial and antiviral, helping to fight off infections. It’s known to support heart health, too, so it’s a great all-around health booster.
- Live Bacteria probiotic capsules: I have taken these daily for decades, all year long, to keep my gut health in check. A healthy gut is crucial for a robust immune system, as so much of our immunity is connected to our digestive system.
- Vitamin C: As we enter the season where bugs and viruses become more prevalent, I always increase my vitamin C intake. I take 3000mg of magnesium ascorbate powder three times a day. This high dose is perfectly safe and supports your immune system by protecting against free radicals and boosting your body’s defences.
- Vitamin D: Fresh air is so important for the immune system, whatever the season and we need to be mindful about topping up our vitamin D levels if the cooler months mean spending more time indoors. I’ve recently received the results back from a vitamin D blood test, which showed 99 nanomoles per litre. It should be between 100 and 150 so I need to increase the dosage of my vitamin D supplement as we head into autumn and winter.

Supporting children’s immune health
It’s important to boost the immune systems of the little ones in our lives, too. My granddaughter, Jessie, will happily take a multivitamin/mineral in tonic form – it’s an easy and effective way to ensure her body gets all the essential nutrients needed to stay strong against seasonal bugs. Occasionally, Jessie experiences constipation, but I’ve found that opening a Live Bacteria capsule and sprinkling the powder into her milk always helps regulate her bowels and keep her comfortable.
If you’d like any advice on boosting your immune system or your family’s this autumn, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.