Rest, Rituals & Recovery: How We Support Our Bodies During Flu Season

How We’re Supporting Our Bodies Through One of the Worst Flu Seasons on Record

Everywhere you look lately, the headlines feel the same: one of the worst flu seasons in years. Between new flu strains, RSV affecting both kids and adults, and a general sense that everyone is run-down, many of us are feeling it or bracing for it.

When illness hits, we believe in a balanced approach to recovery. That means pairing the allopathic side - seeing a doctor when needed and using OTC medications to manage symptoms - with holistic practices that support the immune system, nourish the body, and help you recover more gently.

Below are a few of our favorite at-home rituals we return to every flu season. They’re simple, comforting, and rooted in nourishment. The kind of care your body actually asks for when it’s run down.

1. Bone Broth: Deep Nourishment When You Need It Most

When appetite is low and energy is limited, bone broth is one of the most supportive foods you can turn to. Rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, it helps replenish nutrients, support gut health, and provide warmth and hydration, which all critical when your immune system is working overtime.

You can sip bone broth on its own, or turn it into a simple stew that delivers even more nourishment.

2. Hot Tea with Lemon & Manuka Honey

There’s a reason this remedy has lasted generations. Hot tea helps soothe the throat and loosen congestion, while lemon provides vitamin C and brightness that’s easy on digestion.

Manuka honey takes it a step further. It’s known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, largely due to its naturally occurring methylglyoxal (MGO) content. This makes it especially helpful for soothing sore throats, supporting oral and digestive health, and giving your immune system a gentle boost.

How to use it:

• Brew your tea and let it cool slightly.

• Stir in a teaspoon of Manuka honey after boiling to help preserve its beneficial enzymes.

3. Steam Showers & Aromatherapy Rituals

When congestion sets in, steam can be incredibly supportive by helping open airways, ease sinus pressure, and calming the nervous system.

We love turning a regular shower into a steam ritual by focusing on scent. Aromatherapy isn’t just about relaxation; it’s also used in something called smell retraining, a practice that helps retrain the brain to recognize scents and support the regeneration of olfactory nerves, especially after illnesses that dull or temporarily impact your sense of smell.

Using a nourishing body wash infused with essential oils, like PiperWai’s Lavender & Cedar Body Wash, allows the steam to gently disperse calming botanicals throughout the shower. Lavender helps soothe and relax, while cedarwood brings a grounding, restorative quality, perfect when your body needs rest.

This is less about “doing more” and more about letting everyday rituals support recovery.

A Gentle Reminder

Holistic remedies aren’t meant to replace medical care: they’re meant to support it. Pairing professional guidance with nourishing food, calming rituals, and rest can help your body recover more comfortably and completely.