Tag: Winter

How to Make Fire Cider, an Old-School Herbal Remedy That Packs an Immune-Boosting Punch

When the cold weather hits and everyone seems to have a bit of a sniffle, it’s time to make fire cider. It’s an old-school remedy with a sweet-tart flavor and spicy edge. Herbalists and natural health enthusiasts swear by the stuff, since it’s packed with anti-viral and immune-supportive herbs. Devotees take the spicy, vinegar-infused tonic…


More Than 160 Afghans Die in Bitterly Cold Weather

KABUL—More than 160 people have died from the cold in Afghanistan this month in the worst winter in more than a decade, authorities said on Thursday, as residents described being unable to afford fuel to heat homes in temperatures well below freezing. “162 people have died due to cold weather since January 10 until now,”…


The Softer, Sweeter Side of Cabbage

Most traditional winter crops are root vegetables, such as potatoes, beets, onions, carrots, turnips, and garlic. Cabbage, being a green leafy vegetable, is a unique exception to this rule. Cabbage is also more versatile than pretty much any other vegetable, in that you can serve it cooked, raw, and fermented. Back in the pre-supermarket days,…


Moving in the Dead of Winter? A New Study Finds It’s the Best Time for Bargains

If you live in the Northeast or Midwest, the last thing you might want to do is head out in the freezing cold looking for a new apartment. However, a new study by Dwellsy indicates January and February are actually the best months of the year to secure discounts on rentals as well as moving…


Winter Tips for Nourishing Kidneys and How to Identify Dysfunction

Our kidneys play a vital role in the healthy function of our bodies. Knowing how to nourish, treat, and identify dysfunction of the kidneys, especially in the winter months is valuable. Jonathan Liu, a professor at Georgian College in Canada and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner, provides tips to strengthen the kidneys in the winter…


Beyond the Northern Lights, Winter in Alaska Offers Plentiful Outdoor Fun

I came all the way to Alaska in the dead of winter to take a picture. It’s a long way to go for a snapshot—1,528 miles—but it’s one heck of an image, one I’ll use the rest of my life to win dinner bets. And it’s only the second-most popular Fairbanks midwinter photo. First, of…


Staying Healthy at the Coldest Time of the Year

A solar term is a period of about two weeks, based on the sun’s position in the zodiac. Solar terms form the traditional Chinese calendar system. The calendar follows the ancient Chinese belief that living in accordance with nature will enable one to live a harmonious life. This article series explores each solar term, offering…


Preparing Your Home for a Long Winter

By Katie Laughridge From Tribune News Service After the Christmas trees come down, the house always feels a little bare for a week or two, so I like to use this time to incorporate a few additional elements to keep my home feeling cozy all season long. I love these five tips to help you…


Lentil Stew

Hearty winter root vegetables—carrots, parsnips, and celeriac—release their sweetness into this earthy stew. Mustard greens, stirred in at the very last minute, wilt in the residual heat for a lovely finish. I recommend French lentils (Puy lentils) in this recipe for their ability to keep their form during long cooking; however, both brown and green…


Chicken and Black Bean Soup

Black beans and chicken make a delicious soup, especially when partnered with poblano chiles. A little bit of coriander seed and oregano pull the flavors together. Serve with chopped fresh cilantro, ripe avocado, or a spoonful of sour cream. Serves 6 For the Soup 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, coarsely…