How We’re Keeping Healthy This Winter
You know what the best way to prevent the spread of sickness is? Not going out when you’re sick! Nothing frustrates me more than arriving somewhere to be surrounded by people coughing and sneezing all over the place. Ahhh!
Luckily, our friends are awesome so this is rare. But, the kids do go to dancing lessons every week, and it seems when something has been paid for people are more likely to turn up no matter how they’re feeling. I have no control over that, only our own actions, so with winter coming up it’s time to be proactive!
Some of the ways we support our immune systems and try to avoid getting sick include: eating lots of fruit and veges, avoiding processed foods and sugar, eating lots of gut healing foods, getting enough vitamin c, using probiotics and eating fermented foods to increase good bacteria, fresh air and sunshine to soak up that vitamin D, washing hands after going out, getting enough sleep, practicing self care, and more! We also use some lovely supportive essential oils and I particularly wanted to share which ones we find helpful with you.
Essential oils are something we use daily here in our home, whether it’s for cleaning, skincare, health, mood, or sleep. You can read more about that and my favourites here. But, let me introduce you to my favourites for immune and respiratory support!
Favourite Essential Oils for Winter
On Guard
This is a blend of essential oils known as the ‘protective blend’ and I love it! It supports the immune system, cleanses the air, supports the body’s natural antioxidant defenses, protects against environmental threats, encourages healthy respiratory function, and can be used in homemade toxin free cleaning recipes. To me it’s one of the must haves. I use On Guard in the diffuser and the smell reminds me of Christmas, ha!
Tea Tree, Wild Orange, Lavender
For young children (or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding), this is a gentler combination of oils for immune support.
Tea Tree promotes healthy immune function, protects against environmental threats, cleanses the air, and opens airways. Wild Orange contains powerful antioxidants, supports the immune system, and also cleanses and purifies the air. Lavender also supports healthy immune function and response, is very calming, and can help with sleep. I also love Cedarwood, Lemon, and Tangerine!
Easy Air
The Easy Air blend is like a natural alternative to vicks rub. A blend of essential oils that maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing while minimizing the effects of seasonal threats. It can be diffused to support breathing, or at nighttime to calm the senses and promote a restful sleep. I love it for when I’m feeling a bit congested. Lately I’ve been putting a couple of drops in the bottom of the shower of a morning to open the airways and wake me up a little! I’m so glad I have this one this winter.
Cypress, Douglas Fir, Juniper Berry
These are my alternatives for younger children, when needed. I’m also more likely to use these topically, applied to the chest, back, or bottom of feet. These oils promote feelings of clear airways and easy breathing. I am especially loving Douglas Fir right now. I find them really effective when we need them. Juniper Berry is also good for sleep (as well as Lavender and Cedarwood which I like too), because we all know that’s super tricky if you’re feeling congested!
I hope that was helpful! What are your favourite essential oils during the winter months?
To get your own essential oils just follow the instructions here to shop online, or learn more about how amazing they are and what they can do for you, read THIS POST.