Are You Ready for Fall Germs? Arm Yourself with Aromatherapy.

We were heading out to dinner last night to celebrate my son's 16th birthday last night and my husband was surprised to pass a yard already decked out for halloween. "It's not even October yet!" he exclaimed. "Some people just love halloween." I replied. They're ready and waiting for the big day.

I usually decorate for halloween a day or two before the holiday and take down the next day. That's just me. But one thing I definitely prepare for well in advance is the start of cold and flu. And even though I live in sunny Southern California people around me are already getting sick. In fact I was dropping off a sinus steam and diffuser blend along with a sinus inhaler for a friend with a sick kid as we were heading out to dinner.

In previous blog posts I've mentioned the benefits of using a steam tent and keeping your hands clean to help stay healthy. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Here are three more simple ways I like to use essential oils to help fight germs and stay healthy.

1. Throat gargle. Adding a drop or two of essential oils to a warm salt water gargle can help soothe a sore throat. I find if I do this at the first sign of feeling unwell it often helps nudge me or my kids towards wellness. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 1/2 cup of warm water and stir to dissolve salt. Add a drop of tea tree (Melaleuca alternafolia) and a drop of orange (Citrus sinensis) or lemon (Citrus limon) essential oils. Gargle a small amount and spit out. It's ok if you swallow a little but not intended for internal use.

2. Shower Steamer: Add essential oils to the shower floor or a damp wash cloth on the shower floor to create an aroma shower. Try 3-5 drops each of Eucalyptus globulus or radiata, (substitute cedarwood for kids under 12), tea tree (Melaleuca alternafolia), and orange (Citrus sinensis). Or use your favorite germ busting or airway opening oils (about 9-15 drops). This a great way boost the immune system and open airways.

3. Diffuse. Essential oils are great germ fighters. Essential oils such as clove, cinnamon, rosemary, orange, tea tree, eucalyptus, pine, fir, peppermint, and ravintsara smell wonderful and help clear the air of germs. One of my favorite combinations is ravintsara, eucalyptus, and orange. I also love peppermint, orange, and rosemary. Use 2-5 drops of each. Add to an ultrasonic diffuser filled with water, plug in, and enjoy.

Essential oils are my not so secret weapon to staying well during fall and winter. The aromatic compounds in essential oils fight germs and essential oils are so easy to use. Just be sure you are using 100% pure essential oils and using them safely. And lastly make sure to use them at the first sign of being unwell in small amounts frequently. You'll not only enjoy the aroma but you'll be glad when you stay well or feel better faster.

If you have questions or would like to purchase fall and winter wellness blends or need a custom product, visit the online store or contact me. Be sure to Join the mailing list to stay up to date on what's happening at ABT.

Tricia