We just moved to North Carolina and its cold in October. This Florida-born girl loves the cool days, but the nights are, well, COLD. And we all know that when it gets cold, we are more likely to get sick because our immune systems start to take a dip.
That's why it's so important to keep your immune system strong before it gets too cold! Give it the support it needs to keep you healthy and happy all winter long.
But, I'm taking it one step further this year. I am looking for DIYs that can keep me healthy AND warm.
Warming Essential Oils
To stay warm in the cold winter weather- essential oils can actually help! I know, I know. It may sound crazy, but hear me out.
There are many "hot" oils such as...
There are many "hot" oils such as...
- Thieves
- Cinnamon
- Black Pepper
- Peppermint
- Oregano
- Marjoram
- Rosemary
- Juniper
- Ginger
And when you apply them topically (per the directions on the bottle) they can really bring a warm sensation to your skin. Remember-- you must always dilute hot oils because if you apply them undiluted they may burn and be uncomfortable! P.S. If you experience this-- you can add more carrier oil on top of the area to help calm it down.
If you use Vitality essential oils (they are safe for ingestion) then you can add them to tea, water, juice, NingXia Red, and even brownies or cookies! They add a nice warmth to your belly!
If you aren't using high-quality essential oils yet, you can read more about which brand I recommend and how to get them for a discount in this post: How To Find High-Quality Essential Oils
If you aren't using high-quality essential oils yet, you can read more about which brand I recommend and how to get them for a discount in this post: How To Find High-Quality Essential Oils
Immune Support Winter Tea
When it gets cold I drink tea for one of two purposes
- To support my immune system
- To get warm and toasty
I think it's even more amazing when you can do both at the same time!
There are many types of tea that can support the immune system like jasmine green tea, Echinacea with Elderberry Tea, Dandelion Tea, or a special formulated Immune Support Tea that you can find in any custom tea shop. Just be sure you know where you are getting your tea from because many are not so great (read more about what may really be in your tea).
For added immune support you can add one single drop of essential oil. Yes, one drop is all you need and all you want! TRUST ME! You may not even need that much. Some people just dip a toothpick into the bottle and swirl it into their tea.
You can use essential oils such as....
- Peppermint Vitality
- Lemon Vitality
- Thieves Vitality
- Frankincense Vitality
- Ginger Vitality
Warming Hot Cocoa
If you aren't into the idea of tea-- there is always hot chocolate. It doesn't hold the same immune support properties, but it does taste hella good. But simply adding a drop of essential oil can help your body stay strong this cold winter season!
- 1 cup milk (I used coconut or almond milk)
- 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp local honey (or sweetener of choice)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 drop(s) of cinnamon, peppermint, orange or thieves vitality essential oil.
- optional: healthy marshmallows or whipped cream
Just warm the milk over the stove top on medium-low heat. While it's warming, add the other ingredients into a small bowl and whisk. If it needs more liquid to mix properly, just spoon in a little of the milk.
Once the milk is warm, mix everything together and serve warm.
Not oily yet? How To Find High-Quality Essential Oils
Not oily yet? How To Find High-Quality Essential Oils
I love to use Raven essential oil for in a chest rub. I don't ever want a complicated recipe so I made sure this is super simple to make.
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil
- 8 drops of RC
- 5 drops of Rosemary or Peppermint
- 5 drops of Copaiba
I just rub in on my chest and neck to help support my body when it needs it the most. I am always amazed at how it well it works!
Don't have these essential oils? Then you can substitute other essential oils like Raven, Eucalyptus, Idaho Balsam Fir, Ravintasara, Thieves or Wintergreen. Knock yourself out!
Cold Weather Foot Rub
My mom actually invented this recipe! She is so smart! She wanted something that was calming and soothing to help her go to sleep but still packed a punch.
This is her DAY-TIME recipe
- 5 drops Thieves
- 5 drops Oregano
- 2 drops of Rosemary
- 2 drops of Copaiba
- 4 TBSP Coconut Oil
This is her NIGHT-TIME recipe
- 5 drops of Lavender
- 5 drops of Peppermint
- 2 drops of Copaiba
- 2 drops of Lemon
- 4 TBSP Coconut Oil
About Children and Essential Oils
Remember that not all essential oils are recommended for children and especially only high-quality essential oils should be used with littles. They can have even more severe reactions to adulterated oils than adults. I recommend Young Living exclusively because I believe in the safety and pureness of their product line.
Young Living also offers a children's line for those over 2 years old called KidScents which all contain safe, effective essential oils for children which are already pre-diluted to the proper ratios. A great resource for essential oils for children under 2 years old or during pregnancy is a book called Gentle Babies.
Not oily yet? How To Find High-Quality Essential Oils
Looking for more DIY Winter Recipes?
