Winter is fast approaching. Right now it’s pouring rain outside and school has been cancelled! (every child’s dream haha).
With the weather changing as a mum I want to have things on hand to protect and support my kids naturally. As a business owner I need things to keep my immune system running at it’s best and to get me back up and running quickly if I become run down. I wanted to share these natural remedies with you as they have worked so powerfully for us.
For me eating quality, fresh food, getting some sun exposure for Vitamin D, spending time in nature, doing Pilates, singing, dancing, laughing, playing and of course having that flexibility to eat something delicious for dessert when I go out are all an important part of staying well. As is rest and managing stress which I use essential oils to support me with and reducing my toxic load by using natural household and personal care products.
When essential oils came into my life I discovered another incredible tool to add to my wellness toolbag that I’d previously totally underestimated and didn’t understand the value of.
So what are essential oils?
Essential oils are pure extracts from plants. These naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They are 50-70 times more powerful than herbs and are nature’s defense mechanism for plants and cells. They are highly concentrated so a little goes a very long way and they are a safe, effective, affordable, and an alternative to many synthetic products/remedies.
The delicate ratio of aromatic constituents or chemical compounds found in any given essential oil are what make it unique and give it specific therapeutic benefits.
It’s not about replacing traditional medication. Though many hospitals, research centres and practitioners are starting to really understand and value just how incredible essential oils can be. There is so much science and research emerging on these incredibly powerful and natural aromatic compounds. You can find out more at Aromatic Science. It’s about respecting the value of having emergency and medical care where necessary, but also having a natural alternative to turn to before that is needed.
How do they work?
Plants produce essential oils to fight or ward off threats in their environment, and they can do the same for our bodies. What is incredible and unique about essential oils is that they can actually penetrate the cell membrane to work with threats inside the cell as well as outside of the cell. In this way they can support you to take care of your health naturally.
I had the absolute pleasure of listening to Ben Lee speak at a seminar recently and he shared-
“Essential oils don’t heal you, your body knows how to heal itself, essential oils support that process.”
My top picks for Winter
On Guard
Our On Guard Protective Blend would have to come in at number one for sure. It is a blend of Wild Orange, Cinnamon, Clove (nature’s most powerful antioxidant by a long shot), Eucalyptus and Rosemary.
You can diffuse it (I recommend our Petal ultrasonic diffuser). It comes with a light that you can turn on or off and has 1, 2 and 4 hour settings. It turns itself off when the water runs out and is cold steam so safe around kids. Diffusing it will help ward off environmental threats. I also dilute it with some fractionated coconut oil, our safe and natural carrier oil and apply it to mine and the kids soles of feet and down our spine.
It also makes for a powerful throat gargle/mouth rinse. The clove supports dental hygiene and can help soothe a sore throat in seconds.
We’ve found that we get run down far less often than we used to and when we do are super fast to bounce back.
Easy Air
Easy Air is our Respiratory Blend and my next favourite pick for Winter. It’s incredible for sinus and lung support. It is a blend of Laurel, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara and Ravensara.
My favourite ways to use this are by making a petrochemical free rub. Dilute it with the fractionated coconut oil and apply to the chest, back and soles of feet if congested. You can also diffuse by the bed, with a few drops of Oregano and On Guard, on it’s own or with Lavender for extra sleep support.
I also like putting a couple of drops on the floor of the shower and letting the hot steam clear my sinuses with the oil. Or placing a few drops in a bowl or pot of hot water and putting a towel over my head and breathing deeply. You can also smell it straight from the bottle or put a drop in your hands, rub together and breathe deeply! It also helps with snoring.
Frankincense
Frankincense has health benefits a mile long, you can check out plenty of studies and info at www.pubmed.gov. It provides incredibly powerful immune support and can oxygenate and support us at the cellular level. It is great for aches and pains as well and powerfully soothes a sore throat. I apply it topically to the outside of my throat with a little Lemon essential oil.
Another good one to apply to the soles of the feet, down the spine and to diffuse, it is also very calming and grounding and good for nourishing the blood and the brain.
Tea Tree
Sourced here in Australia, Tea Tree is a great one to soothe sore ears, which always happens to me if I have too much dairy or if I get congested. Never put essential oils in your ears but you can dilute and apply behind the ear and down the mastoid bone or place on a cotton wool ball and place over the ear. It also has powerful immune supporting properties and can be used to naturally clean the house.
Peppermint
With it’s high menthol content peppermint is exceptionally invigorating for the lungs and can open and clear sinuses in seconds. I like to put a drop on my thumb, place on the roof of my mouth and inhale deeply. It can also calm the stomach and head/neck tension as well as cool the body.
Lemon
Lemon is another great one for soothing an irritated throat, add to a teaspoon of raw honey, or boil some water and brew with some chopped up garlic, ginger, a peeled lemon and a drop of lemon essential oil.
You can also layer on the outside of your throat with frankincense. Lemon also has powerful respiratory supportive properties and is great diffused with Lavender and Peppermint for relief from seasonal changes. I also take a drop of each of Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint if my eyes are puffy and red and I’m sneezing a lot and put it on the roof of my mouth and inhale deeply, long lasting relief within seconds!
Oregano
Oregano is one of nature’s most powerful immune supports. Even farmers are using oregano essential oil in their chicken feed to help protect their chickens and support their immune systems!
It is a VERY hot oil so always dilute a drop in a tablespoon of carrier oil and keep to the feet for applying topically. I also diffuse this one as it is such a powerful immune bomb and respiratory support. Great diffused with Easy Air or On Guard!
All of these essential oils and blends are in our most popular starter kits which save you massively even below the wholesale price.
Ready to get these essential oils in your home?
To get prepared for Winter CLICK HERE and choose the AU OTG local warehouse, WHOLESALE PRICES option, and pick the kit you want! Our Home Essentials Kit includes all the ones mentioned plus more and comes with a diffuser. Perfect investment for Winter.
For more info visit here or write to me at info@getafreshstart.com.au
