Preventative measures
Give yourself the best chance of having a healthy winter by taking these preventative measures.
Healthy hydration:
One drop of lime essential oil in drinking water will boost immunity, detox and digestion.
Deep breaths:
On a cotton hanky add two drops of eucalyptus and two of lavender spike to inhale periodically throughout the day. This is especially useful when on public transport or in the office around sneezers.
Clear the air:
Diffuse a highly protective mixture of three drops kanuka, three of thyme thymol, two of lavender spike and two of eucalyptus blue gum. This will help to kill germs before they have a chance to reach you.
Bug blaster:
Add the above combination to a half-litre spray bottle of water for a fast room disinfectant.
Bath booster:
Adding eight drops of thyme thymol to a hot bath once a week will help keep your immune system strong.
Night Security:
In a teaspoon of virgin olive oil, add two drops of thyme thymol, two of lavender spike and two of kanuka and rub up and down the spine, or onto the soles of your feet, before bed to boost restorative immune processes.
Ready mix:
Make life simple with a ready-made blend like Immune Plus by Absolute Essential.
Remedies for rapid recovery
If winter ills do sneak in under your defences, improve your chances of a quick recovery with these remedies.
Throat signals:
A scratchy and sore throat is often the first sign that your body is under attack. Nip it in the bud by swallowing a drop each of kanuka and lime essential oils in a teaspoon of honey.
Soothing tea:
Make an all-natural power tea for sore throats and congestion by adding three drops of kanuka, two of lime and a teaspoon or two of honey to a cup of hot water. Sip slowly.
Vapour aid:
Add two drops each of eucalyptus blue gum, lavender spike and kanuka to hot water for steam inhalation to help ease congestion and fight infection.
Breathe easy:
Make a powerful chest rub that will ease congestion by adding two drops each of lavender spike, kanuka, thyme thymol and eucalyptus blue gum to half a tablespoon of oil. Apply to chest, back and neck.
Night nurse:
Diffuse two drops each of thyme thymol, lavender spike, eucalyptus blue gum and kanuka in your bedroom to help improve night breathing and fight infection.
Ready mix:
For a convenient, high-impact synergy, try Breathe Easy by Absolute Essential.
Family-friendly fixes
With a few tweaks, pure essential oils can work just as hard to protect the little people in your life.
Germ shield:
Adding one drop of lavender spike to baby grow lapels, or one drop each of lavender spike and kanuka to a child’s shirt collar before school, can help improve the quality of their breathing and protect against airborne germs.
In the classroom:
Diffusing therapeutic essential oils in shared indoor childcare or kindie spaces can reduce the spread of germs. Use two drops each of kanuka, lavender spike, and eucalyptus blue gum.
Treasured chests:
Make a gentle decongestant chest rub by adding three drops of lavender spike, one drop of kanuka and one of eucalyptus Australia to half a tablespoon of baby oil and rub to back, chest and neck.
Child bath boost:
Add two drops of lavender spike and one drop of eucalyptus blue gum to a cup of milk and pour into a warm bath to help ease congestion and fortify young immune systems.
Night snuffles:
Diffuse two drops of lavender spike, two of eucalyptus blue gum and one of kanuka to help ease congestion and aid restful sleep.
Ready mix:
Try Child Care: Immune Plus and Baby Care Nose & Chest by Absolute Essential.
Photos: Getty Images
