Remember the smell of the holidays with cinnamon and clove simmering on the stove.  They are also ingredients   many use in that yummy spice cake or the pumpkin pie.  Oh, the smell of the holidays.

Those spices may remind many of the holidays, but their use goes much deeper than just the nose and the memories of holidays past.  Clove and cinnamon essential oil have wonderful protective and healing benefits during this season. They are said to protect us from many illnesses of the season including colds and flues.  But not just any essential oil will do, make sure you purchase oils that are “therapeutic grade.”  Get out those simmer pots, you will be happy you did.

If you are looking to make a blend that will protect you and your loved ones through the winter season, add lemon, eucalyptus, and rosemary to the cinnamon and cloves.  Cinnamon is very strong so only a few drops as it can make the skin tingle.  Also, remember to add the essential oils to a carrier oil such as almond, apricot seed, coconut oil or olive oil as most oils are strong and need to be diluted before they are used on the skin.

If the cold does happen to get the best of you, move forward with this blend for steam inhalation:

Thyme 2 drops, Tea tree  2 drops, Eucalyptus 1 drop, Lemon 3 drops

Remember to always carry a scarf as we cannot defend ourselves from anything that attacks us from the back of the neck and that includes the wind.  This probably brings back thoughts of mom always nagging your to remember your scarf.