Essential Oils and Herbs to Keep You Warm and Cozy
As winter settles in, the bone-chilling temperatures can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being. Staying warm is not just about bundling up with blankets—it also means taking care of your body and immune system. God has blessed us with essential oils and herbs that can warm us and support our immune systems to help maintain comfort during the colder months. Let’s explore how to stay warm and cozy all winter with these natural remedies.
Herbs for Warmth and Immunity
Herbs have long been a blessing for supporting the immune system, improving circulation, and bringing warmth to the body during winter. These natural remedies are easy to incorporate into teas, meals, or other preparations to help you stay cozy and healthy:
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): A warming herb that enhances circulation and aids digestion. Sip ginger tea to soothe and boost immunity.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.): Adds warmth, flavor, and antimicrobial support. It is ideal in teas and baked goods.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum): Fragrant and warming, cardamom supports digestion, respiration, and circulation.
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum): Stimulating and warming, perfect in teas, cooking, and baking.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): A respiratory powerhouse with antimicrobial properties. Thyme tea or steam is ideal to soothe a sore throat and clear congestion.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): Invigorating and warming, rosemary supports circulation and respiratory health.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Sweet and warming, fennel tea soothes digestion and promotes warmth.
Warming Herbal Tea Recipes
Winter Wellness Tea
1 tsp dried ginger root
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes, add honey and lemon to taste. This tea helps you feel cozy and supported during the colder months.
Spiced Comfort Tea
1 tsp dried ginger root
1 tsp cinnamon chips
1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp dried lemon or orange peel
Steep these herbs in hot water for 15 minutes, and add honey to taste. This tea stimulates circulation to help you feel warm and cozy.
Citrus and Spice Tea
1 tsp cinnamon chips
1 tsp dried hibiscus
1 tsp dried lemon or orange peel
Steep these herbs in hot water for 10-15 minutes, adding honey to taste. This tea is great for warming up and supporting your immune system.
Winter Chai
1 bag of your favorite black tea
1 tsp chai blend
1 part cinnamon chips
1 part dried ginger
1 part fennel seeds
1/2 part cloves
1/2 part cracked black pepper
1/2 part cardamon pods
Steep the chai blend in hot water for 10 minutes, then add the bag of black tea and continue to steep for an additional 3 minutes. Add honey to taste. This tea is great for warming up with spicy sweetness on a cold morning.
Essential Oils to Promote Warmth and Immunity
Essential oils are a natural and effective way to support your immune system and create a comforting atmosphere. These oils are particularly beneficial during the colder months. Used in a diffuser they are emotionally warming, motivating and energizing:
Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum verum): With its spicy, warm aroma, cinnamon oil helps create a cozy environment while boosting immunity. (Maximum of 1 drop per 1.5oz of carrier oil for topical use, avoid topical use when pregnant or breastfeeding)
Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata): With a warm, spicy aroma, clove oil boosts mood and confidence while decreasing stress and tension. (Maximum of 2 drops per 1oz of carrier oil for topical use)
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum): This sweet, spicy oil improves circulation, combats mental fatigue, and eases respiratory discomfort.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): A classic warming oil that promotes circulation, eases muscle tension and energizes.
Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis): Its fresh, woody scent cleanses the air, supports immune health, and stimulates circulation.
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum): Spicy, stimulating, and warming, black pepper improves circulation and energy.
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans): With a warming, sweet aroma, nutmeg soothes muscles, stimulates circulation, and supports immunity. (For most uses, maximum of 5 drops per 1 oz of carrier oil for topical use of Indonesian nutmeg and 2 drops for East Indian nutmeg)
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha): Soothing and calming, this spicy, balsamic oil offers warming analgesic and immune support—perfect for winter wellness. (Avoid topical use if pregnant or breastfeeding)
Black Spruce (Picea mariana): This fresh, woodsy oil supports respiratory health and circulation, promoting warmth and comfort.
Safety Tip: Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil before topical use. Avoid cinnamon and clove oils if you have sensitive skin. When using a new essential oil, do a small patch test and wait 24 hours before applying it to a larger area.
Diffuser Blends for Winter
Enjoy the warming scents of winter with these easy diffuser blends for emotional warmth:
Winter Cabin
3 drops lime
2 drops black spruce
2 drops black pepper
Warm Harth
3 drops orange
2 drops juniper berry
2 drops black pepper
Spiced Citrus
3 drops mandarin
2 drops nutmeg
2 drops clove
Spicy Warmth
2 drops black pepper
2 drops lemon
2 drops myrrh
1 drop black spruce
Keeping Your Body Warm and Comfortable
Essential oils can be used topically, when properly diluted, to bring physical warmth through vasodilation, and circulatory stimulation. Unless otherwise noted, it is best to limit topical use to 2% dilution (maximum of 12 drops per 1 oz of carrier), and avoid topical use in children under the age of 5 years old. Use these topical recipes to warm your body and relieve winter aches:
Winter Ache Away Oil
1 oz carrier oil (such as jojoba or sweet almond oil)
4 drops juniper berry
4 drops black spruce
2 drops ginger
Massage this blend into cold, achy joints to bring warmth and comfort.
Cozy Toes Lotion
1 oz unscented lotion
4 drops myrrh
4 drops black pepper
2 drops cardamom
Massage your feet with this lotion before putting on socks to keep them warm and moisturized.
Warming Herbal Salve
2 oz of carrier oil infused with ginger and rosemary
1/2 oz beeswax pellets
6 drops juniper berry
3 drops black pepper
3 drops ginger
In a double-boiler, melt the beeswax, then add in the carrier oil. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add the essential oils and stir well. Immediately pour into salve tins.
Conclusion
Winter does not have to be uncomfortable, leaving you feeling cold and drained. Stay cozy and healthy all season by incorporating herbs and essential oils into your routine to support your immune system and promote warmth. These simple, natural remedies are easy to make and use, helping you maintain comfort, energy, and well-being throughout the colder months. Embrace these warming, aromatic recipes and enjoy their benefits—try one today and feel the difference this winter season!
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