Winter Wonder

Winter Wonder

As we enter the heart of winter and are right at the tail end of the holiday season we contend with a cold world even as we enjoy a warm hearth and the warmth of family and friends. The brutality that is winter in the northern climes of North America is a harsh reality to face. But it is a reality that we must face nonetheless. At this writing, I cringe at the thought of going outside to fetch firewood and later this evening driving through the dark, winter evening on frozen roads to a meeting. In recent posts I have discussed the importance of family and making choices in the best interest of those that we care for. I have referenced different strategies for dealing with winter ailments. But at the risk of sounding like a broken record, perhaps it is time for a bit more on the topic.

One thing that winter brings is dry, cracked skin. It can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. While lotion is a go to for most people, one of the best strategies is using a simple carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. The coconut oil will not only moisturize the skin but is also vitamin rich and is good for the skin. The coconut oil can be supplemented with a number of essential oils such as a touch of Lavender or Lemon. This also works on cracked skin on the feet as well. Peppermint is also quite effective in this regard. Better yet a mixture of Peppermint, Melaleuca, and Geranium in coconut oil is yet another option that should work well. On a related note eczema and dry itchy skin is another common winter problem. Lavender can relieve itching, Geranium will sooth and heal the skin and Melaleuca will help with infection. As of late I have been as of late been trying Cedarwood on dry skin and that seems to be working out as well. I have high hopes for Cedarwood.

Of course, winter brings cold, coughs, and sniffles to mind as well. I have found Breathe and Peppermint to be very effective for nasal congestion. I find that just a dab on the foot or nasal passages clears thing up nicely. Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Peppermint, or Lime are nice for chest congestion by rubbing them onto the chest or lymph nodes, I find Eucalyptus in particular to be helpful for breathing. For a sore throat I gargle with a drop of On Guard, sometimes with a drop of Lemon as well. Any oil with analgesic qualities should be effective but I have been quite happy with On Guard. Oregano is very effective in this regard, but is very strong and quite bitter so I am more sparing myself with it.

Ultimately with winter ailments prevention is the best medicine. Boosting the immune system is your first line of defense. That is what On Guard does best. A bit of On Guard on the thyroids, in the drinking water, or diffused in the air staves off and weakens bacteria and viruses. Supplement this with regularly putting a drop of citrus oil into your drinking water and your immune system will be greatly strengthened. 

The next line of defense is killing the pathogens that cause illness in the first place. While you cannot put a stop to all harmful viruses that you might be exposed to, being able to destroy or weaken the lions share of them is desirable to say the least. A glass spray-bottle with several drops of On Guard, Purify and perhaps a citrus will keep your home clean and comparatively germ-free. The less viruses that your body is fighting the stronger your immune system will be.  

Winter in the north is a long and sometimes brutal ordeal. We often find ourselves struggling with cabin fever and sometimes our sanity. Even if you do get out there and ski, snowmobile, or ice fish it is still short days and long nights which makes for a very long winter. We need strategies to deal with the long periods of time inside as we ride out the winter.

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