As we head into the cooler months, there are so many ways we can naturally cleanse the home and workplace, as well as take care of yourself and your family.

Our favourite Zea Essentials for winter are our Breathe Easy and Nirvana Lifestyle Blends, as they contain essential oils specifically to help cleanse the air, clear congestion, aid in immunity, and bring warmth to those cold winter nights. 

If you prefer to use single oils or make your own blends, you might like to check out some of the other oils in our Immunity Support Range.

Let’s take a look at our top health and wellness tips for winter:

1) Diffuse essential oils 

A few drops of your favourite Zea Essentials in an aroma diffuser can gently stimulate the immune system, in a safe and practical way. The best thing about diffusing oils is they cleanse the air and can easily support everyone in the home or workplace.

In the event of a cold or respiratory infection, diffusing oils may also support and ease symptoms. Here are some of our top recommendations: 

IMMUNITY SUPPORTING OILS: Frankincense, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary, Cinnamon Bark, Clove Bud, and Laurel Leaf.

COLD AND FLU SUPPORTING OILS: Kunzea, Lavender, Scotch Pine, Rosalina, Eucalyptus, Lemon Myrtle and Coastal Tea Tree.

2) Steam inhalation

To support any congestion or cold symptoms, steam inhalation can be a great way to clear the nose and sinuses and make breathing easier. 

Pour hot water (not boiling) into a bowl. Add four drops of Breathe Easy or your chosen essential oil into the water.  Place a towel over your head and breathe deeply, inhaling the oil-infused steam.

If you’d prefer an inhalation option without using the hot water, you may prefer direct inhalation. Add two drops of essential oil to a tissue or handkerchief and inhale deeply to help clear congestion.

3) DIY room spray   

If you want to quickly cleanse or freshen the air in your space, you can make a room spray easily by mixing your chosen essential oils or blends together with a solubiliser (such as witch hazel or polysorbate) and filling up with distilled water.

You need the solubiliser so the essential oils disperse into the water, rather than floating on the surface. Regarding the amount of solubiliser, the rule of thumb is a 1:1 ratio. Here is an example recipe:

• 100ml distilled water 
• 40-50 drops of essential oil blend of choice
• 40-50 drops of solubiliser of choice

If possible, use a coloured glass bottle to preserve the oils by reducing exposure to light. Plastic can absorb the oils, reducing their scent and efficacy when sprayed.

Add the essential oil blend and the solubiliser to the bottle, and mix. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water, making sure to leave enough space in the bottle for the spray bottle lid to go in without overflowing. Shake well before each use.

This is a fun, easy and quick way to make your house smell sensation!

4) Keep your home clean 

People tend to spend more time indoors during the cooler months of the year, and this is also a time where colds and flu can be more prevalent. Instead of opting for chemical disinfectants and sprays to keep the home and workspace germ-free, there are many natural alternatives available to us.

Essential oils are great natural disinfectants, whilst also leaving a clean and fresh aroma, instead of that traditional disinfectant smell. You can turn your DIY room spray into a disinfectant by adding oils that are known for their antibacterial properties and by using vinegar as your solubiliser.

Oils that are reputed as “bug busters” include Lemon, Eucalyptus, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Sweet Orange, and Kunzea - so there are lots of scent choices, depending on your preference.

The Zea Essentials Nirvana Lifestyle Blend is a popular choice for cleaning the home.

5) Massage the body and feet

During winter, massaging the body is a great way to boost circulation. It will help blood pass through the areas of congestion and increase flow. 

The skin is our largest organ and can be a great way to quickly gain the benefits of essential oils, when applied safety and appropriately. 

Zea Relief products have been professionally formulated with pure essential and other natural ingredients, making them a clean and safe way to apply essential oils topically to the skin. Kunzea Muscle Balm is particularly popular during the winter season. Simply rub into areas of the chest and back to ease congestion and help deter coughs and colds.

Alternatively,  you can apply to the soles of the feet, slip on a pair of socks, and leave overnight so that your body can absorb and utilise the properties of the oils while you sleep.

The soles of the feet have no sebaceous glands and therefore can absorb efficiently and effectively.  

6) Bath salt soak 

Recreate a spa experience in your own home with our Kunzea Bath Salts! They are a great addition to a warm bath or foot spa during the cooler months of the year when feeling under the weather, or even just at the end of a long day.

They contain high levels of minerals in magnesium to help relax the muscles, as well as Kunzea, which is reputed to have anti-inflammatory effects and antibacterial and antiviral properties. Combined with the relaxation properties of lavender and ylang ylang, this is a great way to nurture your body.

7) Drink lemon and honey 

Lemon and honey make the perfect winter remedy to soothe a sore throat or to simply warm the soul.

Honey is well-known for its antimicrobial properties made even better with our Raw Kunzea Honey, which also has the added health benefits of Kunzea ambigua.

Add the juice of half a lemon to 3 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar. Stir in a teaspoon of our Kunzea Honey. Mix well, then take small sips to coat and soothe the mucous membranes of the throat.

Alternatively, you could simply add the lemon and/or honey to your favourite herbal tea or warm water to make a delicious winter beverage.

Embracing The Seasons of Life

As a vital part of the seasons of life, winter is a beautiful time to reflect, heal, and prepare for the warmer months to follow. Essential oils combined with natural remedies to fight colds and flu and boosting your immune system can keep you safe and well through the cold season. 

You don't have to hibernate during winter. Instead, celebrate your zest for life and enjoy the change in seasons. Like everything in life, it is here for a reason, so embrace it.

About the Author - Michelle Brass ND

With over 25 years of experience in the natural health industry, Michelle has dedicated her life to helping others embrace the therapeutic benefits of nature. Throughout her time as a health practitioner, she has used and recommended countless traditional and conventional treatments to her clients - as she believes an integrative approach to health and wellness is very important. Michelle is passionate about using and promoting essential oils and, in particular, Kunzea Oil, as she has seen them help thousands of people over the years. She knows that using essential oils in your daily life can help bring balance to the mind, body and soul. She is constantly trialling and testing new products with her loyal clients.

To learn more about Michelle, go to her full bio page.