Winter is approaching – it’s time to support those Immune Systems!

The temperature is dropping, the mornings and nights are dark, and dare I say it, with Halloween and Bonfire Night over, it is time to look forward to Christmas! Due to my daughters crazy (but very exciting!) college schedule this year for their end-of-year show, we are breaking tradition and going to get our Christmas tree this afternoon! First time ever we’ve done it in November – but it’s the only time we can get to the farm early enough together to get one! Getting a real tree is always my very favourite part of Christmas preparations together, and my special gift to us each year.

On top of all the Covid worries, the last couple of months have seen most of us fighting off some kind of cold or cough – there have been so many people struggling. It is more important than ever to support our Immune Systems right now, so I thought I would concentrate this months blog on that. There are many Essential Oils that help to support our immunity. Massage itself also boosts our white cell production, so in itself is a good support in this. I list below a few of the many oils I would recommend using at this time of year, along with a few other suggestions for natural ways to boost our immunity.

The blend of oils I am going to recommend are the ones listed below – Eucalyptus, Lemon and Tea Tree. They will not stop you getting the virus, or other coughs and colds, but will give you a little extra protection when you need it most. I made up a hamper of these ‘Anti-Viral’ Essential Oil Blends for our frontline NHS staff and other keyworkers during the first lockdown, to give them a little lift, and a little more protection, at what was (and still is), such a very challenging time. You can make these up into massage blends yourself, using (for adults) a maximum of 12 drops of Essential Oil per 30ml of Base/Carrier Oil. You can apply them to your pulse points on your wrists and your temples, or massage them into the upper chest areas for inhalation, or use them in a warm bath or for general massage.

Please note that under all the Essential Oil descriptions, I have noted any Safety Data to be aware of. Some oils are contra-indicated completely for certain conditions (i.e. you should not use), where others are just ‘use with caution’.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus)
This oil works hard to support our Respiratory and Immune Systems, and is helpful for asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, coughs, colds, chills, fever and chest infections. It is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, as well as being an analgesic, decongestant, expectorant, immuno-stimulant and is antirheumatic. It can also lift the spirits by clearing mental stagnation. It is non-toxic, non-sensitising, and non-irritant, and is safe for almost everyone. It is not suitable for babies or young children though, and is believed to perhaps antidote homeopathic remedies.

Lemon (Citrus Limonum)
Lemon oil is cleansing, toning and uplifting, and is an airborne antiseptic which is also useful at the moment. It is bactericidal, antiviral, decongesting, and is an immunostimulant, as well as being fungicidal and a great Lymphatic and Digestive tonic. It can uplift the mind, and is safe for just about everyone. The only safety data with this oil is that is can be slightly phototoxic, so please avoid strong sun exposure after application (not likely to be too much of a problem in winter!).

Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
This oil is a powerful antimicrobial and Immune System stimulant. It is antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and an expectorant, as well as being a great analgesic and general tonic. It is useful for asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, coughs and colds, chest infections and chills or fever. It is non-toxic, non-sensitising and non-irritant, and is safe for almost everyone (except those with hypersensitivity). It has more physical than mental properties, but is brilliant at this time.

An effective blend of these, for a healthy adult that I would recommend, would be 30ml of whatever Base/Carrier oil is your preference – I use Sweet Almond – then 4 drops each of the three Essential Oils listed above. Or if you can’t use them all, or would like to use different ones of your own choosing instead, then use a combination (up to a total of 12 drops) per 30ml of Base oil.

On top of using these Essential Oils everyday to support your Immune Systems, there are other important ways you can do this in your everyday lives, as suggested below:

Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is a crucial time for our Immune System. Sleep is when we help our bodies to rest and rejuvenate, and is when we regulate our immunological responses. We are more likely to catch illnesses if we are sleep-deprived. Studies vary, but it is generally accepted that most adults need at least 7 good hours sleep each night for greatest protection and benefit. Cutting down on stimulants and stopping screen time to wind down a couple of hours before bed, can also help us to drift off more easily.

Natural Light Exposure
To help with the above, it is also important that we get some exposure to natural light whenever possible in these winter months, to help regulate our melatonin levels. So wrap up, get those gloves, hats and scarves on, and try and make time to go out and see the beautiful Autumn colours for a brisk winter walk each day - either on your own, or with a friend for a catch up and a warm cuppa!

Boost your Vitamin D
Correct functioning of the body’s Immune System relies on our level of Vitamin D. It helps to activate the Immune System as well as help it to function, and during the winter months, when we are not likely to get enough, through sunlight and perhaps the foods we eat, it is a good idea to take a supplement. You must research the correct dosage for your age and individual situation.

Diet
As with most things in life, eating a regular, balanced diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, wholegrains, beans etc., is a great way to make sure you are getting all the minerals and vitamins your body needs to look after you. At this time of year in particular, adding things like ginger, garlic and turmeric are also a great idea, as they all contain antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. I also swear by Manuka honey – I think it is a wonder – myself and my daughter start every single day with a spoonful melted into a hot lemon and ginger drink.

Stress
One of the most important things when it comes to protecting our immunity is our stress levels. When we are too stressed (more than the positive stress that gets us out of bed and keeps us busy each day), our cortisol levels can increase (the stress hormone) which can cause our Immune System to be suppressed, and work less efficiently. We must make time to relax each day and check our priorities, particularly at this time of year when bugs are so prevalent. So please try to carve out some time, to be calm, pay attention to your breath and find your balance each day, wherever possible.

If you would like to discuss any ways in which my treatments or products might be able to help you with strengthening your immune system, please do not hesitate to contact me on: 07710 173354 or email me at: lisa@soulspace.biz. I would really love to hear from you.

With all my love and hugs. See you next month!

Lisa
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