12 Ways to Stay Well this Winter with Natural Remedies

It’s that time, friends! Winter is in full swing. Some of us are still recovering from the stress of the holidays, the colds and flu are spreading like wildfire, and the winter blues and extra pounds are starting to creep in. What’s a mama to do?

Let’s chat about how we can survive and thrive this winter with natural remedies. But before we do, let’s pull up a chair and have a heart to heart.

I used to run to the drugstore or the pharmacy aisles at Target and throw my money away on all the things that never worked for me or my kids. I was always taught, “Take some ibuprofen, you’ll be fine.” But I got sick and tired of being sick and tired, especially in the winter.

Now before I go any further, I do need to say this little disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and I am in no way, shape, or form diagnosing you or telling you how to treat anything. I’m merely sharing with you what I’ve found to work for me and for my family. 

So back to my story, sick and tired of being sick and tired. Aren’t we all there at some point or another? When I reached my breaking point, I started paying attention to friends who had started using natural remedies with essential oils. I never, ever, ever took them seriously, but I did try them here and there. The longer I watched and learned from friends, the more convinced I was that I needed to try them with a little more effort. I mean, what did I really have to lose? These little OG life hacks have been around since the beginning of time, so maybe, just maybe they would work for me, and if nothing else, my house would smell good. Lo and behold, those little bottles worked and helped with exactly what they were said to help with.

I started to feel empowered with the choices I was making when it came to caring for my family. The longer I used essential oils, the more research I did finding out just how toxic the chemicals I had been using beforehand really were. Once I pulled back the curtain, I couldn’t claim ignorance any longer. Ignorance is choosing not to know, but now I know, and there’s no way I can un-know it.

I’m far from an all-natural, hippie, crunchy, all-green mama. My kids still eat fast food here and there, I use plastic bags and storage containers, I still dye my hair (because grays), and I still use regular diapers on my toddler. But the things I have replaced? I’ve never looked back. It’s all so simple, and each little change that you make in the span of a year adds up to a huge lifestyle shift.

All-Natural Winter Wellness

Now, who’s ready to dive into the absolute BEST ways you can take care of yourself and your family this winter? You got it!

ONE. WASH EVERYTHING.

This seems basic, but don’t miss it! Wash your hands, my friends, and wash them good! Lather your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. I absolutely love the Thieves ® line from Young Living, because not only are the essential oils that are in them natural germ fighters, the entire line replaces all the harsh, fragrance-laden soaps and sprays I was using before.

Try using the Thieves ® Foaming Hand Soap to gently and effectively cleanse your hands or use Thieves ® Fruit and Veggie Soak to wash away the ick on your fresh veggies and fruits.

Clean your laundry with the Thieves Laundry Soap, and wash your dishes that you know, you eat off of, with the Thieves Dish Soap. And never ever leave your house without the Thieves Hand Purifier and mini Thieves Spray. I never forget it!

Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands as much as possible throughout the day.

TWO. STAY HYDRATED.

Another simple tip, but so important: Drink plenty of liquids. Rumor has it that you should be drinking at least half an ounce to an ounce of water per day for each pound that you weigh. Example: if you weigh 150 lbs, you should be drinking 75-150 ounces of water per day. But at the bare minimum, you should shoot for 8 glasses a day (64 oz.).

My tip: add a drop or two of Lemon or Peppermint vitality oil to your water in a big, metal tumbler. Not only will it make your water taste better, it’ll be supporting other things as well, like digestion and bloating.

Did you know that staying hydrated is important for keeping mucous membranes moist, so they can effectively fight off irritants? True story.

To warm up when it’s cold outside, drink herbal tea with honey and a drop of Thieves ® Vitality™, Copaiba Vitality, and Lemon Vitality. I drink this the moment I feel anything coming on, and it’s just a comforting drink on a cold night.

THREE. KNOW THE POWER OF THIEVES®.

Thieves Essential Oil is probably the first oil that I fell in love with the fastest because of how effective it was for me. It’s a blend of Clove, Cinnamon, Lemon, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary, basically Christmas in a bottle. If you do a quick Google search on the effects of each of those oils individually, you’ll be blown away.

To help control the spread of germs, like I said earlier, wash your hands frequently and incorporate the health-supporting power of any of our Thieves® products.

Diffuse Thieves essential oil blend day or night to help purify and humidify the air.

Clean household surfaces with Thieves Wipes or Thieves Household Cleaner.

If you’re on the go, help sanitize the air with a squirt or two of Thieves Spray.

Keep Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier in your car, at your desk, and in your purse or bag!

Thieves all day, every day.

FOUR. SUPPLEMENTS.

Help support a healthy immune system by adding a supplement (or two or three) to your daily diet.

Get desirable polyphenols, carotenoids, and optimal amounts of vitamin C in a convenient chewable tablet with Super C ™. Because our bodies cannot manufacture vitamin C, consuming this crucial vitamin through diet is essential. Super C ™ is a delicious vitamin C supplement fortified with rutin, citrus bioflavonoids, and minerals to enhance the absorption of the vitamin C. Super C is conveniently available in both chewable and tablet form.

Another supplement to try the powerful ImmuPro™. It contains ingredients to help support a healthy immune system and provide the body with antioxidant and nutritional support.* ImmuPro ™ is a flavored chewable supplement that provides the natural immunity-supporting benefits of Ningxia wolfberry and reishi and maitake mushrooms.* This supplement is also enhanced with calcium, zinc, selenium, and copper, all needed for supporting a proper immune function.*

Along with ImmuPro and Super C — add in Inner Defense and Life 9 for wellness this winter!

I take Inner Defense daily, and I ramp it up to the highest dosage suggested the moment I feel something coming on. Inner Defense ™ is specially formulated with ingredients like Thieves ® essential oil blend and Oregano essential oil to support a healthy immune system.*

Life 9™ is a new one to my lineup, and I love it! It’s a proprietary, high-potency probiotic that combines 17 billion live cultures from 9 beneficial bacteria strains that promotes healthy digestion, supports gut health, and helps maintain normal intestinal function for overall support of a healthy immune system.* Benefits we see: healthy digestion, immune boosting, healthy skin, prime brain function and focus.

And my personal favorite supplement year-round: Super B!

Super B is a comprehensive vitamin complex containing all eight essential, energy-boosting B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12) and assists in maintaining healthy energy levels; it also supports mood and cardiovascular and cognitive function.*

B vitamins are essential to our health and well-being, and each B vitamin performs a unique and separate function in the body. Unfortunately, they must be replenished daily, as they are not stored in the body. So this little gem? A literal powerhouse for mamas everywhere.

FIVE. SLEEP.

Lack of sleep can cause stress, which weakens the immune system. A well-rested body is better able
maintain its wellness, so shoot for 7-8 hours per night.

Create a calm atmosphere in your room in the evening. Here are some tips for getting your best rest:

1. Put your phone in do not disturb mode and charge it in your bathroom!

2. Give yourself a bedtime to ensure at least 7 hours of sleep and go to bed 15 minutes early to give yourself time to relax & unwind.

3. Sound machines aren’t just for babies; a low hum of a fan or white noise can help you fall asleep & stay asleep.

4. Keep your room at a cool temp.

5. Practice breathing techniques while picturing your most peaceful, relaxed environment. Waves on the beach work like a charm!

6. Always wash off your makeup. Slather on our Glow Serum to get your skin’s ultimate glow.

7. Keep a notebook in your nightstand to jot down any thoughts or to do items that might be keeping you awake. Get them off your mind and on to paper.

8. Find the right essential oils for your nighttime routine! Roll a sleepy blend on your feet and behind your ears. We use the pre-made Tranquil Roll-On! Then find a favorite diffuser blend & start diffusing 20 minutes before going to bed. Your room will become the perfect environment for a good night’s sleep. Some of our favorite sleep support oils are:

• Lavender,
• Frankincense,
• Northern Lights Black Spruce,
• Orange,
• Cedarwood,
• Dream Catcher,
• Gentle Baby,
• SleepyIze,
• White Angelica,
• and Vetiver.

Our go-to blend in our bedroom is Lavender + Orange + Cedarwood + Northern Lights Black Spruce.

Thieves and Lavender paired with Frankincense, Purification or R.C. is another great combo for the winter.

Make your own linen spray with RutaVaLa™ or Lavender oil in a spray bottle and spray it on your pillow before bed, too.

If you do happen to get sick, reach for the remedy nature intended! Thieves ® Cough Drops are a great
way to offer comfort by relieving coughs, soothing sore throats, and cooling nasal passages, perfect for you right before bedtime.

SIX. NINGXIA RED

Sister! If you aren’t drinking this every day, let me tell you, you’re missing out! One of the very best changes I have made for myself and my family is drinking 2-4 oz. of Ningxia Red daily. Both of my kids drink the 2 oz. pouch daily, and my husband and I each drink at least 4 oz a day. Game changer! You will absolutely notice a difference in your overall energy, mood & wellness throughout the day, serve over ice (with your fave sparkling water!) or by itself, chilled. Seriously, try it for 30 days. I guarantee you will notice a difference on the days you go without it!

SEVEN. DIFFUSE DAILY.

If you want to see real results, just like anything, you have to be consistent. A lot of people think that oils are a quick fix, but when you use them correctly as a preventative measure, you’ll see better results. One of the best things you can do for yourself and your household is to diffuse daily. Again, if you’re not using Young Living oils, I can’t guarantee you’ll see any results at all (from my experience that would be a definite no), but when you use the best of the best oils in which the oil you’re using has been sourced to be only the highest quality from seed to seal, you bet your bottom dollar you’re going to see some magic happen.

Some great oils to diffuse in the winter are obviously Thieves and all of the immunity powerhouses. Here are few more you should definitely have in your arsenal this winter.

Citrus oils such as Citrus Fresh™, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Orange, and Tangerine help
support the body’s natural defenses. Plus, the fresh, vibrant citrus scents can also help boost
your mood during short winter days.

Clove Oil is an important ingredient in Thieves and helps support the body’s natural response
to stress. Adding this in with Thieves is a bonus.

Oregano Oil is known as a purifying oil. I add a few drops to my wellness bomb roller.

Thyme Oil was traditionally regarded for its cleansing properties. Add a few drops of the vitality oil to your pasta dishes.

ImmuPower™ Oil is great to diffuse or apply topically to the feet and hands. Hack: Add a few drop to your Thieves hand purifier.

Purification® Oil deodorizes and neutralizes the air. This is great to diffuse daily in the kitchen with Thieves and Citrus Fresh.

R.C.™ Essential Oil is perfect for respiratory support. A must-have during the winter months. I love making my own chest rubs with this oil, but I also love diffusing it with Lemon & Thieves.

Tea Tree oil is another purifying oil to diffuse, and it also has a ton of cleansing properties.

Bottom line, diffuse, diffuse, diffuse!

EIGHT. RESPIRATORY HEALTH.

There are times when you are going to catch the inevitable winter cold. What do you have in your toolkit? The very best things I’ve used to help with respiratory health are these tools:

R.C.™ Essential Oil has three varieties of Eucalyptus and is comforting when applied to the chest and throat. Like I said before, diffuse it with Thieves and Lemon. Drop a few drops in your hot shower. Apply topically with a carrier oil to your chest every hour.

Eucalyptus Radiata, one type of eucalyptus oil, is one of my oils I use frequently. I love diffusing this one at night with Ylang Ylang and Lavender. I also love diffusing it in the morning to really open things up.

Raven is a blend of Ravintsara, Peppermint, Eucalyptus Radiata, Lemon, and Wintergreen essential oils. It has the naturally occurring constituents eucalyptol, menthol, and methyl salicylate to help support the respiratory issues. It’s my personal favorite to have on hand when I’m dealing with any chest issues. Note: Raven is not recommended for children under the age of 6.

Ravintsara Essential Oil is another great tool for winter months. Made from the Camphor Leaf, you’ll definitely want this one in your mama tool kit.

(If you look up the ingredients to the popular chest rub you see in stores, I just listed the key ingredients with the three oils above, except you can make a version of your own without the fillers and junk. ;) You’re welcome.)

Thieves Lozenges and Cough Drops deliver the cleansing power of Thieves for long-lasting relief.

Breathe Again™ Roll-On Oil creates a soothing aroma, and I love applying this over my sinuses.

Peppermint Oil eases tension and, along with Myrtle and Pine, and supports healthy respiratory
function.

Take a deep breathe, and woosah it out.

NINE. BETTER FOOD CHOICES.

Now you may have heard me talk a time or two about the Paleo lifestyle. The Paleo lifestyle basically boils down to better food choices: whole foods, not processed, all the veggies and fruits, and no refined sugar. What I’ve found is when I’m eating the Paleo way, I feel better. Duh. You literally are what you eat. So how can we make smarter choices? Here are a few tips!

Replace your regular (and maybe unhealthy!) treats with wholesome alternatives to help you stay on track and keep your health at the forefront. Check out all of Young Living’s healthy snack options from Einkorn Granola to Wolfberry Crisp Bars and more! (I told you Young Living was way more than just oils.)

Line your shelves with good food choices so you aren’t as tempted to indulge in unhealthy treats and plan your weekly menus!

Use coconut palm sugar instead of white sugar.

Use Young Living’s Chocolate Protein Complete Powder in lieu of the cocoa or flour in brownies.

Young Living’s Einkorn Flour instead of white flour in your dinner rolls.

Natural herbs, spices and vitality essential oils to flavor your food instead of salt!

TEN. PRACTICE SELF CARE.

If there’s one thing you heard me talk about often here on Seven Graces, it’s taking the time to take care of yourself! As a wife, mom, and business owner, it’s easy to put myself on the back burner, but I am not doing any of the people I love to serve any good when I am burnt out!

That’s why self care is so important. Take some time this week to sneak away for some alone time. Some of my favorite ways to relax and make sure my tank is full:

• Meditate and/or spend time in prayer. Take time each day for quiet reflection. Spend quiet time to nurture your soul each day. I wake up daily at 5:30 to make sure I have some quiet time before my day begins with the hustle and bustle of my kids and caring for my household. It’s my time to pray, get dressed, and get centered. The first thing I do is fill my diffuser with something uplifting and focus on God and what I need to get done for the day. Your prayer time might be at the end of the day or during your lunch hour. Regardless of when it is, just do it.
• Relax and recharge with a hot bath and a good book! Add some Tea Tree, Ylang Ylang, and Lavender oils for added luxury and a relaxing aroma. Taking care of yourself, if only for a few minutes, can make all the difference throughout the season. I prefer showers over baths, but I make sure to add some drops of my favorite oils into the shower for a bonus to the shower’s steam. It’s like a spa for sure.
• Improve your water intake! We’ve talked about this earlier and I’m bringing it up again because it’s crucial to your self care. Simply increasing your water intake will help detoxify your body and motivate you to be more conscientious of what else you’re ingesting. Try adding a citrus vitality essential oil to your water make it more interesting. Lemon, Lime, and Tangerine are all favorites, but don’t forget Grapefruit, Lavender, and Peppermint! In fact, try making your own Grapefruit-Mint Spritzer to enjoy a great blend of flavors that may make sweets and sugary drinks a little less appealing.

ELEVEN. EXERCISE.

This is something I desperately need to get better at this year, but I truly do want to make it a priority because exercise is so important in keeping us well. You don’t need to buy anything fancy or join a gym, just get moving!

Talk a walk (or jog). Get your heart rate up for at least 45 minutes, three times per week. Nothing beats a nice long walk or jog when you’re stressed and need some alone time! Plan ahead and make your exercise a priority to keep your body in tip-top shape.

Walk the long way to the bathroom at work, take the stairs instead of the elevator, park in that very last spot in the grocery store parking lot! A few more steps each day go along way in the end.

What’s your favorite way to exercise?

TWELVE. BEAT THE WINTER BLUES.

Once upon a time when I was a kid, I thought the winter blues were just lyrics in a song. But now as an adult, I totally get it. You especially get it if you live in a place that gets cold and dark for long periods of time, or if you’re stuck inside because of the bitter cold or rain or snow days. Without sunshine and warmth, our moods can be just as cold and dark as it is outside. Here are some of my favorite uplifting oils to help combat the winter blues:

Bergamot. This is my go to oil when feelings of sadness strike. If you are feeling low, try using Bergamot as a natural mood lifter. Bergamot scent is a personal favorite, and I love to diffuse it, apply it topically. You can also add it to Frankincense in your skin care routine for a dewy glow that also doubles as a mood lifter.

Grapefruit. This is an uplifting and energizing oil! The sweet scent makes it great to wear as a perfume, too. The energizing quality of it makes it great for anyone struggling with tiredness and lack of motivation. I love to wear it neat (no dilution) over my heart and on my wrists. It’s also magical to diffuse in the morning!

Orange. Orange oil reminds me of sunshine itself which, of course, in those dark winter days, we could all use a little more of! It is calming and relaxing and also is a citrus oil, so it can be uplifting for us
at the same time. I love to use Orange oil in epsom salt bath at night.

Peace & Calming. This gem. It’s a gentle, sweet blend of Ylang Ylang, Orange, Tangerine, Patchouli, and Blue Tansy, and has a calming, sweet aroma. The name says it all.

Joy. This was one of my very first oils beyond the starter kit! I thought the very floral scent was going to be too overwhelming to me at first, but y’all, try using it together with Stress Away and Valor! I now use joy every day for all the emotional support and it’s one of my tried and true blends for balancing and uplifting! Talk about game changer.

Valor. Our unicorn oil. Seriously, I can’t even put into words the power that’s housed in this little bottle. Its unique blend of Black Spruce, Blue Tansy, Camphor Wood, Geranium, and Frankincense, Valor has a woodsy, grounding aroma, perfect for all the emotions, big and small. Mostly big. We call this our courage and bravery oil, our oil to get us through this little thing we call life. It’s also the key to our unicorn roller, which you can find here.

Stress Away. Vacation in a bottle. This is our vanilla oil, a blend of vanilla, Lime, Copaiba, which has a history of beneficial properties in topical application, Lavender, with its refreshing and calming scent, and Cedarwood, which features the powerful plant constituent cedrol. These ingredients are expertly blended with the exotic scent of Ocotea. Its sweet smell is so uplifting and the perfect pair for any of our emotion oils. I always run out of this oil faster than most, so I make sure to have backups! You can also grab a pre-made Roll-On with Stress Away, a perfect daily perfume to ditch the toxic fragrances you might be wearing and replace with an true emotions booster.

For even more emotional support, you can try the Feelings Kit which comes with Harmony, Forgiveness, Inner Child, Present Time, Release, and Valor.

Nothing more powerful than these oils to beat the winter blues.

Last January was my first winter using essential oils, and I can’t remember the last time I’ve chosen to run out to buy cold medicine or when I’ve been more prepared for the cold, dark season. Spring is coming! But don’t worry, sister. These things will help get you through the long and hard days of winter.

If you’re not part of our oil community and sisterhood yet, start today! You’ll have exactly what you need to get started and to get your wellness arsenal going. It is beyond worth it. If you need any help at all, feel free to email me at graceandgoldendrops at gmail dot com.

You can read more about what it takes to start your wellness journey here.

Stay well. Stay happy. Stay smiling.