Instead of resorting to prescription pills this winter season after complaints of seasonal aches, pains, sadness, and colds, embrace natural remedies with essential oils. These remedies are geared specifically towards winter woes.

The topical application of essential oils can be used to relieve depression, anxiety, the common cold and muscle pains. Dab on wrists and neck if you’re inhaling to boost your mood, and use on site specific areas to target pain. A little goes a very long way–you’ll only need a few drops.

1. Ylang Ylang

Cananga odorata, commonly known as ylang ylang, is a tropical tree originating in the Philippines. The essential oil comes from the flowers produced by the tree. Ylang ylang is useful in aromatherapy for its ability to relieve depression. The cold, dark winter months keep us indoors and without much sun exposure, which can result in feelings of isolation and sadness.

2. Orange

Like ylang ylang, orange has the ability to relax the senses and reduce anxiety that characterize the winter season. Aromatherapists often use orange as a tranquilizer on their clients.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile essential oil’s winter-time benefits are two-fold – it has been shown to improve the function of the heart and stimulate the immune system. This means that it can boost circulation of the blood when blood vessels are generally contracted due to cold weather conditions as well as keep you safer from catching the common cold.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil goes a long way. The iconic aroma is refreshing to your mood as it is beneficial in clearing sinuses. In one study, peppermint was put up against ylang ylang. While ylang ylang showed the ability to increase calmness, peppermint increased alertness. So while ylang ylang may be helpful in the winter months to ease depression, those who need more pep in their step will benefit from peppermint essential oils instead.

5. Clove

Topical application of clove essential oil may help to relieve pain. When joints are stiff in the winter, clove is a great all-natural remedy to mild aches and pains.

6. Ginger

Like clove essential oil, ginger essential oil demonstrates effectiveness in reducing muscle pain, especially after exercise. In the winter, the cold weather contracts muscles and reduces blood flow, which can lead to injury more readily. Ginger is at your service in the event you experience muscle pain in the winter.

Photo Credit: urbanewomen

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Mint. Rosemary. Thyme. Clove. They are all well-known spices used in the kitchen. But for organic farmers,  they are also becoming known as key weapons to help combat insect pests attracted to fruit and vegetables.

Studies by scientists in Canada have established the potential for these spices to be used as environmentally-friendly pesticides. Posing less risk to human and animal health, the “killer spices”, when mixed together and diluted with water, become natural insecticides that either kill insects outright or simple repel them.

Some spice-based commercial products exist already, used primarily to protect organic strawberries, spinach and tomato crops from aphids and mites, but they only make up a very small percentage of the insecticide market.

In the next few years, however, it is likely that there will be a growth in natural pesticide production as more and more people become concerned about the damaging effects of more conventional pesticides.

But before that happens, scientists will have to find a way to make them longer-lasting. Currently, these spice-based insecticides have a short life span and require more frequent applications.

These killer spices are also showing potential as eco-friendly repellants against such home invaders are mosquitos, flies and roaches.

Image: Kalle Svensson

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