Supporting our immune systems and doing our best to stay as healthy as possible seems more important than ever right now. Even without the world being in lockdown with the Covid 19 Pandemic, this time of year when temperatures start dropping is often the time when many of us will come down with a seasonal cold or flu. Sadly for many of us, time doesn't stand still when we get sick and there are many things we have to juggle even when we're not feeling our best. So, doing what we can to take care of our bodies BEFORE we get sick is definitely a good idea! Many of the tips in this article are also worth following if you're already feeling a little run down and under the weather too. 

social distancing

I don't know about you, but living through the current covid 19 pandemic has made me wonder why we don't practice social distancing as a society more often when one of our work colleagues, friends or family are sick. There's nothing worse than the whole family or work team getting sick one after the other. Our first tip is definitely to play it safe and keep your distance from those showing cold or flu symptoms, if you can. If you're sick, stay home from work before you end up giving it to the whole team, that's a work gift that nobody wants to get!

wash those hands

Something as simple and easy to do as hand washing can make such a big difference when trying to stave off the lurgy and support our immune systems. Good old soap and hot water is always best, but when water isn't available carrying a hand sanitiser with you is a good idea! Paying close attention to washing all parts of your hands thoroughly is also really important, so germs won't stand a chance.

And don't forget those gadgets too! We're on our phones, ipads and laptops all the time, so make sure to give them a good clean down regularly. Spray a little hand sanitiser onto a very soft cloth so it's lightly damp and gently wipe over all surfaces of your phone and laptop. 

essential oils to support immunity

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, not only for their wonderful scents but also for their health promoting benefits. Essential oils contain phytochemicals that have many beneficial properties.  They can be used to help support the immune system, help protect against bacterial and viral infections, clear the nose and chest and relax and calm the mind.

These are some of our favourites for helping to promote a healthy immune system: 

• Eucalyptus radiata – decongestant, pain relief, fever, antibacterial, anti- viral, antiseptic, immuno-stimulant
• Lemon tea tree – antibacterial, anti-viral, decongestant, immuno-stimulant. 
• Lemon myrtle - antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial
• Peppermint – antibacterial, headaches, sinus congestion, muscular aches, fatigue 
• Rosemary – antibacterial, anti -viral, antiseptic, uplifting, headache, muscle pain, respiratory conditions 
• Lavender – antibacterial, anti- viral, antiseptic, deodorising, calming, headache.

You can diffuse essential oils by adding 3-10 drops of essential oil to water in your electric diffuser or ceramic oil burner. Our hand made ceramic oil burners by Ceramist, Emily Only are a wonderful option for diffusing essential oils throughout your home.

If you're feeling a little under the weather, adding a few drops of your preferred essential oil to a hot bath or a neutral massage oil like our unscented baby massage oil is also a wonderful way to use aromatherapy to support your immune system.

Sleep!

Getting a good night's rest is such an important part of supporting our body to keep up the good fight! Getting 8 hours sleep isn't always possible for us, especially if we have young children, so doing our best is all we can do. Try not sleeping with your phone next to your pillow, it's so tempting to check instagram before bed and before you know it you've wasted an hour or more of good sleep time! If you struggle to switch off your brain at night, try misting some Dindi sleep body mist on your pillow or on your pyjamas before you hop into bed. You could also try massaging a little Lavender Balm onto your wrists and temples to tell your body it's time to rest. 

'let food be thy medicine'

Four thieves vinegar is a natural immune boosting recipe that dates back to an outbreak of the black plague in Marseille. The story goes that a group of thieves during the black plague set out to rob the dead and the sick in France. When they were caught they offered to exchange their secret recipe, which had allowed them to commit the robberies without catching the disease, in exchange for their freedom. This may be just a myth but this recipe really does have a kick to it and taking a couple of tablespoons in the morning does feel like it's blowing the cobwebs out! 

4 thieves vinegar recipe

• 2 tablespoons fresh lavender, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 5 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
• 500ml raw apple cider vinegar

Combine all ingredients and allow to sit in an airtight container for 10 days. Take 2 tbsp a day to support immune system function!