Purifying Synergy, Defense during Winter

An extract from the book Rejuvenating Recipes for Body and Soul Well being by Barbara Close and photographs by Susie Cushner.

During the winter months we are easily susceptible to colds and flu: respiratory infections such as bronchitis can linger on for weeks. The best defense is to keep the immune system strong with plenty of rest along with a healthy diet and nutritive herbs. Diffusing essential oils in the home is also beneficial, especially since many essential oils have antibacterial properties to keep germs at bay. This blend uses the powerful antiseptic properties of eucalyptus, thyme and lemon to disinfect the home and strengthen the body's resistance to disease.

Makes 4 ounces

• 4-ounce glass bottle
• 4 ounces purified water
• 24 drops eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) essential oil
• 15 drops lemon (Citrus limonum) essential oil
• 5 drops thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil

Fill the bottle halfway with water. Add essential oils, cover and shake well. Top off bottle with water, cover and agitate a second time. To dispense, pour 2 tablespoons of synergy into top of diffuser. Shake well before dispensing.

Herbal Bath Bouquet

This is an extact from a book called Rejuvenating Recipes for Body and Soul Wellbeing by Barbara Close and photographs by Susie Cushner.

Herbal Bath Bouquet

One of the most pleasant ways to enjoy the benefits of herbs is in the bath. Gather a bundle of herbs from your herbal remedy garden selected for their therapeutic and aromatic properties. Include chamomile, a herb with a long history as a nerve sedative and therefore fitting for a soothing restorative bath after a long day outdoors. Chamomile's distinctive applelike scent is very calming mentally and emotionally, good for easing anxiety. Lavender's sedative qualities overlap with those of chamomile and together they will calm frayed nerves or ease dull aches or pains. Add a few sprigs of fresh and uplifting geranium or basil to balance the effect of this bouquet.

Gather all the herbs in a bundle and tie off with a length of cotton ribbon or string. Gently bruise or tear the leaves to release the aromatic oils. Make a loop with the excess ribbon and tie the bouquet underneath the faucet so that water flows over herbs and into the tub. Or, let the bouquet float around you as you relax in the tub.