during the holidays, it can be difficult to find time for self-care. it is important to seize the moment of consciousness.
one of the best things about the holidays is spices and herbs.
not only do they smell and taste amazing, but they also have a range of health benefits.
the festive spices you know and love are perfect for festive self-care.
Be smart with essential oils
SOME OF THE RECIPES IN THIS ARTICLE INCLUDE ESSENTIAL OILS. WHILE STUDIES HAVE SHOWN HEALTH BENEFITS FOR ESSENTIAL OILS, THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DOES NOT MONITOR OR REGULATE THE PURITY OR QUALITY OF ESSENTIAL OILS.
it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before you start using essential oils. be sure to study the quality of your brand's products. before trying a new essential oil, be sure to perform a patch test and dilute the essential oil in the carrier oil.
Why use holiday spices for self-care
during the holidays, stress levels start to rise as calendars and to-do lists are filled. this means that the establishment of self-care 10-holiday promptly is particularly important.
by scheduling conscious moments during the holidays, you can help avoid burnout and keep stress levels low.
many famous holiday spices are actually perfect for supporting your body during these busy times.
they have a range of benefits, including reducing stress, boosting immune system function, and treating inflammation in the body.
Favorite holiday spices and their benefits
some of the most common holiday spices are also the most beneficial. here are 10-holiday spices and their health-promoting properties.
Cinnamon
cinnamon is probably just the most popular holiday spice. it is a major feature of many festive dishes and drinks, and its aroma is recognizable at a glance.
what you may not know is that cinnamon may help relieve depressive symptoms, although studies have only been conducted in rodents. it also helps control blood sugar levels and protects the digestive system and has antibacterial properties.
cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde, a chemical that sweetens the flavor. cinnamaldehyde has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antiviral properties and can also help lower cholesterol
Nutmeg
another beneficial spice, nutmeg isn't just a holiday favorite. it also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. this makes it an excellent spice that helps support your body during the holidays.
nutmeg is known for its warm, sweet taste. it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. nutmeg has been shown to help improve blood circulation and has been reported to have an aphrodisiac effect, but learning has only been done in rodents.
Ginger
Ginger is very beneficial for the digestive system and is an excellent spice that helps calm the stomach, such as treating nausea and vomiting, especially nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.
Ginger has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, such as arthritis, and is useful in treating inflammatory bowel disease. It is also antibacterial.
Try using a decoction of dried ginger and drinking it like coffee to treat motion sickness and bloating immediately.
Clove
Cloves improve liver function, and this has been proven by studies conducted on animals. Cloves may also help regulate blood sugar, according to animal studies, and they are also rich in manganese.
Clove oil contains eugenol, which has antifungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and anesthetic properties.
Cloves have a unique deep, warm aroma with a slightly fruity flavor that pairs well with orange, ginger, and cinnamon.
Vanilla
as one of the most versatile holiday spices, vanilla can be added to a variety of festive desserts.
this delicate spice also helps soothe and calm the nervous system when inhaled. if you're feeling stressed out about your holidays, this is a good choice.
said to be the most popular flavor in the world, vanilla also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Aniseed
it's easy to run off during the holidays. this is where star anise comes in.
star anise has antiviral properties. it is also a great source of antioxidants and flavonoids.
in addition to using star anise in festive baking, you can add it to your tea or turmeric latte to provide a sweet and spicy taste. chivalric acid is isolated from star anise and is used to make the flu drug Tamiflu.
Tangerine
the fresh orange scent is a common feature of many holiday kitchens.
orange essential oil aromatherapy can also help reduce cortisol, stress hormones, and pulse rate. this means it may help support your body during times of high stress.
a 2017 study of cells showed that sweet orange essential oil may also have strong anti-cancer properties. it also provides mood-lifting and antibacterial effects.
Mint
this doesn't just apply to crutches sugar: peppermint itself is actually a beneficial herb.
peppermint may help treat headaches and soothe the stomach, making it a good choice for post-meal teas. it also has antioxidant, anti-allergic, and antibacterial properties.
the intense, cool smell of mint contrasts with other festive spices and herbs. it can also increase alertness, so if you feel like you're languishing during the day, give it a try.
Wise man
sage has been used in sacrifices since ancient times to help relax the body and calm the nervous system. it has been shown to help alleviate depression and anxiety in animal studies.
this delicious herb also has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties and may promote skin health. you can use it topically or drink it as tea.
the scent of sage goes well with ginger, orange, and rosemary.
Rosemary
originating in the Mediterranean, rosemary has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries and is now a common feature in many homes. it can be used in savory and sweet dishes or as an aromatic tea.
rosemary has a vibrant fragrance. it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as antidepressant effects. it may help reduce feelings of anxiety and even improve memory, but more research is needed.
studies have shown that rosemary may have anti-cancer properties. it may also be beneficial to the skin, helping to improve elasticity and firmness.
How to use festive spices at home
in addition to cooking with a mix of festive spices and herbs, you can also try these ideas for holiday self-care.
Make a cup of fragrant tea
brew a large pot of spiced tea on your stove.
give it a try
raw material:
- 6 cups of water
- 4 whole cinnamon sticks
- · 1 tablespoon. whole clove
- · 1 tablespoon. full octagon
- 4 whole vanilla beans, chopped
- 6 black tea bags
route:
1. add spices and bring to a boil.
2. reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. turn off the heat, add black tea bags, and steep for 2 to 5 minutes.
4. serve immediately.
for a refreshing sugar-free iced tea, cool it and place init the refrigerator.
DIY ROOM FOG
it is easy to quickly form fog indoors. room fog offers a subtle way to freshen the scents of your space, and you can customize them to your liking.
give it a try
you need to:
- glass spray bottle (essential oil may leach chemical substances from plastic)
- 3 1/2 oz. water
- · 1 tablespoon. vodka or witch hazel
- essential oil of your chosen
route:
1. mix the water with vodka or witch hazel.
2. add 15 to 20 drops of the oil of your choice.
3. place all ingredients in a glass spray bottle.
4. shake it and spray!
Simmer in a pot
another way to make your home smell good is to make simmered spices. think of it as a soup!
give it a try
raw material:
- 6 cups of water
- whole apple, cut in half
- 2 navel oranges, peeled
- • 1 teaspoon-sized chunk of fresh ginger
- ・ 1 teaspoon. cardamom pods
- ・ 1 teaspoon. whole clove
- 1/4 teaspoon. dried orange peel
route:
1. place all ingredients in a pan or slow cooker and cover with a lid.
2. keep the flame low.
3. add water as needed.
4. when the odor disappears, remove the heat and discard.
never leave your stove or slow cooker unattended. check the water level every 15 minutes to make sure the water hasn't completely evaporated.
Use an essential oil diffuser
if you want to take a simpler approach to holiday self-care, use an essential oil diffuser to add some calming holiday scents to your home.
look for pure essential oil products that do not contain additives.
a 2020 study showed that aromatic essential oils can help reduce anxiety. if you feel like your anxiety levels are rising during the holidays, this could be a good choice.
Add whole spices to your bathwater
yes, you read that right! you can turn your bath into a spiced paradise with full spices. first ,boil them on the stove with some water, then add the whole mixture to the tub as the water flows.
you can remove the spices before entering, or you can just leave them. it's that simple!
Try the festive spice mask
festive spices and herbs are not only nice to smell and enjoy. you can even use them for your skin.
if you have more free time, you may want to try making your own festive spice mask.
mixing honey with a pinch of vanilla, nutmeg and natural exfoliators allows for a quick and easy scrub.
you can also be a little more adventurous and make your own pumpkin apple mask.
Make the most of your self-care time
during the holidays, it can be difficult to find time for self-care. it is important to seize the moment of consciousness.
if you don't want to, you don't need to spend an entire afternoon pampering.
simply brewing a warm cup of spiced tea can help you stop. take a deep breath and enjoy the calming effects of your favorite festive spice.
you can also mix and match different festive herbs and spices to find the herbs and spices that best suit your needs.