Another thing that is often over looked is other things we can add to our diet to boast our immune system. Garlic is one of the things that is great for us. And easy to add to our diets. Another great bonus is that Garlic is inexpensive, even the organic variety can be had pretty cheap. And it does pack a punch!

Garlic has a high sulfur content. Yes, that is what gives it that strong odor. It is also what gives it antibacterial benefits. The sulfur works with Vitamin C to kill harmful microbes. Think cold and flu. Garlic is also known for its benefits for the cardiovascular system. It is good to fight off colds and good for your heart. You get a two for one deal!

Garlic is best for you chopped and eaten raw, but most people don’t like raw garlic. Try adding to your recipes at the last possible minute to get the most benefits from it.

One way I get garlic into the food in this house, without any complaints at all is I add it to the pizza sauce and then put a small amount of chopped garlic in the toppings as well. I also learned from my mom to add a few cloves of garlic in the last minutes of cooking time to the potatoes. If you are making mashed potatoes, not even the pickiest eater will notice once they are all mashed up!

So stock up on the garlic. Actually use it. There are many great ways to add it to your diet. Natural organic garlic is inexpensive and some studies have shown that it does have a higher sulfur content. If you can’t afford it, or can’t find the organic variety, what you find in your local grocery will do. Try to use it as fresh as you can. But most of all enjoy!

Ginger tea is one of the herbal teas that has many benefits.

Ginger tea is made with the ginger root. You can purchase it as you do with any other tea. You can also make it yourself with fresh ginger root.

Purchase a 2 inch piece of ginger root. Peel the outer skin layer and slice into thin slices. 2 inches of ginger root should make about 4 cups of tea. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the sliced ginger root. Steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the tea mixture. You can add honey and lemon to taste.

Now that you have your all natural ginger tea, what is it good for?

Ginger tea has long been used to help with stomach ailments. From upset stomachs, naseau, motion sickness, and even morning sickness.

Ginger tea can also help freshen your breath. Ginger is an anti-fungal and anti-spasmodic. It can also act as a aphrodisiac. See? Ginger can help in several aspects of your life.

Ginger is an herb and an essential oil that can be helpful in your life. Try some today. Even if you don’t want to use the root to start from scratch, try the bagged or loose leaf ginger tea. While it has a strong tangy flavor many people enjoy it. You can also use honey and lemon to make it taste more to your liking. Remember to always use local honey and fresh lemon it you can.

Holidays are meant to be a time of celebration and a time of joy. We may have to do list longer than our arms, but that doesn’t mean we need to stress out about all the little details.  There are little things we can do to help us better deal with the stress. Using essential oils is one of many ways.

The most popular essential oils that many people use to deal with stress are lavender and chamomile. Both are known for their ability to help us calm down and relax. You can use essential oils in a burner, place a few drops on your pillow and even add a few drops to your bath.

If you are a tea drinker there are teas available now that have both lavender and chamomile in them. If you can’t find these a cup of chamomile tea may be just the ticket to help you relax and take the edge off of things.

Other essential oils that can help you deal with stress are Basil, Clary Sage and even Peppermint. All of these essential oils can be used in the same methods.

Essential Oil burners are a nice way to bring a pleasing fragrance to your home. Be sure that you use real essential oils in these. You do not want to use fragrance oils as they are not all natural. Burners are designed to warm the essential oils gently and disperse the essential oil into the air where they are breathed in. Not only are you breathing in the essential oil that will help you de-stress but others will also benefit from the fragrances of the essential oils.

Many people find that a few drops on linens will help them de-stress as well. Pillow cases are the linen of choice. As this will help you de-stress and be able to sleep. You may want to check on an inconspicuous place so you do not stain expensive linen. Use essential oils that help promote sleep as well as relaxing. Peppermint has the effect of getting people energized so you may not want to use this one on your pillow.

Another way to use this type of aromatherapy is to use a few drops on a linen handkerchief. You can keep this in your pocket or purse. Maybe a few whiffs when things are stressful will be helpful.

Adding a few drops to a warm bath is also a great way to relax. You may want to add them to a base oil, such as sweet almond oil. Keep in mind that essential oils go along way, just a few drops will do. For a bath I recommend 2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil mixed with 3 drops of lavender and 2 of chamomile. Adding this to a bath will help you relax and the sweet almond oil helps moisturize your skin.

Another great way to use essential oils to help relax is a message. Most message therapist use essential oils for their clients. Be sure to tell them you are feeling stressed so they will know what essential oils to use to benefit you.

Essential oils can be of great help in battling holiday stress. They are all natural and can make your home smell lovely as well.