As we enter March, there are some things you can do to stay healthy.

Healthy-living strategies include the following:

• Don't smoke.

• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.

• Exercise regularly.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

• Get adequate sleep.

• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.

• Try to minimize stress.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

I haven't had a cold or bug since June.  What I have found most helpful is using Doterra Essential Oils.

When I feel a cold coming on, these four oils are super helpful to me:

Melaluca or Tea Tree oil, is best known for its purifying qualities, which make it useful for cleansing the skin, home surfaces, and purifying the air.  I also put one or two drops in hot water, along with lemon, honey and On Guard and it really helps to reduce the recovery time.

Oregano oil is one of the most potent and powerful essential oils and has been used for centuries in traditional practices. The primary chemical components of Oregano is carvacrol, a phenol that possesses antioxidant properties when ingested. Due to its high phenol content, caution should be taken when inhaling or diffusing Oregano essential oil; only one to two drops is needed.

Additionally, Oregano oil should be diluted with a carrier oil when applied to the skin. One drop taken internally each day can help maintain healthy immune function; Oregano can be taken more frequently as needed to further support the immune system.* In addition to being a popular cooking spice, Oregano oil also supports healthy digestion and respiratory function when taken internally.* Oregano’s aroma acts as an enhancer and equalizer in essential oil blends. When I have a cold,  I put one drop on each of the soles of my feet at night and in the morning.

On Guard, a proprietary essential oil blend, provides a natural and effective alternative for immune support when used internally.* As one of doTERRA’s best-selling blends, doTERRA On Guard protects against environmental and seasonal threats with essential oils known for their positive effects on the immune system when ingested.* doTERRA On Guard can be taken internally on a daily basis to maintain healthy immune function and support healthy cardiovascular function.* It can also be used on surfaces throughout the home as a non-toxic cleaner. When diffused, doTERRA On Guard helps purify the air, and can be very energizing and uplifting.

Try these ideas:

• Add two to three drops in a veggie capsule for an immune boost.*
• Add to water for an effective all-purpose surface cleaner.
• Soak sliced apples in water and a few drops for a healthy, immune-boosting snack.*
• Combine a few drops of doTERRA On Guard with Fractionated Coconut Oil for a natural hand cleanser.

We sell hand sanitizer, laundry detergent and hand wash.  We have some at the store but they are temporarily unavailable on the Doterra site.

If you do get a cold, I find Breathe to help my symptoms. Breathe is a remarkable blend of essential oils including Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Cardamom, Ravintsara, and Ravensara. doTERRA Breathe maintains feelings of clear airways and easy breathing while minimizing the effects of seasonal threats. doTERRA Breathe can be applied topically to the chest, back, or bottom of feet, or diffused at nighttime to calm the senses and promote a restful sleep.

• Diffuse, inhale directly from palms, or rub on chest or feet when seasonal and environmental threats are high.
• Use when outdoors to minimize the effects of seasonal threats.
• Diffuse at bedtime for a restful environment. 

Don't forget to get a good night's rest.  We recommend the Sonno Notte Mattress by Sferra and we carry it in store.  In fact we are the exclusive Sferra dealer in New Orleans. The Sonno Notte Mattress is a premium hybrid mattress offering a superlative balance of support and cradle for restful, restorative sleep. It is made by hand in the USA and comprised of nearly 1000 individually pocketed innerspring coils and layers of cotton, wool, and all-natural Talalay latex for individualized support and tension release. Each Sonno Notte mattress is fully tufted by hand and secured with wool rosettes to prevent shifting and settling over time, for a longer-lasting mattress. The Pillow Top Mattress offers firm support but is soft enough for side, back or stomach sleepers.

Both Sferra and Sonno Notte and Doterra products  are available in our store. You can order from us online, or if you would like more information call us at 504-304-9475 or email us at sotrenola@gmail.com.

If you want to order Doterra online, you can go to:

https://www.doterra.com/US/en and use my member number 6690746 to sign up as a retail or wholesale customer.

Stay healthy!

Grace