With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season in full swing, as well as a global pandemic still looming over us, self-care is more important now than ever before.
Thankfully, holiday herbs and spices offer a plethora of health perks. Moreover, they smell and taste like heaven!
Here’s how to indulge in some self-love with these festive holiday spices.
Cinnamon
One of the most popular holiday spices, cinnamon can be found in numerous holiday drinks and dishes. Not only does it have a gorgeous aroma, but cinnamon can help reduce symptoms of depression, manage your blood sugar, and promote digestive health.
To enjoy the delicious taste and scent of cinnamon, brew up a big pot of spiced cinnamon tea. All you need are four cinnamon sticks, six cups of water, chopped vanilla beans, whole cloves, whole star anise, and black tea bags to whip up this relaxing recipe.
Sage
Utilized in Celtic rituals for centuries, sage can calm and relax your mind, body, and spirit.
Savor the scent of sage by making your own DIY room mist. Simply mix 3 ounces of water with a tablespoon of vodka, add 20 drops of sage oil, shake up in a glass spray bottle, and spray throughout your room for instant serenity.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another favorite when it comes to festive spices. It’s also known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and studies have shown that nutmeg boosts blood circulation.
Treat your skin to a delicious holiday face mask. Mix honey with a pinch of nutmeg and vanilla, as well as a natural exfoliator, such as coffee grounds or oatmeal, for an indulgent and festive face mask.
Peppermint
Peppermint is not only a beloved holiday treat, but this herb is also extremely beneficial for your wellbeing. Peppermint has been shown to soothe stomach cramps, alleviate headaches, and also boasts anti-allergenic and antioxidant properties.
Peppermint’s intense, cool scent can also make you more alert. Keep a small sack of peppermint by your bed and sniff it each morning for an instant pick-me-up during the stress of the holiday season.
Rosemary
Hailing from the Mediterranean, rosemary has been used as a medicinal herb for hundreds of years. It can help alleviate anxiety and has also been shown to improve memory.
Moreover, rosemary is beneficial for your skin and can increase firmness and elasticity.
If you want to enjoy the full advantages of rosemary, consider adding whole rosemary spices to your bathwater. Boil them on the stove with some water, and then add the entire mixture to your bath as the faucet is running.
This holiday season, you can easily practice self-care with your favorite festive herbs and spices.
