Scents, Herbs, and Spices of the Season

What are your favorite uses of herbs during the holidays?
★ Which smells bring you memories of special times?
★ What sorts of teas or beverages are related to this time of year?
★ How are spices do you use during the holidays?


Scents

The sense of smell is less appreciated than other senses. Yet, it is powerful. The nerves from the nose go directly to the amygdala which performs a primary role in the processing and memory of emotional reactions. Scents can instantly bring to mind memories and feelings that you have not thought about for a long time.

Some scents familiar during the holiday season:

Evergreens – empowering, yet grounding fragrances, relieving anxiety and revitalizing mind, body, and spirit. Deep and long lasting emotional influence, dispelling depression and melancholy.
★ pine – antiseptic; hormone-like action; anti-diabetic; lymphatic stimulant; cortisone-like action; respiratory conditions (throat, lung, sinus); stressed muscles and joints; urinary tract infection; skin parasites; repels lice and fleas; revitalizes those suffering from mental and emotional fatigue; reduces stress; energizing to mind and body
★ cedar – calming; purifying; antibacterial, lymphatic stimulant; stimulates limbic system (emotional center), pineal gland (melatonin)
★ fir – antioxidant; stimulating; anti-fungal; pain relieving (muscular, rheumatic); anti-tumor; anticoagulant; respiratory infections; relieves fatigue; urinary tract infection; feelings of grounding, anchoring, and empowerment
★ spruce – antispasmodic; anti-parasite; antiseptic; anti-inflammatory; hormone like action; cortisone like action; immune stimulant; good for meditation; feeling of balance and grounding; opens and releases emotional blocks; associated with attracting prosperity

Citrus – air purifying, leaving a clean fresh scent; stimulating to right brain to increase creativity; relieves anxiety; improves concentration and mental accuracy
★ lemon – powerful antibacterial; anti-tumor; immune stimulant (increases white blood cells); improves microcirculation; hypertension; varicose veins; arteriosclerosis; urinary tract infection; digestive problems; obesity; anti-parasite; used to cleanse skin, combat acne, and reduce wrinkles ; invigorating; warming; relaxing; antidepressant; anti-anxiety; improves clarity of thought and purpose (memory, concentration, and mental accuracy)
★ orange – anti-tumor; relaxing; boosts immunity; anticoagulant; circulatory stimulant (used for arteriosclerosis and hypertension); insomnia; clears dull and oily complexion; fluid retention; soothes wrinkles; uplifting; antidepressant;
★ tangerine – antispasmodic; anti-tumor; digestive aid; boosts immunity; relaxing; obesity; relieves anxiety; irritability; insomnia; liver problems; fluid retention; anti-parasite; helps with anxiety and nervousness; promotes happiness, reducing depression; calming;

Cooking scents
★ bread – a comforting, homey smell. When showing a house for sale, we are advised to bake bread before the prospective buyers arrive.
★ cinnamon – used in pies, cookies, and cider; anti-inflammatory (COX 2 inhibitor); powerful antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral; anticoagulant, circulatory stimulant; stomach protectant (ulcers); anti-parasitic; warts
★ fruits – apples, pears, and pumpkin are all used in pies and other confections. Many people find the smells bring back memories of carefree youth filled with the anticipation of holiday festivities.


Herbs


This time of year, we find much comfort in a cup of hot tea or cider. They warm and comfort us. They can also help to ward off the many ailments that seem to lurk around every corner as we spend so much more time indoors, with crowds of people. Good choices to mix and match:

★ Peppermint – aromatic stimulant herb; carminative; antispasmodic; diaphoretic; expels gas; relieves nausea; disguises the taste and corrects the nauseating or griping effects of other medicines; eases colic;
★ Lemon balm – aromatic herb; cooling; sedative; lowers fever; improves digestion; nervous stomach disorders; relaxes spasms; nervous disorders; depression; sleeplessness; anxiety; palpitations; tension headaches; improves peripheral blood vessels; diaphoretic; emmenagogue; sedative; tonic; hyperthyroidism; anti-viral; anti-biotic; insect-repellent; externally, herpes simplex (cold sores), herpes zoster (shingles), sores and insect bites; relief from gout.
★ Echinacea – bitter herb; some aromatic properties; boosts immune system; anti-bacterial; anti-viral; stimulates spleen to produce white blood cells; clear up chronic infections; gargle for sore throats; skin diseases; fungal infections; septicemia ;slow-healing wounds; chronic fatigue syndrome; venereal diseases; early stages of coughs and colds; most effective for infection of the respiratory and urinary system; externally to treat herpes, acne, psoriasis and infected injuries; wounds, ulcers and other skin inflammations.
★ Dandelion root – bitter-sweet, cooling herb; diuretic; gall bladder and urinary disorders; laxative; stimulates liver function; hepatitis; jaundice; cirrhosis of the liver; improves digestion; dyspepsia; reduces swelling and inflammation; lung and breast tumors; abscesses; edema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness; in facial steam, as well as face packs: chronic joint and skin complaints including acne, eczema, psoriasis; high content of inulin makes it useful for people with diabetes.
★ Lemongrass – aromatic herb; antimicrobial; analgesic; antipyretic; antioxidant; anti-fungal; problems with digestive system in children; muscle spasms; nervous conditions; gentle boost when exhausted; externally to treat ringworm, lice, athletes foot, arthritis and scabies; normalize and balance overactive oil glands, dandruff and similar skin problems; oil invigorates the glandular system and boosts the digestive system for recovery after illness; jet lag; eases muscle pain and cramps; removes lactic acid and increases circulation; antidepressant; stimulant; deodorant; galactagogue; diuretic; antiseptic; fungicide; insecticide.
★ Basil – restorative, energizing, warming herb; nervine; migraine; aromatic; mildly sedative; analgesic; relieves insomnia; lowers fever; antispasmodic (relaxes spasms); eases nausea; improves digestion; abdominal cramps; effective against internal parasites; antiseptic; anti-viral; colds and influenza; expectorant; emmenagogue; used in skin ointments for stress-induced skin complaints; relieves exhaustion and anxiety; anti-depressant; insecticide; tonic.
★ cranberry – acidic, anti-bacterial herb; acidifies and deodorize the urine; protects against urinary infections and the formation of stones; incontinence; for cystitis; beneficial for respiratory ailments.
★ Many spices also make good teas.

Spices

We consider herbs that are generally used in cooking as spices. They add flavor, nutrition, and health giving benefits to foods.

Spices associated with holiday foods:

Poultry seasoning
★ Sage – astringent, antiseptic, tonic herb; relaxes spasms; suppresses profuse perspiration; reduces excessive salivation; reduces excessive lactation; night sweats (especially in menopause); improves liver function and digestion; increases appetite; indigestion; flatulence; has anti-inflammatory; anti-depressant; anxiety; female sterility; regulates the menstrual cycle; menopausal problems; reduces night sweats during menopause; estrogenic effect; externally for insect bites, throat, mouth, gum and skin infections, and vaginal discharge; antioxidant; antimicrobial; antiviral; used in hair care to combat greasy and oily hair by regulating the sebum production of the scalp; skin problems; acne; small amounts of oil lightens a tired mind and fights depression and grief; on the skin, refines the texture; wound healing; clears up sores, ulcers and dermatitis; anti-inflammatory; antibacterial; antiseptic; antispasmodic; astringent; digestive; diuretic; emmenagogue; febrifuge; hypertensive; laxative; stomachic; tonic.
★ Thyme – warming herb; astringent; aromatic; antiseptic; anti-fungal; improves digestion; indigestion; gastritis; diarrhea; relaxes spasms; respiratory problems; controls coughing (including dry and whooping cough); bronchitis; excess bronchial mucus; asthma; laryngitis; externally for tonsillitis, gum disease, rheumatism, arthritis and fungal infections; invigorates and stimulates hair growth; dandruff; hair loss; oil bolsters the nerves; helps with concentration; boosts immune system; colds; flu; coughs; sore throat; laryngitis; bronchitis; tonsillitis; asthma; removes uric acid; gout; arthritis; rheumatism; stimulates digestion and urinary tract; anti-rheumatic; antiseptic; antispasmodic; bactericide; cardiac; carminative; diuretic; emmenagogue; expectorant; hypertensive; insecticide; stimulant; tonic; vermifuge.
★ Onion – pungent herb; protects against infection; relaxes spasms; reduces blood pressure; reduces blood clotting; lowers blood sugar levels; expectorant; diuretic; minor digestive disturbances; bronchial and gastric infections; prevents age-related changes in blood vessels (arteriosclerosis); loss of appetite; externally, poultices of raw onion for acne, boils, wounds, and scars.
★ Marjoram – relaxing, calming, warming, expectorant and restorative herb; relieves spasms; stimulates circulation and the uterus; painful menstruation; bronchial and chest complaints; tension headaches; anxiety; and minor digestive upset; externally for bronchial congestion, muscular pain and strains, stiff joints and arthritis; oil bolsters the mind and spirit, banishes the feeling of grief and loneliness; easing sore achy muscles and swollen joints; stimulates peristaltic movements of the digestive system; menstrual cramps; on the skin for bruising and chilblains; analgesic; antiseptic; anti-spasmodic; carminative; digestive; emmenagogue; expectorant; laxative; nervine; restorative; sedative; tonic; vulnerary.
★ Black pepper – aromatic, pungent, warming herb; lowers fever; improves digestion; diuretic; laxative; relieves gas; lack of appetite; nausea; food poisoning; stomach chills; cholera; dysentery; vomiting caused by hypothermia; central nervous system depressant; anticonvulsant; analgesic; anti-spasmodic; cardiac; antiseptic; antimicrobial; stimulates digestive and circulatory systems; tonic; insecticidal.
★ Celery seed – bitter aromatic herb; tones; reduces blood pressure; stimulates the uterus; relieve indigestion; diuretic; anti-inflammatory; aphrodisiac; sedative; improves digestion; osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; gout; inflamed urinary tract; asthma; bronchitis; nerve tonic; externally to combat fungal infections and to battle tumors.
★ Cayenne – tonic, antiseptic herb; stimulates circulatory system; increases perspiration; used during the cold stage of fevers; varicose veins; asthma; digestive problems (detoxifying, dyspepsia, colic. and flatulence); used for laryngitis as a gargle; used as a food preservative in the tropics; used externally for sprains, itching, arthritis, unbroken chilblains, neuralgia, and pleurisy.


Pumpkin pie spices
★ Cinnamon (actually cassia) – pungent, sweet, warming herb; stimulates circulation; relieves spasms; lowers fever and blood pressure; controls bleeding and infections; relieves indigestion; diarrhea; flatulent dyspepsia; colds; poor appetite; low vitality; under performing kidneys; colds; angina; palpitations; fevers; rheumatic and arthritic complaints
★ Ginger – sweet, pungent, warming, and aromatic herb; expectorant; increases perspiration; improves digestion and liver function; abdominal unease and feeling of fullness; motion sickness; nausea; morning sickness; indigestion; colic; abdominal chills; beneficial effect on ulcers; increases peristalsis and the secretion of bile and gastric juices; hypoglycaemic; cholesterol lowering; immune stimulant; anti-inflammatory; colds; influenza; coughing; nasal discharge; blood in the urine; chronic bronchitis; stimulates peripheral circulation; relaxes spasms; relieves pain; frigidity and impotence; externally for spasmodic pain, rheumatism, lumbago, menstrual cramps and sprains; oil sharpens the senses and memory; grounding; warm the body and the mind; removes excess moisture in the body (catarrh and phlegm).
★ Cloves – spicy, warming herb; relieve pain; placed on the gum near toothache; control nausea and vomiting; improve digestion; impotence; hiccups; protect against internal parasites; insect bites; antimicrobial against fungi, virus, and bacteria; cause uterine contractions; anti-inflammatory; antispasmodic; carminative; helps the smooth muscle lining the digestive tract to relax; insect repellant; antihistamine; stimulating effect on the mind.
★ Nutmeg – spicy bitter, astringent, and warming herb; digestive tonic; controls vomiting; abdominal distension and bloating; indigestion; colic; diarrhea; dysentery; gastroenteritis; relaxes spasms; respiratory catarrh; urinary incontinence; premature ejaculation; externally anti-inflammatory; toothache; eczema; rheumatic or abdominal pain; oil has a psychotropic effect on the body (use sparingly); stimulates the mind; all-over tonic; analgesic; anti-rheumatic; antiseptic; antispasmodic; carminative; digestive; emmenagogue; stimulant.

Mulling spices for cider
★ Cinnamon (actually cassia) – pungent, sweet, warming herb; stimulates circulation; relieves spasms; lowers fever and blood pressure; controls bleeding and infections; relieves indigestion; diarrhea; flatulent dyspepsia; colds; poor appetite; low vitality; under performing kidneys; colds; angina; palpitations; fevers; rheumatic and arthritic complaints
★ Allspice – fragrant, spicy, and warming herb; antiseptic; anesthetic; encourages digestion; flatulence; remedies diarrhea; stimulates the nervous system; eases nervous exhaustion; used in a liniment to treat chest infections and muscular aches and pains.
★ Orange and lemon peel – sour to bitter, aromatic, cooling herb; decongests the kidneys and liver; tones the immune system; diuretic; anti-inflammatory; improve peripheral circulation; stomachic; antacid; antiscorbutic; anti-neuralgic; anti-rheumatic; antiseptic; astringent; bactericide; carminative; depurative; emollient; febrifuge; haemostatic; insecticide; laxative; tonic; vermifuge; oil is refreshing; boosts circulation; varicose veins; cellulite; clears up greasy congested complexions; increases concentration; counteracts acidity in the body; arthritis; rheumatism; gout; cuts; minor wounds; softening scar tissue; smoothing out broken capillaries.
★ Nutmeg – spicy bitter, astringent, and warming herb; digestive tonic; controls vomiting; abdominal distension and bloating; indigestion; colic; diarrhea; dysentery; gastroenteritis; relaxes spasms; respiratory catarrh; urinary incontinence; premature ejaculation; externally anti-inflammatory; toothache; eczema; rheumatic or abdominal pain; oil has a psychotropic effect on the body (use sparingly); stimulates the mind; all-over tonic; analgesic; anti-rheumatic; antiseptic; antispasmodic; carminative; digestive; emmenagogue; stimulant.
★ Star anise – bitter sweet aromatic herb; aids digestion; stimulant; diuretic; colic; rheumatism (original source of chemical used in tamiflu); do not confuse with Japanese star anise, which is poisonous.
★ Cloves – spicy, warming herb; relieve pain; placed on the gum near toothache; control nausea and vomiting; improve digestion; impotence; hiccups; protect against internal parasites; insect bites; antimicrobial against fungi, virus, and bacteria; cause uterine contractions; anti-inflammatory; antispasmodic; carminative; helps the smooth muscle lining the digestive tract to relax; insect repellant; antihistamine; stimulating effect on the mind.
★ Fenugreek – bitter herb; increases milk-flow; painful menstruation; labor pains; stimulates the uterus; soothes irritated tissues; lowers fever; reduces blood sugar; improves digestion; weight loss; anorexia; poor appetite; gastric inflammation; promotes healing; laxative; expectorant; bronchial complaints; tuberculosis; diuretic; edema of the legs; kidney related pain; gout; arthritis; anti-parasitic; anti-tumor; hernia; rejuvenation; aphrodisiac; loss of libido; painful testicles; premature ejaculation; sprouts are also used to promote hair growth, especially in men; used externally for skin inflammations, ulcers, boils, eczema and cellulite.
★ Ginger – sweet, pungent, warming, and aromatic herb; expectorant; increases perspiration; improves digestion and liver function; abdominal unease and feeling of fullness; motion sickness; nausea; morning sickness; indigestion; colic; abdominal chills; beneficial effect on ulcers; increases peristalsis and the secretion of bile and gastric juices; hypoglycaemic; cholesterol lowering; immune stimulant; anti-inflammatory; colds; influenza; coughing; nasal discharge; blood in the urine; chronic bronchitis; stimulates peripheral circulation; relaxes spasms; relieves pain; frigidity and impotence; externally for spasmodic pain, rheumatism, lumbago, menstrual cramps and sprains; oil sharpens the senses and memory; grounding; warm the body and the mind; removes excess moisture in the body (catarrh and phlegm).


Project
Carpet Deodorizer

1 cup baking soda
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine ingredients and mix thoroughly. Keep in an air tight container. It will keep indefintely if sealed.

Sprinkle powder over carpet. Let sit twenty minutes to an hour. Vacuum.

This recipe can be multiplied as needed. Mix up a bunch and keep on hand. You are more likely to use it if it is handy.Lavender and Cedar Herbal Sachet

1 part lavender buds
1 part cedar wood chips

Combine ingredients. Place a couple tablespoons of mixture in small muslin bags. Tie bags with ribbon to close. Tuck the bags away in corners of your house, in closets, or in drawers.

Cedar wood chips can be found in pet supply stores, as they are usually used for bedding.


Scented Drawer Liners

Use a heavy paper, like card stock, water color paper, or home made paper. Cut to the desired size and shape. Apply the oils to the paper. Seal in a plastic air tight container with a lid for several days. The oil will absorb completely in the paper, leaving no oily trace. The scent will fade in a few months. Just repeat the process. For gift giving, roll the paper into a tube and tie with a ribbon.

Citrus Sunshine

4 drops tangerine essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
3 drops grapefruit essential oil

Lavender Woods

5 drops atlas cedarwood essential oil
3drops lavender essential oil

Soft and Sweet

5 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops rosewood essential oil
1 drop ylang ylang essential oil


Woodsy Musk

4 drops patchouli essential oil
4 drops cedarwood essential oil