Tis the season for colds and flu. 

How do you stay well?

I'm proud to say (as I knock on wood) that I've not been ill since March of this year. Well, ok, I had a slight cold the first week in October, after traveling. But it only lasted 6 1/2 days, as compared to the typical 2-3 weeks my colds last.

That's NINE entire months!  And, that's unusual for me.  In 2006, I was ill with a cold about every eight weeks or so, due to traveling, etc.  I'm still traveling, around lots of people, including friends with kids that bring home from school every kind of germ known to man.

My typical method of prevention was Airborne.  However, in my case, if I didn't take it from the very onset (or prior), and then every three hours, it wasn't a failsafe preventative measure.  And, by the way, I notice that the package now states you should not ingest it more than 5 times a day or so.  Hmmm...

So, what did I change?

My dear friend and fellow voice over actress Randy Thomas turned me on to essential oils. Ok, ok... I know it sounds crazy. Really, I do.

But, I have to say, the essential oil called Thieves is incredible stuff.  I buy it through Young Living, but I think you can buy it at health food stores and such places, although I think those might be knock offs. 

Thieves "was created based on research about four thieves in France who covered themselves with cloves, rosemary, and other aromatics while robbing plague victims. This proprietary essential oil blend was university tested for its cleansing abilities. It is highly effective in supporting the immune system and good health."

It's a combination of the essential oils of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary.

When I'm feeling the onset... even just a tingle in my throat... of sickness, or if I'm around or have been around a lot of people, I put a couple of drops on my tongue and chase it with water. It really, really works!!!!   (Warning: be prepared... it's hot, and you may not like the taste. I happen to like the taste and the smell, but many people do not.)

You can also buy a diffuser and diffuse the oil in your home. Just be sure to clean out your diffuser right away... I clogged mine b/c Thieves is a kind of a thick oil. 

I also like to wear it on my pulse points in the fall/winter, because I like the way it smells. It's got that cinnamon scent that's great during the colder months.

They also have mouthwash, cleaning products, and all kinds of other things made with Thieves.  I have the mouthwash courtesy of Randy... good stuff.  My husband, on the other hand, nearly gagged when he used it. And he's a heavy duty Listerine user - which makes me gag.

So, that's what I do to keep from getting sick. So far, so good!!

Also, I like other oils just for aromatherapy purposes. I like Lemongrass, and I have one called "Creative Juice" which is a combo of bergamot, cardamom, and lemon oils.  Love it.