When there’s a chill in the air, the sniffles begin. We now know that the reason has little to do with the season, per se: we get more colds in winter because we spent more time indoors.

Science has disproven lots of old theories and warnings about why we get sick. For instance, sorry, Grandma, but going outdoors with a wet head will not give you a cold. Our amazing bodies are designed to endure a range of temperatures.

But what happens when the mercury drops and the days get shorter in winter is this: that we spend more time indoors, and –ewwww—share more germs, more freely. This means that we breathe each other’s air, and touch common surfaces more, much like we do in the confinement of an aircraft cabin. This transfer of shared microbes is what bumps up the incidence of cold and flu when the weather turns cold.

Essential aromatherapy oils including Cedarwood Atlas, Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Lemon can help in a number of ways. When inhaled as part of an aromatherapy shower, these essential oils support the integrity of the delicate linings of the nose and throat, helping your immune system fight off bacteria and myriad types of Rhinovirus.

If you’ve already got a stuffy head, sore throat, sneezes and sniffles, these aromatic and decongestant botanicals can help to ease the most common symptoms.

COLD-FIGHTING TIPS

1. Wash your hands more frequently, using soap and warm water. Hand-sanitizers are not as effective in fighting microbes.

 2. Avoid touching your face, nose, mouth and eyes unless you have literally just washed your hands. Microbes enter the body via the “mucosa” – the moist, permeable linings of body-openings.

 3. Teach your kids these tips.

 4. If you’re feeling run-down, eat a nutritious, light meal—like warm bean soup—take an aromatherapy shower, and rest.

Peter Friis, CEO ESSIO Shower, www.essioshower.com