Bowls of vibrant Cardamom, Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Mace.

For me, spices are the perfect complement to chilly autumn and winter months. The tantalizing aromas are reminiscent of holiday favorites like apple and pumpkin pie, mulled apple cider, eggnog, clove-studded oranges, and hot toddies. Plus, the scents are uplifting to the spirits, comforting, energizing, and good for overcoming mental fatigue and stress. Topically, they are warming and excellent for increasing circulation making them useful for sore muscles and arthritis.

Winter Spice Aroma Spray

Mist this intoxicating scent around your home for a nostalgic holiday aroma, or just because it smells so good!

3 oz Water
1 oz Witch Hazel Extract
20 drops organic Cinnamon essential oil
15 drops organic Cedarwood essential oil
10 drops organic Clove essential oil
5 drops organic Ginger essential oil

Add all ingredients to a 4 oz bottle and cap with a mister top. Shake before each use as the contents will naturally separate.

Clove and Sweet Orange Lip Balm

A warming lip balm with a delightful scent reminiscent of Orange and Clove Pomander Balls.

1 Tablespoon organic Shea Butter
3 Tablespoons organic Sunflower Oil
1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Beeswax
15 drops organic Sweet Orange essential oil
5 drops organic Clove essential oil

Coarsely chop the beeswax or use beeswax pastilles. Place beeswax, butter, and oils in a small pot or glass Pyrex measuring cup and gently heat in the top of a double boiler until the beeswax and butters have melted. Once melted, remove from the stovetop and add essential oils.  Immediately pour the mixture into lip balm containers. You can purchase lip balm tubes and jars, or you can reuse glass or plastic containers. Allow to cool completely before placing caps onto the lip balm containers. Your lip balm is finished! You can now add labels, ribbons, twine, or any other decorative elements. Makes 10 lip balm tubes.

Oatmeal & Spice Bath

Oatmeal soothes while spices warm, assist circulation, and aid sore muscles.

1 cup organic Oatmeal
1 tsp organic Cinnamon powder
1 tsp organic Ginger root powder
½ tsp organic Cardamom powder
½ tsp organic Nutmeg powder
Muslin bag or cheesecloth

Mix the oatmeal and spices together. If using right away, place in a muslin bag or in cheesecloth and wrap under the faucet, allowing the warm water to flow through the bag. Once the bathtub is full, untie and oatmeal-spice bag and use it like a washcloth to soften and sooth your skin. If giving as a gift, package the mixture in a pretty glass jar or tin, and attach a muslin bag and include instructions for usage.

Organic Cinnamon, Honey and Brown Sugar Scrub.

Cinnamon & Brown Sugar Body Scrub

This simple recipe smells delicious, increases circulation, and will make your skin feel silky smooth.

3/4 cup organic brown sugar
¼ cup plus 1 TBSP organic carrier oil of your choice
1 TBSP Honey
1 tsp Cinnamon powder
20 drops organic cinnamon leaf essential oil

Combine sugar and powdered Cinnamon. Add oil, honey, and essential oil. Mix well. Package in jars, and enjoy!

Sipping on spicy chai tea on a wintery day is pure bliss!

Favorite Chai

Make a pot of this enchanting tea to enjoy while whipping up all of these body care products! This is my favorite spiced tea recipe. I love to share it with friends and family during the fall and winter months. Many families in India create their own version of this tea, so feel free to play with the recipe.

- 4 slices fresh organic Ginger root
- 2 organic Cinnamon sticks
- 8-10 whole organic Cloves
- 8-10 whole organic Cardamom pods
- ¼ tsp. organic whole Black or White Peppercorns
- Dash of homemade or organic Vanilla Extract
- 2 TBSP Black Tea (organic English Breakfast, Ceylon, or Assam) or, make a decaffeinated version by substituting Red or Honeybush Tea
- Organic Honey to taste
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups organic milk or a milk substitute

Lightly crush Cinnamon sticks and Cardamom Pods. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, and add all spices. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for 5 minutes or longer, stirring occasionally. Add milk and allow it to heat up, then remove from the stove and add vanilla and honey. Strain and enjoy!

Here are some other fun ways to use spices during the holidays:

Spice Candle - dip a cheap paintbrush into melted wax and dab a bit of wax onto a candle. Press Cinnamon sticks or Star Anise pods onto the melted wax. Allow the candle to cool thoroughly and then holding it carefully by the wick, dip the entire candle into the hot wax briefly. Once cool, tie a decorative ribbon around the base.

Herbal Tree Decorations - fill clear glass ball ornaments with colorful spices. Try Cloves, black, green, white or pink Peppercorns, Cardamom Pods, or any herb or spice that looks pretty or smells fragrant.

Spice Garland – string Cinnamon Sticks, Chili Peppers, and Star Anise Pods on twine for a lovely fall inspired decoration.

Fragrant Sachet Ornaments – cut fabric or lace into fun shapes and fill with fill with Cinnamon, Cloves, Star Anise, and sew closed to make fun and fragrant ornaments.

Breakfast Treats - Grind Cardamom or Cacao Nibs with your coffee beans and brew, use Cinnamon sticks in coffee or black tea drinks as a stir stick, mix Pumpkin Pie Spice into cream cheese for a delicious toast or bagel spread.

Enjoy!

~ irene

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