Updates from Neli Dume

Essential Oils for Cold & Cough Season



Winter is here… and with it comes the classic combo we all know too well: scratchy throats, stubborn coughs, stuffy noses, low energy, and that feeling of being “run down.”

One thing I love about natural wellness is how simple it can be.

And one of the easiest, most comforting winter remedies is honey infused with essential oils — paired with a few diffuser blends and gentle lifestyle support.

Why Essential Oils + Honey Work So Well Together

Honey is naturally soothing for the throat and chest, and when you pair it with the right essential oils, you create a warm, supportive mixture that can help with:
  • throat comfort
  • easier breathing
  • winter immune support
  • calming the body
  • emotional well-being
  • more energy when you feel worn down
And it only takes a drop to make a difference.

Vitality™ / Plus Line Oils — What You Need to Know

Young Living created the Vitality™ Line (or Plus Line in some countries) so you can easily tell which oils are labeled for internal use.

Here’s the part most people don’t know: The oil inside is the exact same as the regular bottle.
Same quality. Same purity. Same plant.
The only difference is the label — so you know how to use it safely.

Use Vitality/Plus oils for:
✔ honey mixtures
✔ warm water or tea
✔ cooking & baking
✔ smoothies, dressings, soups
✔ daily wellness support
Whenever you see a white label (Vitality) or Plus Line, you know it's approved for internal use.

Safety First: How to Use These Oils Correctly

A little goes a long way!
  • Use very small amounts (often just a toothpick swirl when use in cooking).
  • Always mix oils into honey first, then add warm (not hot) water if you wish.
  • Avoid adding oils directly to hot water — it can irritate the throat.

Best Essential Oils for Cold & Cough Season

Here are my favorite gentle, common oils that support the body during winter:

Lemon: Freshen the throat, support, support immunity, helps break up mucus.

Orange: Uplifting and comforting when you’re tired or run down.

Ginger: Naturally warming; great for respiratory and digestive support.

Cinnamon Bark: A powerful antioxidant with deep winter support.

Peppermint: Opens the airways and clears the sinuses.

Spearmint: Gentler than peppermint — great for soothing the throat.

Oregano: Very strong seasonal support. Use sparingly!

Thyme: Traditionally used for cough, congestion, and chest comfort.

Frankincense: Supports deep breathing and calms the body.

Lavender: Perfect for nighttime comfort and relaxation.


My Favorite Honey Infusion Recipes


1. Throat Soother Honey

  • 1 tsp raw honey
  • Lemon
  • Ginger
Helps calm scratchiness and supports throat comfort.

2. Winter Immunity Honey

  • 1 tsp raw honey
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Optional: tiny Cinnamon swirl
A strong seasonal support blend — use once daily when needed.

3. Open Airways Honey

  • 1 tsp raw honey
  • Peppermint
  • Frankincense
Helps with stuffiness, sinus pressure, and easier breathing.

4. Cozy Cough Relief Honey

  • 1 tsp raw honey
  • Orange
  • Cinnamon
A comforting blend that tastes amazing on cold days.

5. Nighttime Calm Honey

  • 1 tsp raw honey
  • Lavender
  • Lemon
Soothes the throat and relaxes the body before bed.

How to Use These Honey Remedies

Daily: Take 1 teaspoon or more during the day for general support.


If you’re coughing or congested, you can also add the “Open Airways Honey” to warm water and sip slowly.

Before bed, choose the Lavender or Frankincense blends for calming support and easier breathing at night.

The ratio is 1:1, one teaspoon of honey to 1 drop of oil. If you feel that is too strong for you, you can add more honey.  

Diffuser Blends for Cold & Cough Season

Clear Breathing

  • 2 drops Peppermint
  • 2 drops Lemon
  • 1 drop Frankincense

Immune Support

  • 2 drops Lemon
  • 2 drops Oregano
  • 1 drop Cinnamon

Nighttime Comfort

  • 3 drops Lavender
  • 2 drops Frankincense
These blends help open the airways, soothe the mind, and support restful sleep — especially when you’re not feeling your best.

Staying well during winter doesn’t have to be complicated.
A few drops of essential oils, a spoonful of honey, warm drinks, rest, and gentle movement can make a world of difference.



Neli Dume
Aromatherapist • Wellness Coach
@neli_dume | nelidume.com

References:

Fischer, R., et al. “Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of lemon essential oil.” Journal of Food Science & Nutrition, 2018.

U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Limonene: therapeutic properties and antimicrobial potential.” NIH.gov
Lakhan, S. E., et al. “The effectiveness of ginger for respiratory and inflammatory support.” Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2015.
  • NIH: “Zingiber officinale (Ginger) — bioactive components and therapeutic use.”Rao, P. V., Gan, S. H. “Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014.NIH: “Cinnamaldehyde and its antimicrobial activity.”Eccles, R. “Mechanisms of the menthol-induced sensation of nasal decongestion.” The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 1994.Meamarbashi, A. “Menthol and respiratory function.” Journal of Comparative Physiology, 2013.
  • Leyva-López, N., et al. “Oregano essential oil: antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.” Molecules, 2019.
  • NIH: “Carvacrol: biological activities and therapeutic potential.”
  • Sadlon, A. E., Lamson, D. W. “Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of thyme extracts.” Alternative Medicine Review, 2010.
  • NIH: “Thymol — therapeutic and antimicrobial action.”Moussaieff, A., Mechoulam, R. “Boswellia resin: from traditional use to scientific validation.” Journal of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2009.NIH: “Boswellic acids and respiratory health.”
  • Koulivand, P. H., et al. “Lavender and the nervous system.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013.
  • NIH: “Lavandula angustifolia and relaxation response.”
  • Oduwole, O., et al. “Honey for acute cough in children.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018.
  • Paul, I. M., et al. “Effect of honey as a cough suppressant.” Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 2007.
  • U.S. National Institute of Health: “Essential oils — mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential.”


Love what you read here> Get my weekly tips.

🌿 Your Lifestyle: It Either Protects Your Health… or Slowly Drains It


If there’s one thing I’ve learned after living through my own shifts — it’s this:

Our lifestyle becomes either our biggest healer… or our biggest problem.

And most of the time, it’s not the big things that change our health.
It’s the tiny, daily habits we think “don’t matter.”

But after 40, everything starts to matter more:
  • Your sleep
  • Your stress
  • Your food
  • Your movement
  • Your environment
  • Your home products
  • Your mindset
These little things start adding up — in your energy, in your weight, in your mood, in your hormones, and even in how you age.

The good news?

You’re not powerless.
In fact, you have far more control than you think.
Let’s break it down gently and simply — the way I talk to my clients.

🌬 1. Your Air Quality Affects Everything

We spend more than 90% of our time indoors, and indoor air can be more polluted than outside — especially from cleaners, candles, sprays, and laundry products.
For midlife women, this matters even more: chemical fragrances can disrupt hormones, irritate the lungs, and increase inflammation.

A few simple swaps can change how your body feels:
  • open your windows daily
  • diffuse essential oils instead of spraying fragrance
  • switch to low-tox cleaners (your body will feel the difference)
  • choose natural laundry products
A cleaner home = a calmer immune system.

🌞 2. Time Outside Is Not Optional — It’s Medicine

Fresh air + sunlight is the most underrated hormone therapy.
Even 10–15 minutes a day can:
  • lower stress
  • support Vitamin D
  • balance circadian rhythm
  • improve mood
  • reduce inflammation
And if you can walk? Even better.
Your lymphatic system (your detox system) activates when you move.
You literally “flush out” stress and toxins.

😔 3. Stress Is the Biggest Hormone Disruptor After 40

No cream or supplement can fix what chronic stress keeps breaking.
After 40, cortisol becomes louder:
  • more belly fat
  • more inflammation
  • worse sleep
  • cravings
  • anxiety
  • irritability
The solution isn’t complicated:
  • deep breathing
  • essential oils
  • boundaries
  • prayer
  • slowing down
  • daily routines that calm your body
Small resets throughout the day do more than one big vacation ever could.

🌙 4. Sleep Is Your Body’s Repair Mode

If you wake up tired, wired at night, or crashing in the afternoon… your hormones are asking for help.
Improve sleep with:
  • magnesium
  • early winddown
  • darker room
  • less phone at night
  • nighttime oils (Peace & Calming, Lavender, Cedarwood)
Your immune system literally restores itself while you sleep.

🥩 5. What You Eat Becomes How You Feel

You don’t need a diet — you need nourishment.
Women 40+ need more:
  • protein
  • minerals
  • whole foods
  • hydration
  • fiber
And less:
  • sugar
  • processed foods
  • endocrine disruptors
  • alcohol
  • emotional eating
What you eat either fuels healing or fuels inflammation.

🚶‍♀️ 6. Movement Is Medicine — Not Punishment

You don’t need long, intense workouts.
You just need consistency.
Daily movement lowers stress, balances hormones, supports blood sugar, and strengthens your metabolism.
Try:
  • 10-minute walk after meals
  • gentle morning mobility
  • 15 pushups to wake up your body
  • strength training 2–3× per week
Movement should work with your life, not against it.

💛 The Truth? You Are Not Broken. You Are Overloaded.

Your body isn’t failing.
It’s communicating.
And once you clean up your air, support your hormones, nourish your body, move daily, and reduce stress — you’ll be amazed at how quickly things change.
Your lifestyle is your greatest tool for healing.
And you get to choose which direction it goes.

📚 References

  1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "Indoor Air Quality: Basic Information."
  2. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “The Effects of Stress on Your Body.”
  3. National Sleep Foundation. “Sleep and Immune Function.”
  4. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Studies on cortisol and metabolic dysfunction in midlife women.
  5. American Heart Association. “Benefits of Walking for Heart and Metabolic Health.”
  6. National Institutes of Health (NIH). “Vitamin D and Immune Function.”
  7. North American Menopause Society. Research on hormone shifts and lifestyle interventions for women 40+.



Love what you read here> Get my weekly tips.

3 Things I Do Every Morning to Keep My Energy High After 40

3 Things I Do Every Morning to Keep My Energy High After 40

I’ve been in the wellness world my whole life.
I graduated in Physical Education & Sport, so I’ve always understood movement, energy, and routine. I knew what worked for my body — and for years, that kept me feeling vibrant and strong.
But sometimes, life gets loud.
I’d skip the habits I knew were good for me… and I felt the difference immediately: tired in the morning, foggy in my mind, rushed, reactive — not myself.
After 40, that contrast became impossible to ignore.
So I returned to the simple, grounding habits that always supported me. Gentle things. Powerful things. Consistent things.
And honestly?
These three morning rituals changed everything for my energy, my mood, and how I show up every single day.
If you’ve been feeling tired, inflamed, foggy, or stuck in survival mode… this is exactly where I’d start.

1. I Hydrate With Minerals (Before Coffee!)

The FIRST thing I do is hydrate — and not with plain water.
After 40, cortisol naturally rises in the morning. We also begin to lose minerals faster, which impacts energy, digestion, and mental clarity.
Adding minerals first thing helps regulate your stress response.
My drink:
  • Warm water
  • A pinch of mineral salt or electrolytes
  • 1 drop of Lemon Vitality or fresh lemon
Why this works (science-backed):
✅ Mineral hydration supports adrenal function
✅ Warm water stimulates digestion
✅ Lemon helps the liver start detox pathways
✅ Proper hydration increases energy and brain function



2. I Move My Body — Gently, Purposefully, and With Push-Ups

I don’t do intense workouts first thing in the morning.
I do activation, not exhaustion.


Here’s my exact routine:

✅ 3–5 minutes of mobility:

  • Hip circles
  • Shoulder rolls
  • Spine twists

✅ 8–10 bodyweight squats

✅ 15 morning push-ups

These wake up your upper body, activate your core, improve circulation, and fire up your nervous system.
And the goal isn’t perfection — it’s activation.
The push-ups are a beautiful midlife-friendly strength habit because they stimulate:
  • Chest
  • Shoulders
  • Triceps
  • Core
  • Back muscles
    All in under 30 seconds.

✅ 1–3 minutes of gentle walking

Outside if the weather allows, or in the kitchen while the water heats.
Why movement works (especially after 40):
✅ Improves insulin sensitivity
✅ Lowers morning cortisol
✅ Boosts metabolism
✅ Reduces stiffness
✅ Wakes up the brain through oxygen flow


3. I Use Essential Oils to Set My Mood & Focus

Your sense of smell sends messages straight to the brain’s emotional center — the limbic system — in seconds.
This is powerful for women after 40, especially with fluctuating hormones.
My morning diffuser blends depend on what I need:

For energy & clarity:

  • Peppermint
  • Lemon
  • Rosemary

For calm focus:

  • Frankincense
  • Lavender
  • Stress Away

For mood & confidence:

  • Orange
  • Valor
  • Bergamot
Sometimes I diffuse.
Sometimes I apply.
Sometimes I inhale from my palms.
One minute — and my nervous system resets.



Final Thoughts

I’m not interested in complicated morning routines.
I’m interested in habits that support a woman’s body after 40 — naturally, gently, consistently.
These three rituals (minerals, movement, and oils) are my foundation.
They keep me steady, strong, and energized, even on busy days.

References:
  • L. P. Speich, Electrolytes and hydration in adult women, Journal of Nutrition, 2019.
  • Harvard Health Publishing: “Cortisol and morning energy cycles.”
  • Essential Oils Desk Reference, 7th Edition
  • Moss M., Essential oils and cognitive performance, International Journal of Neuroscience
  • Young Living clinical references on aromatherapy & emotional support
  • American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): Morning activity and cortisol regulation
  • Metabolism Journal, 2021: Light morning movement improves insulin sensitivity
  • Debra Atkinson, Flipping 50®: Strength in menopause
Love what you read here> Get my weekly tips.

🌿 Nutmeg Essential Oil: Warm, Energizing & Restorative

Nutmeg essential oil has a comforting, spicy-sweet aroma that instantly brings warmth to both body and spirit. Distilled from the fruit and seed of the Myristica fragrans tree, this ancient oil has been cherished for centuries — even mentioned in Hildegard of Bingen’s 12th-century herbal writings.
Traditionally used to support digestion, ease tension, and uplift mood, nutmeg is a wonderful oil to reach for when you need a gentle boost of energy and balance.

✨ Benefits & Uses

💪 Supports Energy and Adrenal Function

Nutmeg acts as a natural adrenal and nervous-system stimulant, helping to restore vitality when you’re feeling drained or fatigued. It’s often used to support the adrenal glands, helping maintain healthy energy levels throughout the day.

🌸 Promotes Hormonal Balance

Its warm, regulating nature makes nutmeg a beautiful companion for hormone balance—especially for women in midlife. It can help soothe emotional stress, support regular cycles, and promote overall endocrine wellness.

🌿 Aids Digestion

For generations, nutmeg has been known as a digestive comfort oil. A drop diluted and applied to the abdomen can ease bloating, gas, or feelings of heaviness after meals. Diffusing it before dinner also helps create a relaxing, grounding atmosphere.

💆‍♀️ Relieves Muscle & Joint Tension

Nutmeg’s warming properties make it perfect for sore muscles and stiff joints. Add it to massage blends with Clove, Cypress, or Rosemary to relax tight areas and improve circulation.

😌 Calms Stress & Nervous Fatigue

The cozy scent of nutmeg promotes relaxation and emotional grounding. When you’re feeling anxious, scattered, or mentally tired, inhaling nutmeg or diffusing it with Orange and Cinnamon can bring instant calm and clarity.

🌼 How to Use

Aromatic

Diffuse for up to 30 minutes, three times a day to create an inviting, energizing space.
Try blending with Cinnamon Bark, Orange, and Clove for a fall-inspired, cozy aroma.

Topical

Dilute 1 drop of nutmeg essential oil with 1 drop of carrier oil (like V-6®, coconut, or almond oil).
Apply to:
  • Vita Flex points (feet or spine)
  • Lower back or abdomen for energy and hormonal support
  • Sore muscles and joints for warmth and relief

Internal Nutmeg Vitality /Plus

Add 1 drop of Nutmeg Vitality to:
  • A spoon of honey
  • Warm milk, tea, or coffee
  • Or take in a capsule up to 3 times per day as needed
It adds a cozy, spicy note and can gently support digestion and circulation.

🌸 Cozy Autumn Diffuser Recipe

🍂 Warm Energy Boost Blend
  • 3 drops Nutmeg
  • 2 drops Orange
  • 2 drops Cinnamon Bark
  • 1 drop Clove
💧 Diffuse for 20–30 minutes to create an energizing, comforting atmosphere that lifts your mood, improves focus, and fills your home with cozy autumn vibes.
You can also blend this in a roller bottle (10ml) with a carrier oil for a warming perfume or grounding pre-work blend.

⚠️ Safety Notes

  • Avoid during pregnancy.
  • Not recommended for people with epilepsy.
  • Always dilute well before topical use.
  • Not for children under 6 years old; for older children, use in greater dilution.
  • Overuse (several undiluted drops) may overstimulate the heart — always use sparingly.

💕 Emotional & Aromatic Influence

Nutmeg brings a feeling of comfort, motivation, and inner warmth. It helps dissolve emotional exhaustion and invites focus, courage, and a calm sense of confidence.
Use it when you’re feeling tired, cold, or emotionally drained — it truly rekindles your inner fire.

🔬 Research & Historical References

Modern studies confirm nutmeg’s traditional uses:
  • Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties (Olajide et al., Phytotherapy Research, 1999)
  • Brain and memory support through acetylcholinesterase inhibition (Cao et al., Natural Product Communications, 2014)
  • Liver protection and antioxidant effects (Mulero Acuña et al., Food Chemistry, 2016)
Historically, nutmeg was used for digestion, energy, and hormone support in early European herbal medicine, and it remains a favorite among aromatherapists today.

🌺 Final Thoughts

Nutmeg essential oil is more than a kitchen spice—it’s a powerful natural ally for your hormonal, digestive, and emotional balance.
Diffuse it for its cozy aroma, massage it for muscle relief, or take a drop of Nutmeg Vitality to support your digestion.
Let this timeless oil warm your body, restore your focus, and lift your spirit—naturally.

📚 References

  1. Essential Oils Desk Reference, 7th Edition, Life Science Publishing.
  2. Hildegard of Bingen, Physica.
  3. Mulero Acuña U. et al. (2016). Food Chemistry, 206, 269–275.
  4. Cao J. et al. (2014). Natural Product Communications, 9(4), 499–502.
  5. Piras A. et al. (2012). Journal of Food Science, 77(4), C498–C503.
  6. Wajid A. et al. (2009). Phytotherapy Research, 23(2), 153–158.
  7. Olajide O. et al. (1999). Phytotherapy Research, 13(4), 344–346.
Love what you read here> Get my weekly tips.

Stress-Free Thanksgiving: 7 Tips for a Nourishing and Relaxing Holiday

 Discover stress relief strategies for a peaceful Thanksgiving. Incorporate healthy eating habits, calming rituals, and essential oils into your holiday for a nourishing and relaxing celebration.


Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and for us Canadians, it means a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious meals, and express gratitude. However, the hustle and bustle of hosting or joining family gatherings can sometimes lead to stress.

I want to share a few simple and practical ways to enjoy a stress-free Thanksgiving, support your body with healthy eating habits, and bring calm to your home with the soothing power of essential oils.



1. Mindful Meal Planning

Thanksgiving is synonymous with a feast, but that doesn’t mean you have to stress over every detail. Start your planning early, and focus on balance. Include colorful veggies, fresh salads, and whole grains along with your traditional dishes. These nourishing options will help you feel satisfied without the heavy “food coma” feeling afterward.
You can also enhance your dishes naturally—try adding a few drops of Lemon Plus/ Vitality essential oil to your salad dressings or marinades for a bright, fresh flavor that supports digestion, too.



2. Embrace Simple Gratitude Rituals

Gratitude is the heart of Thanksgiving. Take a few minutes to pause and reflect on the blessings in your life. During dinner, invite everyone at the table to share one thing they’re grateful for. It’s a small ritual that instantly shifts energy, deepens connection, and melts away stress.

You can even create a “gratitude jar” — everyone writes one note of thanks and reads them aloud after dinner. It’s a simple way to infuse the day with joy and presence.



3. Create a Relaxing Ambiance with Essential Oils

Scents have the power to transform the atmosphere. Diffuse calming blends like Stress Away, Lavender, or Peace & Calming to help everyone unwind. These blends set a cozy, welcoming tone and make your space feel peaceful and grounded.

If you’re cooking, try Citrus Fresh or Orange in the diffuser — they help neutralize cooking odors while keeping the mood bright and uplifting.



4. Add Small Stress-Relief Practices

Even with the best planning, big gatherings can feel overwhelming. Build in small “pause moments” throughout the day. Step outside for a breath of fresh air, sip a cup of herbal tea, or take a few deep breaths with Frankincense or Peace & Calming applied to your wrists.

These micro-moments help your nervous system reset and remind you that calm is always available — even in the middle of the chaos.



5. Stay Nourished and Balanced

Between appetizers, desserts, and late-night leftovers, it’s easy to lose track of balance. Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast (think eggs, Greek yogurt, or a NingXia Red smoothie) to stabilize your blood sugar.

During the meal, eat slowly and listen to your body’s cues. Remember — the goal isn’t restriction, it’s enjoyment with awareness.

A few drops of Peppermint Vitality in your water or tea can also support digestion and help you feel refreshed after the feast.



6. Connect, Don’t Perfect

It’s easy to get caught up in making everything picture-perfect — but true joy comes from connection, not perfection. Laugh at the little mishaps, be present with your loved ones, and let go of unrealistic expectations.

If you feel tension rising, roll Stress Away on your neck, take a deep breath, and remind yourself: “This moment matters more than the menu.”




7. Reflect and Reset

As the day winds down, take a quiet moment for yourself. Diffuse Lavender, and write down three things you’re thankful for this year. Reflection grounds your heart and helps you carry the spirit of gratitude long after the holiday ends.



Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to drain your energy — it can refuel it. When you plan mindfully, eat intuitively, and bring calm through essential oils, your holiday becomes a time of true nourishment.
If you’d love to explore essential oils and holistic wellness for everyday calm and balance, I invite you to connect with me for a personal consultation or join my wellness community. Together, we can make your next holiday — and your everyday life — more peaceful and vibrant.
Wishing you a calm, cozy, and truly grateful Thanksgiving! 🧡🍂

References 

  • Koulivand, P. H., Khaleghi Ghadiri, M., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, Article 681304. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/681304
  • Perry, N., & Perry, E. (2006). Aromatherapy in the management of psychiatric disorders: Clinical and neuropharmacological perspectives. CNS Drugs, 20(4), 257–280. https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200620040-00004
  • Varney, E., Buckle, J., Bennett, M., & Williams, T. (2020). The effects of aromatherapy on stress and cortisol levels: A systematic review. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(8), 701–713. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0495
Love what you read here> Get my weekly tips.

 
Read Older Posts

Meet Neli Dume

 

Hi, I’m Neli — Welcome!

With a degree in Physical Education and Sport, I always knew how to take care of my body. But when I hit midlife, things slowly changed. My energy dropped, the extra weight wouldn’t budge, and I didn’t feel like myself anymore.

What made the difference was blending my love for movement with essential oils and the Raindrop Technique—it gave me back my strength, energy, and balance.

Now, as an Aromatherapist and Certified Raindrop Technique Specialist, I help women over 40 feel strong, vibrant, and confident again—without the overwhelm. If you’ve been feeling tired, stuck, or unsure where to start, I want you to know you’re not alone.

If that’s you, get in touch—I’d love to help.










Contact

Copyrights © 2025 held by respective copyright holders, including Neli Dume.