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.”

Why Essential Oils + Honey Work So Well Together

• throat comfort
• easier breathing
• winter immune support
• calming the body
• emotional well-being
• more energy when you feel worn down

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

Safety First: How to Use These Oils Correctly

• 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

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

2. Winter Immunity Honey

• 1 tsp raw honey
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Optional: tiny Cinnamon swirl

3. Open Airways Honey

• 1 tsp raw honey
• Peppermint
• Frankincense

4. Cozy Cough Relief Honey

• 1 tsp raw honey
• Orange
• Cinnamon

5. Nighttime Calm Honey

• 1 tsp raw honey
• Lavender
• Lemon

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.

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

References:

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

• 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.”