As we near the Winter solstice it’s getting pretty cold here in Northern hemisphere! Now that our windows and closed and the heat is on, indoor air can become stale and excessively dry. In fact, during winter months, the air inside your home can be drier than the desert. Adding humidity to the air can make you feel warmer and can alleviate the negative effects of dry air on the body such as dry, cracked skin and eye, nose and throat irritation.
Here are a few of my favorite tricks to restore the Yin/Yang moisture balance and please the senses at the same time. They are all simple, economical and aside from the use of electricity Earth friendly as well.
1. Orange Water: Next time you eat an orange, don’t throw out the peels! Instead, put them in a small sauce pan and fill with water. Put the saucepan on the stovetop on low, just below a simmer, and cook until most of the water cooks off. This will add moisture back into the air and the natural essential oils in the peels will fill your home with a sweet aroma. You can also add cloves and or cinnamon to the water for added scent. *SAFETY FIRST however, only use this method when you will be home to keep an eye on it – don’t leave this unattended! If you are lucky enough to have a wood stove, simply place your pan on top and let the stove do the rest.
2. Humidifier with Essential Oils: You don’t have to reserve the humidifier for illness, as long as the heat is on it is a good idea to keep your humidifier on too. I like to use a few of drops of essential oil in the water to make the room smell fresh as well. Some of my favorites are pine, lavender and lemongrass. I find that this is also a safe alternative to candles if not better because you can leave this running while you are out. *A note about humidifiers, even the humblest drug store variety will work. In fact, I have had the expensive sort with all the bells and whistles and I find that the inexpensive ones leak less often and have less water condensation on the floor around them – the one I use now only cost $20!
In terms of Feng Shui the sense of smell is governed by metal element, humidity is water element and in this case metal really does enhance water. Here’s hoping for a short winter, in the meantime I hope these tips will make being inside just a little bit easier.