Tofino Health: Rid yourself of Winter Chills
by Sarah Platenius, Tofino
When cold and damp in Tofino send chills running deep and it's only December, it may be time to look for some easy home remedies for winter chills.If Mexico isn't an option, and even a hot shower won't warm you up, it's time to take matters into your own hands. Using warming herbs in teas and essential oils in hot water will warm up your inner core. The essential oils and herbs are also stimulating and will awake your nervous system helping you stave off depression.
Other self-treatments include the use of castor oil in a compress and Epsom Salts in a bath (follow directions below). So if you're a surfer, oyster farmer or bird watcher; or if you're a fisherman who lives in a damp cabin; or if you're all of these things ( I mean hey, this is Tofino); here are some remedies you can try at home to soothe your soul and warm up your body.
Castor Oil Pack
(for Arthritis)Wet two layers of a flannel or wool cloth that's large enough to cover the affected area with castor oil (available at People's Drug Mart). Apply directly to the skin. Cover the cloth with a piece of plastic. Apply heat over the area with a hot water bottle for 20min.
Epsom Salt Bath
(for stiffness and muscle ache)Add 1cup of Epsom Salts (available at People's Drug Mart) to a steaming hot bath. Enjoy the bath for 10min. to 1hr.
Hot Foot Bath
(for getting rid of the chills)Add six drops of peppermint oil (available at Blends for Friends), four drops of tea tree oil, and four drops of eucalyptus oil (both available at People's Drug Mart) to a large pot or bowl (big enough for your feet). Make yourself a comfortable seat and rest your feet in the bath for 15min. or until the water gets cold.
Warming Teas
(for warming up your inner core)Make your favourite tea combo from two or three of the following herbs: ginger, fenugreek, cinnamon, anise, fennel, spearmint (all available at Blends for Friends).
Sarah Platenius lives in Tofino and is a U.S. Nationally Licensed Massage Therapist and holds a certificate in Holistic Health from Heartwood Institute. She is currently waiting patiently for her Canadian permanent resident status.
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