The rush of the holidays can be magical—and overwhelming. We push hard to create perfect moments, then wonder why the body seizes the first quiet day to get sick. We all know how lonely it is to watch festivities from a sick bed. Fortunately, there are ways to swing the balance in our favor and stay healthy during the holiday season. 

A Quick Daily Reset

Even when the calendar is packed, spending ten focused minutes on self-care can tip the scales toward health:

1. Morning ritual: Breathe, pray or meditate, set an intention for the day, then move—walk, stretch, run, dance. My morning ritual sets the tone for my day and is essential to my health, even a mini-morning ritual makes a big difference.
2. Greens before treats: My body and spirit are happier with a quart of fresh juice every day. Starting the day off right with greens (juice or a big salad) keeps sugar cravings and crashes at bay. 
3. Evening check-in: Taking a few moments in the evening to write down a few things to be grateful for, practice deep breathing, and set a joyful intention for the next day. This is a perfect time to ask, “What does my body need?”—more water, more raw food, an herbal ally?

My New Favorite Ally: Thyme

This year I grew several varieties of thyme, clipped them throughout the summer for recipes, then hung the extra sprigs to dry. Lately I’ve been steeping a sprig in my lemon-ginger tea. The results are fast and clear: I have felt sinus pressure ease, an oncoming scratchy throat disappear, and that “almost-sick” fog lift.

Dr. Christopher wrote:

“Thyme is an old-time household remedy with a very healing and antiseptic action… especially beneficial for respiratory, stomach, uterine, and bowel problems… powerful, yet harmless and non-poisonous. It may be relied upon to eliminate infection, destroy worms, and remove foul odors.” (The School of Natural Healing, p. 251)

Simple Ways to Use Thyme

• Kitchen medicine: add a little extra thyme to your winter soups and stuffings.
• Quick tea: 1/2 tsp. dried thyme (or a fresh sprig) + hot water + lemon + honey + pinch of cayenne. Steep 5 minutes or longer if you like it strong (too long will turn the tea bitter)
• Steam inhale: add a handful to a bowl of hot water, tent a towel over head and breathe. Thyme is high in thymol, which is wonderful for respiratory health – it helps to loosen mucus and clear airways, calming coughs right down. 

Most cupboards already hold a jar of thyme for holiday cooking—why not keep an extra on hand for healing too? Start taking care of yourself now, before the seasonal bugs arrive, and give your body every chance to stay vibrant, present, and connected with the people you love.

Wishing you a season filled with warmth, wellness, and just the right amount of thyme. 🌿

Tara Christopher Eyre is a Master Herbalist and Foot Zone Therapist who loves helping people find and stay on their path to better health. She is grateful to walk in the footsteps of her grandfather, Dr. John R. Christopher, and finds joy in sharing simple, natural ways to support the body and soul.