“At the Spa at Farmhouse by Francis & Alexander, we encourage our guests and practitioners to strengthen their immune systems with a few of our daily practices we perform within treatment,” shares Kelsy Keenan, Spa Operations Director. “Now is the time to focus on practicing self-care and boosting immune strength. These daily practices can be incorporated into your routine for easy adaptation.”
Strengthen Immunity with Shrubs
At Farmhouse Inn and Spa, we pride ourselves on our Shrubs that we offer complimentary to guests. “Shrub” is derived from the Arabic word sharāb meaning “to drink.” Farmhouse Kitchen creates these concoctions fresh, and based on seasonal ingredients.
Turmeric Ginger Shrub Recipe
•1 cup apple cider vinegar
•1 tbsp. local honey
•1/2 cup of lemon juice
•1 tsp. turmeric powder (or fresh turmeric root)
•1/4 tsp.cayenne powder
After combining all of the ingredients, add in equals amounts of a hot/warm tea-like liquid or add regular, filtered, or sparkling water (or try kombucha). Ratio should be half water, half shrub mixture. Enjoy immediately.
Essential Oils
We strongly recommend either individual essential oils, or blends that encourage immune strength, muscle relief, and help clear congestion. Eucalyptus is one of our favorites, including peppermint, lavender, lemon, and rose. Our Muscle Ease custom Farmhouse Blend is a guest favorite, as it has cinnamon, arnica, and peppermint, and helps relieve sore muscles and body aches.
Immunity Essential Oil Blend for Bath or Diffusing
• 3 drops cinnamon
• 4 drops lavender
• 4 drops lemon
• 5 drops arnica
•1 Tbsp bath gel (as a binding agent for oils)
•1 C Epsom salts, optional
While running a hot bath, add the essential oil blend to your bath water with the option of adding a cup of magnesium-rich Epsom salts for increased muscle relief and relaxation.
Herbs and Spices
Nourishing your body inside and out is crucial to feeling your best. Utilizing nature around you, with gardens, herbs, and spices has wonderful benefits, and truly does wonders in balancing your body and mind. Some of our Farmhouse Favorites for boosting mood and energy levels are ashwagandha, rosemary, basil, fennel, cilantro, and mint (to name a few).
Nourishing Bed-Time Elixir
• 1 tbsp. ashwagandha powder
• 1 tsp. fennel seeds
Mix ingredients well in with warm/hot water and sip 1 hour before bed. Option: Use a tea filter when using fennel seeds, whole mint leaves, and other whole ingredients.
Vitamin D
If you live in a remote location, enjoy nature, go for a hike, sit in the grass, or snow depending on your location. Feel the sun, or the rain on your skin. Smell the fresh air, the flowers.
The world is still in motion, although it may not feel like it!
Taking this time to practice self-care in the forms that resonate with you most is important. Listen to your body, observe how you are feeling, and take this time to become deeply aware of your needs.