by Karen Stokes, RN

The harvest is complete and the feasting time of year is about to begin. We gather with those whose company we enjoy to share a magnificent meal and lively conversation. Festive get-togethers are good for the soul. Connecting with those we love and cherish is healthy for the body, mind and soul. Sharing food, laughter, music and dance are also good for the soul. As the time for holiday parties approaches, you can plan really great gatherings that your guests will remember. Here are some ideas. I hope you find them useful.

Tip number one. Keep it simple. How many times have you been to a party where the atmosphere is clearly stressful? It’s hard to have a good time when you feel the host/hostess fussing about and not having a very good time. We often obsess about details that really don’t matter. Remember what is important – the love that is shared. It’s about the joy of being together. I have found that simpler is much better when it comes to holiday gatherings. Simple, but meaningful, is my motto.

Scrumptious food is what feasting is all about. Food plays an important role in all cultures, not only as nourishment for the body but also for its social aspect. The appearance, the taste and the scent of the food give us pleasure. And the sharing of food with those we love is nourishment for the soul. The festive experience of a joyful feast is good for the body, mind and soul.

This is the season for exotic spices from the tropics. The aromas of these spices warm us from the chill outside. We feel cozy when we smell cinnamon, clove, ginger and nutmeg. Our digestive systems are stimulated as well. What would pumpkin pie be without these spices? Gingerbread couldn’t exist without the root of this culinary and medicinal root. Simmering holiday potpourris remind us of festive occasions of the past. For me, these scents stir up a lot of pleasurable memories. Mouthwatering mulled cider is a traditional beverage this time of year. It warms the body, makes the tummy feel good and sends the aroma of spice around the house. Add to black or green tea, the combination of cinnamon, clove, ginger and nutmeg is warming and inviting. Aromatic spices from tropical places like Indonesia and Jamaica are expensive, but they add so much to the festive experience.

Cinnamon is one of my favorite scents for fall and winter. It stimulates the digestion, making my mouth water. This spice is an essential flavoring in countless recipes. It is found on most shelves around the world. Incidentally, cinnamon is being studied for use in Type II Diabetes. I also find the aroma soothing and comforting, like being at grandma’s house. Some folks say that the scent of cinnamon makes us more psychic. It’s a popular ingredient for meditation incenses and anointing oils. I like to put a couple of drops of cinnamon essential oil on some cinnamon sticks to attach to decorative wreaths and grace the potpourri dishes. Just a few drops will last the entire season. Be sure to use extreme caution when handling cinnamon essential oil because it is very, very potent. Always wash your hands thoroughly after using it and avoid eye contact.

Clove bud is a must for fall and winter soups and stews. It stimulates the circulation as well the mind. I always buy whole clove buds rather than powdered. The essential oils in the spice evaporates quickly once ground, so fresh ground is much more flavorful. I warm the whole spices gently in a tiny pan (to release the essential oils) and grind them just before adding to recipes. In terms of subtle aromatherapy, the scent of clove vibrates to the key of B and the color violet. Violet is associated with the crown chakra and the pineal gland. It helps us feel at one with God. Clove, like cinnamon is very potent. Handle with care.

Ginger root is another spice that often graces holiday recipes. Added to fruit compotes sliced ginger root warms the tummy and aids the digestion. Fresh ginger root is great in most vegetable dishes and desserts. Ginger tea is nice and warming to the body too. Adding ginger to food adds anti-oxidants to the diet to help us fight the coughs and colds of the season.

Nutmeg added to food aids digestion and is healing to the respiratory tract. Use grated nutmeg rather than powdered for maximum aroma and flavor. Try it on root vegetables and greens like spinach. Use grated nutmeg rather than powdered for maximum aroma and flavor. Of course nutmeg is a must for many baked goodies and as a garnish to eggnog. The scent of nutmeg is relaxing in nature. When applied externally, nutmeg a good pain reliever and circulatory stimulant. To make a pain-relieving rub simply add about 25 drops total of nutmeg (or a combination of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg) to one ounce of carrier oil or lotion. Nutmeg increases circulation when applied locally. I have had a lot of success treating my cold hands and feet with nutmeg and cinnamon essential oils in my homemade hand and foot lotion. With the chilly temperatures ahead, warming aromatherapy like this can be helpful since it help can help to improve the circulation to these areas.

Simple aromatherapy methods can help to create a festive atmosphere around the home. Spicy essential oil scents like clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger can be used in a light bulb diffuser to bring cheer to the party. Essential oil tea light warmers can also be used to disperse luscious aromas. It only takes a few drops of these powerful oils to create aromatherapy for hours. For simmering potpourri use the whole version of these spices. Yum!

After the feast, games, music and song are simple ways to bring cheer to the party. These activities make us smile and enjoy each other’s company even more. Positive interactions with people make us feel connected and experience pleasure. This feeling of connectedness and pleasure is healthy for the body. Luscious scents and flavors, beautiful things to look and sounds of music and laughter can make us feel good and touch the soul. Make your next gathering a festive celebration that heals the body, mind and spirit.

Karen Stokes, RN Herbalist is a member of the American Botanical Council and the Michigan Holistic Nurses Association. She can be reached at (248) 515-9863 or karen.stokes@yahoo.com.