Do any of you feel like you’ve been stuck in a dehydrator for about the last week? Or month? Our weather has been…. interesting this winter. Here in NE Colorado, it has been very dry and unusually warm. I doubt I will get any apples, as we haven’t had enough chill time for them, and I’m hoping my trees don’t die off from early blooming (like in January!).

Between the lack of humidity and the excess of wind – it was bad enough that semis were being blown over and fires were racing out of control – I feel like the Crypt Keeper. Skin is dry, hair is dry, mouth is dry, etc. This seems to be a topic I keep repeating, but I feel it’s needed.

So – what to do? First hydrate from the inside and outside. Lotion (or coconut oil or salve) on the outside, and lots of water on the inside. Run a humidifier. This should be a standard practice in your home any time you are using heat to keep your home warm. A cool mist humidifier is great – just be sure to clean it often and don’t put essential oils in it. Oils will gum up the humidifier, and they are best used topically, not via inhalation.

Having adequate healthy fats in your diet will help you retain more moisture. Fatty fish, avocados, coconut or olive oil, and butter can all be a part of your diet during this very dry time. Berries and oatmeal are also very hydrating foods. Items like soups and stews – and really anything with extra liquid – will help with hydration.

Keep in mind what dries you out as well. Alcohol, caffeine, and salt might be best avoided for a bit. A saline nasal spray may help with nasal dryness, and if the wind has a lot of dirt in it, a nasal rinse with saline (made with boiled or sterile water) will help wash all that gunk out of your sinuses. Dry mouth can be helped with mints containing xylitol and won’t contribute to dental issues.

Herbs that are moistening include marshmallow (Althaea officinalis – my favorite!), oats (Avena sativa), and rose (Rosa canina – especially rose hips). Sticking with teas versus a tincture can be more hydrating.

Hopefully this weather will pass soon, and the winds will bring a lot of change (and lots of showers!).

Eeeeeeehehehehehe! (my best imitation of the Crypt Keeper’s laugh!)