Holiday parties with a cold, gift-wrapping with the flu—this is no time to get sick. If only there was a spray we could use to combat cold and flu bugs. Oh wait, there is! Try this simple to make, all-natural tea tree and thyme healing tonic to help purify your home and workplace, and kiss those vexing germs good-bye.

This recipe makes for a very strong infusion of thyme. Combined with tea tree, the resultant formula has antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, and makes a good preventive skin tonic to use when living or working around people who have a cold or the flu. Pour it into a small, plastic spritzer bottle and keep it with you at all times so that you can spray it periodically on your hands or face, the telephone, and directly into the air to help purify the surrounding environment.

1 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon thyme leaves
10 drops tea tree essential oil

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil, remove from heat, add the herb, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Strain and pour the liquid into a storage container. Add the essential oil. Shake vigorously to blend.

Due to tea tree essential oil’s potent properties, this tonic will keep unrefrigerated for approximately one week. Please make a fresh batch every weekend so that you are prepared to naturally combat the upcoming week’s exposure to germs!

Application: Using a cotton cleansing pad, apply approximately one teaspoon to the face or more as necessary for other parts of the body. Avoid eye area.

Note: Please be sure to use pure essential oil, not perfume fragrances. If you are pregnant, nursing or have a serious medical condition, please check with your health care professional before using essential oils.