With autumn well and truly upon us, it's often a real challenge to stay warm. Do you often feel freezing, even when others are comfortable? Not to worry! In this article, we'll explore practical solutions, food tips, warming spices, herbal remedies and much more to help chilly people keep warm.

Understanding cold feet

Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand why some people feel colder than others. Several factors can explain this cold feeling:

• Body mass and metabolism: people with lower body mass or slower metabolism may be more sensitive to cold temperatures.

• Blood circulation: poor circulation can lead to cold hands and feet.

• Hormones: hormonal imbalances, particularly in women during menstruation or menopause, can also influence the perception of cold.

• Iron deficiency: a lack of iron increases the feeling of cold, as it is involved in oxygen transport and body temperature regulation..

Food: which foods heat up

Warming spices

Incorporating spices into your diet can do wonders for warming your body.

Here are a few spices to consider:

• Ginger: renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, it stimulates blood circulation and warms the body.

• Cinnamon This mild spice helps regulate blood sugar levels and provides a feeling of warmth.

• Chillies: chillies contain capsaicin, which raises body temperature and improves circulation.

Comforting drinks

There's nothing like a hot drink to warm you up.

• Teas and infusions: ginger, cinnamon, chai or rooibos.

• Hot chocolate: make yourself a hot chocolate with almond milk and a touch of chilli for a comforting drink.

• Lait d'or: the anti-inflammatory cold-weather drink made with vegetable drink, turmeric, pepper and coconut oil.
  

Discover our range of teas & herbal teas

Nutrient-rich foods

To support your body, eat foods rich in :

• Vitamin D: oily fish (salmon, mackerel) and eggs are excellent sources of vitamin D, essential for well-being.

• Iron: green leafy vegetables, lentils and red meats help improve blood circulation and boost iron levels in cases of iron-deficiency anemia.

• Essential fatty acids: eating healthy fats is essential for maintaining a good body temperature, especially in cold weather. Fats from avocados, nuts, seeds and healthy oils help store energy and generate heat. What's more, omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as salmon, improve blood circulation, promoting better heat distribution.

Phytotherapy: warming plants

The plants

Here is a list of 10 plants and spices with warming properties:

• Thyme: boosts the immune system and stimulates circulation.
• Rosemary: improves circulation and provides a sensation of warmth.
• Turmeric: has anti-inflammatory and warming properties.
• Fennel: stimulates digestion and can help warm the body.
• Sage: warms the body and benefits the respiratory system.
• Cinnamon bark: adds warmth and flavor, excellent for infusion.
• Ginseng adaptogen that promotes circulation and helps combat the cold.
• Black pepper: a spice that stimulates circulation and warms the body.
• Garlic: improves blood circulation and provides inner warmth.
• Cardamom: a warming spice, ideal for hot drinks.

These plants can be enjoyed as herbal teas, as spices in your dishes, or even as essential oils to benefit from their warming effects.

Essential oils

Here's a selection of essential oils with warming properties, ideal for supporting your well-being in autumn/winter. Use them as diffusers, in relaxing baths or diluted in a carrier oil for comforting massages.

• Ginger essential oil: stimulates circulation and provides warmth.

• Cinnamon essential oil: promotes a feeling of warmth and helps strengthen the immune system.

• Essential oil of clove warms and can be used to soothe aches and pains.

• Black pepper essential oil: warming, it also stimulates blood circulation.

• Rosemary essential oil: improves circulation and provides a feeling of comfort.

• Ylang-ylang essential oil warms and helps relax the mind.

• Thyme essential oil: stimulates the immune system and warms the body.

• Basil essential oil Soothes and warms, ideal for massages.

• Lavender essential oil Its relaxing properties also provide soothing warmth. 

Remember to dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before applying to the skin, and consult a professional if in doubt. Do not use on children under 12 or pregnant women.

Other tips for keeping warm

• Layers of clothing: opt for clothing made of wool or thermal materials to retain heat.

• Physical activity: regular exercise promotes blood circulation and helps maintain body heat.

• Hot bath: a good hot bath with essential oils can also warm your body and mind.

• Hot-water bottle: your best ally in cold weather

• Avoid overheating homes to avoid "thermal shock" between the outside and inside of your home.

Being cold doesn't have to be inevitable! By adopting the right diet, incorporating warming spices, using phytotherapy and aromatherapy, and not forgetting practical tips like the hot-water bottle, you can spend a pleasant, warm winter.

Don't hesitate to share your own tips and recipes to help chilly people feel better!