On one of my very favorite websites, www.frugallysustainable.com, I found some of the best information yet on a non-toxic, natural way to prevent colds and flu. And since it's getting to be that time of year again, I thought I'd pass this wisdom on.

The owner, author of the site, Andrea, really knows her stuff when it comes frugal, healthy, and savvy ways to manage the home. And smart ways to stay healthy are at the top of my list.

She explains that botanicals and essential oils have been used for decades to treat a variety of infections and diseases. The recipe she shares is an antibacterial disinfecting spray that's loaded with germ-killing botanicals and essential oils.

There's plenty of research to validate that natural remedies work: essential and botanical oils can shorten the duration of someone's illness—or prevent it all together. Andrea suggests we keep the ingredients for this spray handy all year round and spray it throughout the home whenever necessary.

Andrea says we first need to get a dark glass bottle with a fingertip mister, that will hold at least 4 ounces—cobalt blue or dark amber are great choices. I get mine at our local natural foods store (Good Earth). And Andrea gets her bottles and oils at www.mountainroseherbs.com.

The dark glass will protect the integrity of the ingredients; light and heat deteriorate essential and botanical oils. Andrea's recipe, which she calls Pure Air, is a highly effective, safe, all-natural, chemical-free antibacterial room, body, and linen spray. It is a germ-killing disinfectant and acts as an air-borne virucide-perfect for use during illness or as a power-packed way to prevent it.

And BTW: essential oils are so non-toxic that you can actually cook and bake with them. I add thyme essential oil to my homemade marinara sauce and soups all the time. I also add a few drops to my green smoothie each morning—it gives it an extra health punch and also aids digestion. And I use orange essential oil when I make salad dressings and to flavor my cream cheese frosting. So if you haven't tried essential oils, this winter would be a good opportunity: try this natural air purifier and see if colds and flu don't stay away longer.***

***NOTE: For an added antiseptic punch, you may substitute thyme, lavender, rose, or tea tree oil, or hydrosol (flower water) for the pure water.