Photo by Fotolia
A Dwarf Orange Tree is one of the few plants that I haven’t managed to kill. I love gardening and am working to enhance my green thumb, but it’s been a brutal summer and plants hate the red, clay “soil” that resides in my desert of a backyard. Even potted plants didn’t escape the scorching temperatures or hungry bugs this year. But my beautiful orange trees from Nature Hills Nursery are thriving, bearing plenty of fruit.
The beautiful thing about these potted “mini-me” trees is that they can be brought in for the winter, potentially bringing fruit to your table throughout the frigid months, if cared for attentively. They need lots of sun. As you get ready for snowfall and hot chocolate – I’ll admit, I’m getting a little ahead of myself – consider the advantage of having a few of these adorable trees sitting in your windows.
Natural Heavenly Scents
Blooms from the trees smell incredible, light and fresh. Being several feet away, I can still vaguely sniff the aroma in the air. When we start to roll into fall and winter, you may want a warmer scent to fill the house. Toss leftover orange peels into a simmering pot of water, and then add cinnamon, cloves and other spices. Like my mom would say, “It smells like Christmas!” Candles can put off toxic fumes, so this is a great swap.
Improved Air Quality
It can get a little stuffy if you hibernate to stay out of the cold. Unfortunately, the air of most homes is typically filled with particles and toxins such as formaldehyde, which is in most bedding, furniture, clothing, you name it. If we aren’t getting out as often for fresh air, those toxins can take a toll. “Common indoor plants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight against rising levels of indoor air pollution. NASA scientists are finding them to be surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside homes, indoor public spaces and office buildings,” says Eartheasy. Most plants oxygenate our air through oxygenic photosynthesis while also acting as a humidifier, perfect for the dry months.
Karyn Wofford
Fight the Winter Blues
According to Psychology Today, having houseplants can reduce anxiety, stress and improve wellbeing. Counteractively, blood pressure can be lowered, too. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or winter depression, is a real problem for roughly 15% of the population, so any little thing helps.
Save the Sick Days for a Vacation
When it’s time to harvest your bounty, you are in for antioxidant overload. Oranges are filled with these cancer fighting guys that destroy damaging free radicals. Free radicals also cause cholesterol to oxidize, meaning it enables it to stick to our arteries. Oranges can prevent that from happening. All of that vitamin C also fuels the immune system, warding off cough, colds and the flu.
Delicious Recipes
Winter is the season for orange everything…and peppermint, gingerbread, and eggnog! Orange candy, breads, cookies and my favorite healthy recipe, Ambrosia, to name a few. Orange zest dresses anything up, like fish and drinks, with amazing citrus flavors. A few slices tossed in the punch is always super festive!
If my trees continue to thrive like they are now, I’ll be enjoying a list of incredible benefits this coming winter. Fingers crossed!
Karyn Wofford is a type 1 diabetic, EMT and Certified Wellness Specialist. For years she has educated herself on wellness and natural, wholesome living. Karyn’s goal is to help people be the healthiest they can be while living fun, happy lives.