This the time of year when all the buzz is Pumpkin Spice EVERYTHING!!!! Now me, I do love the spices of the season, but what's the difference between pumpkin spice, apple pie spice, and chai? They're all really close, right? So why the fuss?

The spice array in these wonderful blends are very similar. But let's start by making one thing clear - chai means tea in Hindi. In the US we tend to call this aromatic and delicious tea chai tea. But we're saying tea tea. This warming drink is technically called Masala Chai. Families all have their own blends in India, so there is a slight variation. But, for the purposes of this discussion - we'll stick with calling it the familiar chai. Have I confused you enough? Good, let's continue.

All of these spice blends have a few seasonings in common. The most pronounced being Cinnamon. Oh, I LOVE Cinnamon. The smell alone can warm your spirit. The health benefits are numerous. It can help lower blood sugar and help with stomach issues. It also has antioxidant, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It's the subtle differences and slight changes that make each unique.

The much beloved Pumpkin Spice actually has no pumpkin in it. The blend is basically cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. Sometimes allspice is included to add extra depth. Pumpkin Spice leans heavily towards the cinnamon and clove.

Apple Pie Spice uses the same blend but typically no or very little ginger and heavier on the allspice, and no cloves. It's a little more subtle with the intent of bringing out the flavor of the apples.

Chai also uses cinnamon, ginger, and clove. But the kick and brightness comes with added black pepper and cardamom. Some recipes will add a tick of freshness with fennel and anise pods. Chai is much more intricate but holds much the same warmth and spirit lifting.

If you're using the spice blend in a recipe, you can substitute another blend. Just know that the flavors will be slightly different. You can boost and change accordingly.

What does this all mean? Well, it means that EVERY season holds it's delight of spice, but Autumn and Winter bring out the greatest desire to savor the flavor.

Close your eyes and think of ginger. The vibrant smell when you snap off a fresh piece, the tingle of the taste of it fresh, or the zippy sweet refresh of candied, that bitey burst it adds to chai and so many other dishes. How does that make you feel? Uplifted and sparkly? That's how this amazing herb makes me feel.

That's just the emotional side of this years Herb of the Year! You can find volumes and volumes about ginger (Zingiber officinale), from recipes to oil benefits and beyond. Ginger is an herb that's been used for thousands of years. At one time it was extremely expensive, but luckily it's much more affordable today.

Ginger is well deserving of the honor of Herb of the Year. It is rich in gingerol, carbohydrates, protein, sodium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. You can see why it's so valuable when fighting colds. And it's not lacking in vitamins! Vitamin C, folate, vitamin B6, riboflavin, and niacin are just some of the ingredients in the power of ginger. Pantothenic acid, beta-carotene, capsaicin, curcumin, and salicylate provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Here are just a few health benefits to the delightful rhizome.

• Ginger is helpful for gas, bloating, and nausea. It helps your stomach empty and cut down on the fermentation that causes gas. For these problems, try a Ginger lemon tea or some dehydrated ginger or ginger candies.
• It can help ease congestion and sore throats from colds and flu. A spoonful of ginger infused honey is so soothing for a sore throat, and will help loosen mucus.
• Ginger can ease pain from rheumatoid and osteo arthritis. It can ease pain and is anti-inflammatory. Pickled ginger is a great way to not only get some those health benefits.

Ginger is wonderful for aromatherapy as well. The essential oil can help with memory when used in a diffuser. It is also warming and pain relieving in muscle rub blends. We use ginger essential oil in a number of products for that very reason.

One of my favorite things to do is infuse ginger into honey or vinegar. It's just such a versatile herb. The honey is a great addition to tea, or to use on ribs or chicken! Add a little honey and an infused vinegar into some seltzer and you have a healthful gingeralesque beverage. So many options to choose from!

Do you know what else is wonderful about ginger? You can grow more ginger from the one you buy at the store! There are some great tutorials online. Once you get started, you'll always have ginger on hand!

Take some time this year to try ginger in different ways. Add it to new dishes, try it in something sweet or savory, and above all Enjoy!

Apples are packed with nutrition and fiber. They contain lots of vitamins like A, B, and C. They have antioxidant components, quercetin, collagen, and elastic which make then wonderful for your skin, boost your energy, and aid in digestion.

Applying apples to your outsides might seem strange - but your skin will certainly appreciate it. Here are a few quick tops to try:

• Take a nice fresh apple and run it through the blender with just a little water or green tea. Take that fabulous smelling mush and rub it in to your skin after a hot day. Rinse with cool water and you'll be washing away the heat and damage you've imposed on your face.
• Kick the apple treatment up a little by blending apple mush with honey and make yourself a skin loving face mask. It will brighten and soften your skin.
• Use a little apple mush or gently run a slice of apple under your eyes to help alleviate those dark circles. 
• After shampooing, pour some apple juice through your hair and then rinse. It will help with dandruff and add a nice shine.
  
• The pectin and tannin in apples helps soothe bug bites. Rub a piece of apple on a bite or apply a little mush.

Of course the best thing you can do with an apple, especially fresh and in season, is eat one a day. It may or may not help keep the doctor away, but it will definitely taste great and make you happy.

I've written about Fire Cider before. It's a staple in my kitchen. It has so many uses and lasts forever! Well, not actually forever, but a very long time.  With the freezing chill covering most of the country, it's the perfect thing to help avoid or beat back a cold or the flu.

Let me know if you give it a try. It's the perfect activity for a cold February day.