Winter is just a few days away! Let’s take a look at 10 of the best essential oils to use this season.
Warming Up After a Cold Day
When it’s cold outside, it feels amazing to warm up inside! Enjoying a cozy home with warm drinks, warm baths, and warm central heating can feel like magic on a chilly day. Try these essential oils to help “warm” up your atmosphere this winter.
With its warm, distinctive holiday aroma, Cinnamon Bark is the perfect addition to blends that need a pop of spiciness. But keep in mind that this is a very strong oil and can become overpowering if it’s diffused alone. For using topically, please use extreme caution. Stay at a 0.1% to avoid various reactions. This would be no more than 1 drop of Cinnamon Bark to 2 1/2 tablespoons of carrier oil. A tiny bit goes a very long way!
Learn more about Cinnamon Bark: Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil Spotlight of the Week
This warm and fresh favorite is another great way to add some spice to your favorite diffuser blend after a cold day. It’s also an excellent choice to help when achy joints are slowing you down; dilute to 3-5% and massage into the areas of concern.
This traditional warming oil brings a spicy aroma that is both stimulating and uplifting. It’s also great to support the occasional case of a low mood and it helps to promote feelings of creativity and sensuality . Plus, Cardamom is known to help support the immune system, which we can all use during the winter months. Remember to dilute to 2-5% if you want to use it topically.
Learn more about Cardamom: Spotlight Oil of the Week: Cardamom
Warming and faintly sweet and herbaceous, Marjoram Sweet supports relaxation and comfort. It can soothe tired muscles and calm the nervous system , making it a great choice after the end of a long, cold day. To include it in a warm bath, mix 9 drops with 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil or body wash, then add it to the running bath water. Or try this diffuser blend to help warm up your home:
Check out THIS blog to learn a recipe using Marjoram Sweet to help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
In Need of Some Cheer
Winter weather can take a toll on our emotional well being. Whether you experience ongoing symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder during this time of the year or you just feel grumpy on a cold and cloudy gray day, essential oils can be a great way to help shake off the blues.
Bergamot Essential Oil is one of the most popular oils to use in aromatherapy for dealing with stress. Studies conducted between 2009 and 2013 show Bergamot as a useful tool for promoting everything from feelings of happiness and ease to a healthy nervous system. You can diffuse it alone, add to a blend, or apply topically at a dilution of 1% for the face and 2-5% for other areas of the body. This would also be a very cheerful choice to use in an aromatherapy necklace so that you can enjoy the scent wherever you are.
Try this Bergamot Body Powder to enjoy the uplifting effect of Bergamot.
When your mood is as dreary as the weather outside, let Lavender help out. Since it is known to help reduce feelings of anxiety and fear by calming an overworked nervous system , this is a popular choice to reach for when we need to take control of our negative thoughts and get back on track to having a good day. Inhale or dilute to 2-5% and apply topically. Massage onto your feet, temples, wrists, or hands to help settle a nervous or overactive mind that is causing you distress.
Learn more about Lavender: 10 Ways to Use Lavender Essential Oil
With its uplifting and mood-boosting properties, Orange Sweet can simultaneously help make you feel cheerful and calm! Keep it on hand to use in your diffuser or add it to your all-natural cleaning products to keep the house smelling fresh and bright.
Learn more about Orange Sweet: Orange Sweet Essential Oil Spotlight
Soothing Dry, Winter Skin
Dry skin can be an unpleasant reality for many of us during the winter thanks to the decrease of humidity outside and the increase of dry central heating inside. Let essential oils help nourish your skin throughout the season and support a more glowing and healthy complexion.
Prized for its skin rejuvenating properties, Frankincense Frereana can help smooth the appearance of wrinkles, scars, dry, and damaged skin. Add a few drops to your favorite carrier oil to use as a rejuvenating skin cream. We recommend a dilution of 1%-2% for a facial application or 3%-5% for body application.
Try this Oatmeal Face Mask using Frankincense Frereana!
Use Blue Yarrow on rough, reddened skin to help soothe and rejuvenate it! It’s also great to help reduce the appearance of redness and minor skin injuries. Simply add one drop to two teaspoons of a carrier oil and apply to your skin. If you are concerned about the deep blue hue of this essential oil, increase the amount of carrier oil or make sure to apply it to skin you cover with clothes.
Learn more about Blue Yarrow: February Oil of the Month – Blue Yarrow
Being very rich in carotenoids, Carrot Seed is another nourishing and healing option for the skin. It is known to breathe life into dull skin, balance skin sebum, and even soothe away unpleasant sunburn sensations. Dilute to 3% in your favorite carrier oil and enjoy topically!
Sources:
J. Loughran, J., & R. Bull. (2000). Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Compassionate Healing with Essential Oils.
Mojay, G. (1997). Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Rochester: Vermont. Healing Art PressPg. 95
Navarra, M., Mannucci, C., Delbò, M., & Calapai, G. (2015). Citrus bergamia essential oil: from basic research to clinical application. Frontiers in pharmacology, 6, 36. doi:10.3389/fphar.2015.00036
Koulivand, P. H., Khaleghi Ghadiri, M., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the Nervous System. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM, 2013, 681304. http://doi.org/10.1155/2013/681304
