Top 5 Essential Oils For This Winter
As the New Year gets underway, we may think that spring is on its way but with the winter solstice in December (21st Dec 2020), winter has only just begun! During winter months with the drop in temperature and reduced hours of daylight, our bodies automatically go into energy-saver mode. This is a time when we feel more lethargic, apathetic and experience the ‘winter blues’. In nature, winter is a time of rest, hibernation, conserving energy and deep inward reflection.
The most suitable essential oils for winter are those that can support our immune system, fight off winter colds and gently stimulate us so come spring and summer we will be blossoming, glowing and brimming with energy! To this end, we’ve selected 5 essential oils that we love using in winter:
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Eucalyptus is one of the best purifying oils and is very suitable for the winter months. The main chemical components of eucalyptus (cineole also known as eucalyptol) is known for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and aromatic properties. Australian Aboriginals used eucalyptus as a natural remedy against wounds, infections, aches, and colds. Eucalyptus promote feelings of clear breathing and open airways. With its sharp mental aroma, it helps lift anxiety and depressing. It quite literally helps you take a deep breath!
Our Mind Spa™ and Active Life ranges include organic blue gum eucalyptus and are both perfect for the winter months.
- Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
Used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years, frankincense offers a range of benefits, including anti-inflammatory, soothing and invigorating properties. Frankincense essential oil is ideal for fighting colds as it helps soothe the mucous membranes, calming and keeping breathing. It is also closely associated with spirituality as it promotes feelings of satisfaction, peace, relaxation, and overall wellness, which explains its unique value in ancient times.
Our Heart Chakra range includes frankincense blended with black pepper, juniper, cedarwood and grapefruit.
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint oil is not only one of the oldest European herbs used for medicinal purposes, but it has also been well documented in ancient Japanese and Chinese culture. Peppermint Oil is mentioned in Greek mythology, when the nymph, ‘Mentha’, was transformed into peppermint by Pluto.
Quite literally the most minty fresh essential oils of all, peppermint has a myriad of beneficial properties to help fortify your immune system this winter. Its antiseptic and anti-viral properties make peppermint a very useful oil for treating cold sores as well as alleviates coughs and clear sinuses. Peppermint is refreshing and gently stimulating – when a massage blend is applied to the skin, it feels initially cooling and then gently warming.
Our Active Life rand Energy Boost ranges include peppermint and are both perfect blends for the winter months.
- Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi)
We could not have done this list without including a citrus essential oil and what better citrus for winter months than grapefruit!
Grapefruit has an uplifting and energising effects on the mind and body. With its crisp zesty aroma, grapefruit oil can uplift emotions and lift you out of lethargy. It is used as a top note and blends so well with the other winter essential oils in this list.
We love grapefruit so much so that we have included it in both our Heart Chakra and Active Life ranges.
- Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
Just like the majestic cedar tree with its evergreen needles and barrel-shaped pinecones, the Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) essential oil has a beautiful and complex aroma profile with a woody, warm, balsamic undertones. Cedarwood has an impressive range of benefits ideal for winter. Its uplifting scent helps alleviate irritability and lift feelings of lethargy. With antiseptic and astringent properties, it helps fight colds and soothes coughs and bronchitis.
Our Heart Chakra range includes cedarwood blended with black pepper, juniper, grapefruit and frankincense.