Warm up in winter with essential oils
It must seem strange to all my northern hemisphere readers that I’d be writing about this subject now. Well it is winter for us in the southern hemisphere, so next week I’ll do an article on essential oils for summer so you guys don’t miss out.
What essential oils to use for winter …… hmmm?
Flowering rosemary in my client’s garden
1. Rosemary
Why?
* Stimulates blood circulation, good for those with cold hands and feet (used in a body oil)
* Works against catarrh and congestion (used in a body oil or a drop in a steam inhalation)
* Works a pain reliever for sore muscles and for aching rheumatic joints (used in a body oil)
* Stimulates the brain and memory so it can wake you up on a cold winter’s day (used in a steam inhalation or a shower steam)
Warming, spicy ginger
2. Ginger
Why?
* Warming to the digestive fire and the body in general (used in a body oil)
* Alleviates catarrh (used in a body oil or steam inhalation)
* Soft and gentle to treat people who are very sick with a cold or flu and may help stimulate appetite (diffuse in the sick room or use as a body oil)
Lemon myrtle flower- pic via http://www.lemonmyrtle.com.au
3. Lemon Myrtle
Why?
* highly anti-bacterial and anti-viral (diffuse this oil in the home or office to help prevent YOU from getting what THEY have)
* use lemongrass or lemon as a substitute if you can’t find lemon myrtle oil
Eucalyptus globulus is the most commonly produced essential oil although there are quite a few – pic via http://www.wildseedtasmania.com.au
4. Eucalyptus
Why?
* the number one oil to break down mucous in the sinuses and lungs (used in a steam inhalation and diffuse in the sick room)
* an expectorant (used in a steam inhalation)
* generally helps easier breathing (diffuse in the sick room) and may also help throat inflammation
Sage – use in small amounts
5. Sage
* analgesic for a sore throat (used as a body oil or a drop in a steam inhalation)
* Clary sage can also be used for a sore throat (used as a body oil or a drop in a steam inhalation)
Ah lovely lavender
6. Lavender
Why?
* general aches and pains from the cold and/or sickness (used in a body oil or diffused in the sick room)
* analgesic for a sore throat (a drop in a steam inhalation)
* analgesic in general for headaches and other inflammatory symptoms (diffuse in the sick room and in a body oil)
The fennel plant
7. Fennel
Why?
* helps with catarrh and lung congestion acting as an expectorant (use in a body oil)
* acts as an analgesic in coughs and colds (used in a body oil)
* digestive tonic to calm an upset stomach (diffuse in the sick room or in a body oil)
As you can see these oils can help you feel a bit better if you get sick in winter, or warm you up when your feet are freezing, or help clear the air of unwanted germs.
If you have a few people in your home, especially if you have kids, I recommend you diffuse oils in your home at night during winter not only to create a lovely scented atmosphere, but to lend a little bit of anti-bacterial magic to the mix. Of course when using essential oils they will not necessarily cure an infection or disease, but they can help you feel a little better and more comfortable too.
Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.
Happy blending and remember to use your intention when you are creating your formulas. See my article about intention
suzannerbanks 