One of the challenges during the winter season is finding the time to practice wellness. I like to find simple things that help me incorporate day-to-day wellness habits into my life. Opening a few small bottles of therapeutic aromatherapy essential oils and creating some blends that not only smell great but that also provide therapeutic benefits is a great addition to the winter wellness toolbox. Aromatherapy essential oil blends require little preparation other than choosing your oils, blending them together, and actually using them on a daily basis!
Here are two of my favorite easy aromatherapy essential oil blends you can use for winter wellness support (check the end of this post for a fantastic Stress-less Holiday Support Blend). Note you can adjust the quantities recommended and make a larger or smaller quantity; just keep the ratio the same.
Digestive Support Blend
- Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) essential oil: 10 drops
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oil: 10 drops
- Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) essential oil: 5 drops
Blend aromatherapy essential oils and shake well. You can use this blend in a number of ways: in a diffuser, massage it directly onto your stomach with clockwise stroking motion, or add 3 drops to your cup of tea. See other ways to use your blend below.
Flu and Sinus Congestion Support Blend
- Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia) essential oil: 6 t
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) essential oil: 3 t
- Pine (Pinus sylvestris) essential oil: 3 t
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil: 2 t
- Lemon (Citrus limonum) essential oil: 2 t
- Alcohol (90%): 4½ cups
Mix all ingredients. To prepare as an inhalation, add 3 teaspoons to 6 cups of boiling water. This mixture can also be added to bath water or to footbaths. Use 3 drops in the bath or 1-2 drops in a footbath. It is also an effective formula to use in a nasal inhaler.
Once you have your blends prepared, you can easily incorporate them into your everyday winter wellness routine. Try:
- Using a blend in the shower in the morning by dropping a few drops on your wet washcloth and inhaling as you shower
- Adding a blend to an unscented shower gel and massaging into your body, inhaling as your wet, warm skin also absorbs the oils' beneficial ingredients
- Adding a blend to an unscented body lotion and massaging into your skin
- Dropping a few drops of a blend onto your hairbrush and brushing into your scalp
- Massaging a blend into the soles of your feet as you watch the evening news
- Dropping a few drops of the Digestive Support Blend in your morning tea to create a chai-like digestive boost
- Swirling a few drops into your bath in the evening and submerging into aromatic bliss
- Splashing a few drops on a cotton ball, which you place under your pillow
Remember, choosing therapeutic essential oils that provide the winter wellness support you are looking for is important. Choose aromatherapy essential oils that are:
- Organic or sustainably wildcrafted
- Distilled from plants harvested at their therapeutic peak
- Correctly stored by the vendor and kept cool
- Labeled with their Latin name to ensure you choose the right botanical
- TIP: If your blends contain citrus, keep your oils in the fridge and prepare small batches of your shower gel and body lotion
If you have any questions about which aromatherapy essential oils to purchase, check with a Registered Aromatherapist (RA). To find an RA in your area, visit the Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC) website at: http://aromatherapycouncil.org
Here's a bonus aromatherapy essential oil blend to get you into the spirit of the season. Enjoy!
Stress-less Holiday Support
- Sesame seed oil: 2 ounces
- Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) essential oil: 2 drops
Blend and massage into scalp and forehead and back of the neck for a sedative and headache support.
Image credit: ACHS President Dorene Petersen demonstrating how to make essential oil blends at the ACHS Winter Open House 2009. Photograph by ACHS Staff.
Note, this information has not been reviewed by the FDA. This information has been presented for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult with your primary care physician, naturopathic doctor, and/or Registered Aromatherapist before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.