Spice oils and citrus oils are some of the best essential oils to use during the fall and the winter, when the weather gets colder and the days get shorter. Together, spice and citrus oils make great blends for essential oil burners. If using oils in a bath, add up to 6 drops of essential oil into a couple of tablespoons of almond oil, sunflower or sesame oil, or any cold-pressed vegetable oil. The skin often gets a little dry in the fall and the winter, so some almond oil in the bath water is a good idea.
Spice Oils
The spice oils Cinnamon, Clove and Cardamom are warming, energizing, and stimulating. Most spice oils are also potential skin irritants, and many work best in a burner – if using spice oils on the skin, use only a drop and dilute well. Clove oil is a good choice for burners and diffusers during cold and flu epidemics.
Spice oils blend really well with most citrus oils. Spice and citrus oils also make nice blends with some of the base oils Frankincense, Sandalwood, Cedarwood and Patchouli. Frankincense and Orange is a lovely blend for the burner or for relaxing baths.
Ginger essential oil is a good option for bath and massage blends during cold weather. Add a drop or two of ginger oil into your bath blend whenever you’re feeling chilled or achy, whether it’s because of cold weather or after exercise. Try a blend of
- 1-2 drops of Ginger
- 2 drops of Marjoram
- 2 drops of Rosemary
in 1-2 tablespoons of sweet almond oil to relieve achy muscles and joints, to warm up in cold weather, and to boost circulation. Add to a bath or use as a massage oil.
Citrus Oils
If you’re prone to low moods in the fall or the winter, use citrus oils in your burner and in your bath blends. Orange, Grapefruit, Bergamot and Mandarin/Tangerine all help to lift up the spirit. Grapefruit essential oil is cheerful and energizing, great for those days when you feel low on energy. Orange is a sunny oil that blends very well with the spice oils, including Cinnamon and Clove; try a blend of Orange and Clove and/or Cinnamon in your burner for the Christmas season.
Oils for the Cold & Flu Season
If you’re prone to colds when the weather changes, use these oils to fight the infection and to stimulate the immune systme:
- Eucalyptus
- Thyme
- Ravensara
- Tea tree
If your sinuses are congested, try a steam inhalation with any of the decongestant antibacterial oils: Eucalyptus, Rosemary, Pine or Ravensara.
Now is also a good time to add warming spices – ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom – to foods and drinks. An infusion of ginger, lemon and honey is a great home remedy for the cold season and for sore throats and colds.
Photo: Morguefile
Love this post. It’s the best thing is to be able to use essential oils to work with the natural seasons.