Mention Christmas or Yule and you are instantly transported to a fragrant world of cinnamon sticks, mulled wine, fir trees and of course frankincense. But why these particular aromas and at this time of the year?
I suppose it all started 2,000 years ago, when the 3 wise men brought baby Jesus, gifts of frankincence and myrrh. However, frankincense wasnt only highly coveted for its highly distinctive aroma, it's many medicinal and therapeutic qualities were what made it so invaluable and expensive.
Although the use of essential oils have been around since the early Greeks and Egyptians, it wasn't until early in the last century that their extensive holistic benefits were truly recognised, all thanks to the research of French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse- also known as the father of modern day aromatherapy. Although essential oils have become widely recognised and used, they are particularly coveted for their scents at this festive time of the year.
There are many ways to use precious essential oils. If simply for their festive scent, then a diffuser is probably the most obvious, or perhaps a few drops on a radiator or a bowl of sea salt will work just as well.
However, there are many reasons why certain oils are synonymous with these colder parts of the world, just think of physical and mental ailments such as viruses and low mood.
Below I'll list my favourite festive oils and share some of their holistic benefits and how to use them safely at home.
Hope your Christmas is filled with much love, joy and peace.
Jean X
Frankincense
First on my list has to be frankincense. My favourite is Somalian, just because I feel it has a slightly fresher and balsamy fragrance, but thats just my opinion.
Skincare- I use this 'king of oils' in a lot of my skinvelop products because of its ability to speed up cell regeneration, this basically means skin repairs quicker from damage, moles (always get a mole checked out) or pigmentation. The result is brighter, smoother skin. You can make yourself an oil blend to help clear scar tissue and pigmentation. add 4-6 drops of frankincense to 30 ml of rosehip oil. Both oils must be pure. Apply at night to affected area and always do a patch test.
Health-It has calming influence on the mind and stress levels, resulting in a positive effect on the symptoms of high blood pressure, when combined with good diet, exercise, yoga and meditation. For viral issues that affect the chest, add 2 drop to 10ml of carrier oil, such as coconut oil, sunflower or olive oil and massage into chest and upper back 2-3 times a day.
Use up to 5 drops in a diffuser or add 7-10 drops in 100ml of water and spritze around your space.
Cinnamon
I dont imagine there's anyone who wouldn't recognise ths warm spicy,uplifting aroma.
Find it in seasonal hot beveridges and culinery savoury and sweet delights, such as chai latte, mulle wine, cinnamon rolls and many middle eastern dishes.
However, when used as an essential oil, it's benefits and uses
go even further.
Hormones- Menopausal women can benefit from this oil. A drop in the hormone, oestrogen, has a detrimental effect on blood sugar levels. Applying a diluted blend of cinnamon oil topically, can correct this by helping to reduce sugar cravings.
The same application can be used on women to maintain regular menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Health-Because of it's warming rubifacient effects, it encourages blood flow to the skin surface, easing symptoms of aching muscles and arthritis, as well as stimulating healthy lymph movement.
Always do a patch test before fully applying onto skin, as some individuals may be sensitive to cinnamon.
Keep dilution simple- 1 drop per 10ml of carrier oil.
Sweet orange oil-Uplift the spirits and improve your concentration on a dark winters day with a few drops of vibrant, zesty orange oil!
Skincare-Personally i wouldnt use it in skincare, unless you are using it well diluted in a toner or cleanser.
Holistic uses-It's antiseptic properties make it perfect for using around the home. A few drops on a clean damp cloth will leave work surfaces smelling amazing and germ free and a few drops on the floor, when mopping. Want your bathroom smelling sweet? Then a drop or two down the loo, will sort that out.
I like to add up to 50 drops into my natural fragrance free washing up liquid or why not add to your dishwasher final rinse.
Use anywhere around your when you need a mood boost, but always dilute and never apply directly onto wooden furniture.
Pine needle-Ahhh the unmistakable smell of pine! Evocative of woodland walks, Christmas trees and of course,clean floors, but did you know it has many therapeutic qualities, too?
Skincare-In aromatherapy, we use pine essential oil because of it's antipruritic properties (anti itch) it is often used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, chicken pox, insect bites, fungal infections and acne.
Health-Similar to frankincense, it can be used as a decongestant and expectorant and because of it's rubifacient qualities, the increase of blood flow will transport the oil to where it is needed most.
Enjoy your essential oils with caution.
Never use undiluted essential oils on the skin.
Never ingest essential oils.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Do not use on little ones under the age of 2 and always seek guidance of a fully qualified clinical aromatherapist.
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, before consulting with a clinical aromatherapist.
Christmas diffuser blend
20 drops of frankincense
30 drops of orange
15 drops of cinnamon
5 drops of pine
blend together in a small glass bottle
and use up to 5 drops in a diffuser.
10-15 drops in a bowl of salt.
or add a few drops onto a tissue and place on a heater.
