Cold winters are associated with some common ailments such as chills, dry skin, chapped lips, dry, stale indoor air, colds and flu, joint stiffness, and depressed mood.
Of course, the best essential oils for winter ailments depend on how you experience the time of year, but chances are you can relate to most of these mentioned issues.
It’s hard to generalize about which winter essential oil blends or uses are best for you without knowing your specific symptoms.
For example, some colds occur more in the head and nose with severe congestion, while others are more centered in the throat or chest.
Adjust the appropriate oils and applications to suit your symptoms, but don’t overdo it. Essential oils are highly concentrated.
Here are the best winter essential oils to help relieve your ailments when the weather turns cold.
1. Antioxidants
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Clove (Eugenia caryophyllus)
Narrow-leaved eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata)
Lemon (Citrus limon) and Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)
2. Antidepressants
Ylang-Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Myrtle (Myrtus communis).
3. For cold and flu symptoms
Palo Santo (Bulnesia sarmientoi)
Peppermint eucalyptus (eucalyptus dives)
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrus)
Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis var camphor).
4. Pain and Pain
Clove (Eugenia caryophyllus)
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) and ginger (Zingiber offinciale).
5. Deodorants
Grapefruit (Citrus x Pradisi)
Lemon (Citrus limon).
6. Plasticizers
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
Frankincense (Boswellia carteri)
Aromatherapy uses of essential oils for the winter
An aromatherapy use only refers to the best way to apply essential oils to the body for the best results (e.g., in a cream, personal inhaler, bath).
Some of the typical winter aromatherapy uses are warm baths, balms, body butters, body oils, diffusers, and inhalers.
1. Warm baths
Warm baths are particularly beneficial and pleasant in winter. They are helpful when you have chills or when you catch cold to the bone.
I like to add bubbles because they keep the water warm longer. I also add a dash of carrier oil – one of a variety of natural carriers – but sesame and olive oil are especially warming.
I don’t like it when the bath is very oily but if you like that just add more carrier.
A warning: when using essential oils, be sure to use only those that will not irritate the skin, and be aware that warm water can increase the potential for irritation. For example, don’t use cloves or cinnamon in the bathroom.
Dilute the essential oils in an emulsifying vehicle (vegetable oil, vegetable glycerin, and even whole – non-fat or skimmed – milk) before adding them to the bath to ensure they are spread out and less concentrated.
If you just put them in water, they’ll swim around in tiny droplets. You don’t want these tiny essential oil bubbles to come into direct contact with your warm skin.
Choose essential oils with properties that aid your intentions, such as warming, moisturizing for dry skin, or emotionally supportive and uplifting.
2. Balms, body butters, and body oils
Balms, body butters, and body oils can provide protection against cold and windburn, as well as moisturizing and nourishing the skin. The choice of carrier can really mean the difference between a good balm, butter, or oil, and a great one.
Avocado, carrot, coconut and argan oils provide moisture and soothe dry, parched skin. Shea and cocoa butters, often found in natural balms, are excellent emollients. Arnica and safflower oils are good for pain relief.
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Add a little of the essential oils listed under Pain to soothe an aching, creaky winter body.
While body oils, butters, and balms can feel a little heavy in the summer months, they tend to warm, moisturize, and soothe the skin in the cold, dry winter months.
Make sure you use a safe and proper dilution for each specific intention and application.
Typically, you will use these essential oil dilutions for specific applications:
3 percent for products applied to certain limited areas of the body.
1-2 percent for body oils and other applications that are applied to large areas of the body (e.g. massage oil, lotion, cream, body butter).
4-8 drops per bath: The essential oils should be added to the bath with a dispersant such as vegetable oil, whole – not fat-free or skimmed milk, vegetable glycerine or salt (fewer drops should be used for sensitive skin).
100 percent essential oil or essential oil blend for inhalers.
3-6 drops (100 percent essential oils or essential oil mixture) for a diffuser (for a space of 3.6 x 3.50 m). Less for energetic mixtures.
1 percent dilution for children, the elderly and people with sensitive skin or impaired systems.
3. Diffuser oils
Diffuser oils can be used to remove stale winter smells, disinfect and brighten the mood. Citrus oils are good odor eaters, while many other essential oils can mask unpleasant odors.
Use essential oils that are listed as high in antioxidants for a good immune boost. A few drops of essential oil in a diffuser is enough. You don’t really need a lot.
Alternatively, you can put a few drops in a vaporizer to open up congested sinuses and relieve other cold symptoms. Peppermint eucalyptus, for example, is rich in whistle stone, which is great for loosening and removing thick mucus.
4. Inhalers
Inhalers can provide convenient, portable, and personal treatment.
A personal inhaler can be filled with a mixture that will lift your mood, boost your immune system, or help a cold before it gets going.
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Patricia Bonnard, Ph.D., ACC is a life coach and energy healer. She combines conventional coaching, embodied practices, and energy healing in a way that best suits the needs and preferences of her clients. It offers virtual and face-to-face meetings and workshops for workplaces and the general public.
This article was originally published on strengtheaser-healingarts.com. Reprinted with the permission of the author.
