Winter Essential Oils

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Winter Essential Oils

Aromatherapy brings us the aromatic energy of living plants in the

form of essential oils. These fragrances are a natural antidote to

the emotionally debilitating effects of winter. Aromatherapy is

supportive in the winter season of quiet regeneration. Winter

essential oils cleanse and freshen air in homes closed tight against

the cold weather. Essential oils for winter include woody, evergreen,

citrus, spice and resin oils. Gingerbread and delicious spice cake

come to mind with pungent essential oils such as clove, cinnamon,

allspice, ginger and nutmeg. Fresh citrus oils including bergamot,

sweet orange, lemon and tangerine recall memories of old fashioned

citrus pomanders. Warming oils include Orange, Black Pepper and

Rosemary. Immune boosting oils are Tea-Tree, Lavender, Sandalwood and

Bergamot. To ease congestion and fight infections use Tea-Tree, Pine,

Eucalyptus and Lavender. Bergamot tea is useful for a sore throat and

can be used as a gargle. Chamomile tea is very soothing and eases an

upset stomach.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)Bergamot is uplifting sweet with a fruity

fragrance. Helpful for depression. Refreshes a room. Avoid sunbathing

and sunbeds when using this oil.

Black Pepper ( Piper nigrum) Hot, dry, spicy oil with a deeply

warming effect. Relieves muscular aches and pains. Stimulates the

digestive, circulatory and lymphatic systems. Can irritate sensitive

skin, use sparingly.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)Eucalyptus was first employed by

Australian aborigines, who not only chewed the roots for water in the

dry outback but used the leaves to treat fever, cough, and asthma,

and European settlers quickly adopted it as medicine. You can also

use a few drops of eucalyptus oil in boiling water or in a bath as an

inhalant. Eucalyptus is often used for - Sore muscles, Insect

repellant, Tension headache, Cold, Cough, Sinusitis, Rheumatoid

arthritis and Strains/sprains. Warming and antiseptic oil with a

strong camphorous medical smell.

Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis) Juniper Berry essential oil

contains mainly pinene, myrcene, sabinene and limonene. These

constituents are also found in other winter season oils including

pine, cypress and fir needle. Juniper berry oil blends especially

well with these oils. Juniper oil is refreshing, clarifying and

uplifting to the spirit. Its physical actions are cleansing,

astringent (for oily complexions) and toning. Detoxifying, cleansing

and antiseptic. Do not use in pregnancy or if you suffer with kidney

disease. Not suitable for children.

Lemon (Citrus limonum)Lemon is a fresh sunny scent that is cold

pressed from the rind itself! Lemon has antiseptic-like properties

and contains compounds that have been studied for their effects on

immune function. It may serve as an insect repellent and may be

beneficial for the skin. Diffuse it in your house for a fresh

alternative to air spays. It compliments the Oil of Oregano to

neutralize the over growth of Candida. Put a few drops on a tissue

and vacuum it into your vacuum bag to freshen the smell of your

carpets and furniture coverings. 1 drop is also very refreshing and

purifying when taken in a glass of water.

Neroli

Neroli is distilled from bitter orange trees. It has a refreshing,

spicy aroma and is known for its sensual, exotic effect. Neroil oil

is emotionally unifying and soothes with harmonizing effects.

Described as both sensual and spiritual, Neroli helps to re-establish

the link between a disconnected mind and body. Neroli paves the way

for a gradual release and allows us to recall hope and joy!

Orange (Citrus sinensis) Orange essential oil is obtained from the

rind of the fruit and used principally as a flavoring agent. Warming,

orange oil is an antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic,

carminative, digestive, febrifuge, phototoxic sedative, tonic. Orange

oil helps spreads sunshine on gloomy thoughts and depression, has a

very comforting and warming effect and dispels tension and stress and

helps revive when feeling low on energy. Orange oil calms the stomach

both for constipation and diarrhea. Stimulates bile which helps

digestion of fats. Has a beneficial effect on colds, bronchitis and

fever. Helps with the formation of collagen, vital for tissue repair

and hair growth. Also helpful with muscular pains. Helps anxiety and

insomnia. Possibly reduces blood cholesterol levels. Orange oil helps

dry skin conditions softening wrinkles and dermatitis. An excellent

skin tonic. Orange oil can make the skin photosensitive to sunlight.

Peppermint (Mentha piperata) Peppermint oil is the most extensively

used of all the volatile oils, both medicinally and commercially. The

characteristic anti-spasmodic action of the volatile oil is more

marked in this than in any other oil and greatly adds to its power of

relieving pains arising in the alimentary canal. From its stimulating

and carminative properties, it is valuable in certain forms of

dyspepsia, being mostly used for flatulence and colic. It may also be

employed for other sudden pains and for cramp in the abdomen; wide

use is made of Peppermint in cholera and diarrhea.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary is stimulating and

refreshing, an invigorating pick-me-up. To help refresh and nasal

passages and assist easy breathing. Excellent for hair and scalp

problems including hair loss and dandruff. Do not use if pregnant or

if you have high blood pressure or suffer with epilepsy.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)Tea-Tree is a powerful antiseptic,

anti-bacterial oil which helps boost the immune system. Excellent for

treating cold sores and fungal infections such as thrush. Spots,

insect bites, warts, cuts and grazes.

WINTER WARMTH BLEND

Combine the following oils:

10 drops of cedarwood

25 drops of bergamot orange

15 drops of fir needle

30 drops of juniper berry

20 drops of sandalwood

A wintertime aromatherapy blend For a massage oil, dilute

12 drops of this " mother " blend in 3 ounces of vegetable oil.

To diffuse into the air, use a candle diffuser or terra cotta

ornament style diffuser. Add a few drops of " mother " blend

to water in your diffuser.

SINUS CONGESTION BLEND

To relieve sinus congestion, respiratory problems and

to clear a stuffy head,

Combine the following oils:

5 drops of Eucalyptus

3 drops of Lavender

2 drops of Tea-Tree

2 drops of Pine.

Add drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale.Makes a great

cold remedy. This is a powerful decongestant for those

unwanted colds. Add a few drops to your burner and inhale

this way.

SORE THROAT GARGLE

To soothe a sore throat and combat infection.

2 drops of Tea-Tree

Add to a glass of water and use as a gargle. Do not swallow,

essential oils must not be taken internally.

SEASONAL AFFECTED DISORDER (SAD)

Many people are affected in the winter months by this disorder

which is associated with a reduction in sunlight, as the days

get shorter, and the weather is frequently overcast. Symptoms

experienced can range from depression, fatigue, lethargy,

weight gain and food cravings. The following essential oils can

help to relieve the symptoms associated with this disorder.

PICK ME UP BLEND

Combine the following oils:

7 drops of Bergamot

5 drops of Grapefruit

3 drops of Rosemary

SUNSHINE BLEND

Combine the following oils:

5 drops of Lemon

5 drops of Orange

3 drops of Geranium

2 drops of Peppermint

The oils can be used in a burner, either individually or in

combination.

Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/aromatherapy.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spiritSent from Midlothian, VA, United States