Transform Winter Blues into Winter Bliss with Aromatherapy
Inspired by the wisdom of nature, "wintering" is the practice of slowing down, nurturing oneself, and finding beauty in the quiet moments. I find this time particularly beneficial post-holidays. With fewer social demands and societal pressures, January can be one of the most beneficial months for mental health- if you give yourself permission to rest and rejuvenate. Bold statement, I know! Especially with darker, shorter days that most people associate with gloom and grief... But I believe the cold months offer coziness, a time of personal reflection; and of course, self-care.
January invites us to embrace the art of “wintering." For assistance along our wintering journey, aromatherapy is here to support our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Let’s dive a little deeper into our aromatherapy allies…
6 Essential Oils for "Wintering" and Why They Work
Frankincense
Known as the "King of Oils," Frankincense is grounding and calming. It supports meditation, introspection, and emotional balance, making it perfect for moments of stillness and reflection. This soothing oil encourages emotional healing on all levels. In addition, Frankincense offers strong immune support. Perfect to use for mental and physical well-being.
Sweet Orange
This uplifting citrus oil brightens and uplifts the mood and energizes the spirit. Use it to combat the winter blues and create a warm, sunny ambiance indoors. Its familiar sweet aroma is calming and helps relieve anxiety. This is a perfect oil to use to unblock and circulate stagnant energy.
Cedarwood
With its warm, woody aroma, Cedarwood is soothing and grounding. It promotes relaxation and a sense of security. This essential oil is particularly helpful if you are experiencing a rough patch. Cedarwood is well-known to increase endurance during difficult times and can support confidence in challenging situations.
Lavender
Lavender is a classic for calming the mind and body. It’s perfect for creating a tranquil space to unwind and restore. A familiar favorite to comfort and soothe stress, tension, and an overwhelmed mind.
Peppermint
This invigorating oil helps clear the mind and refresh the senses. The refreshing, minty aroma awakens and stimulates the mind and body to reduce fatigue and help combat seasonal sluggishness. Peppermint clears energy, supports self-confidence, and helps boost creativity. Perfect to use for dreary winter days to increase alertness, support the immune system, and reduce congestion. This is a great oil to use while journaling or setting your intentions for the New Year.
Ginger
Warm and spicy, Ginger is comforting, uplifting, and invigorating. This oil is fiery, strong, and dynamic. Ginger is excellent for stimulating willpower and restoring motivation. It encourages energy, while its warming aroma invites a soothing sensation to the mind and body. Ginger stimulates circulation to the areas of application, resulting in feelings of warmth, relaxation, and pain relief. A “wintering” self-care essential.
How to Use Essential Oils for Wintering
Diffuse for Ambiance: Add 5-7 drops of your favorite wintering oil to a diffuser. Try this blend for balance:
3 drops Frankincense
2 drops Sweet Orange
2 drops Cedarwood
Self-Massage with Oils: Blend up to 12 drops of essential oil into 1 oz of a carrier oil, like jojoba oil. Massage onto hands, feet, or temples for a grounding ritual. Ginger is a great essential oil to use for warming cold hands and feet!
Aromatic Bath: Mix 5 drops of essential oil with 1 tablespoon of carrier oil of your choice, then add to your bathwater. Breathe deeply and relax. Sweet Orange, Frankincense, Lavender, and Cedarwood all make lovely, nurturing bath oils for peace and relaxation.
Create a Cozy Spray: Combine 20 drops of essential oil with 2 oz of distilled water in a spray bottle. Mist onto pillows and blankets, or in the air for a comforting scent.
Deep Breaths: Taking deep inhalations directly out of the bottle of your favorite wintering essential oil will help bring your mind to the present moment, soothe tension, and quiet the mind.
Try this breathing technique for stress relief: Breathe in through the nose for 4 seconds (inhaling your choice of essential oil). Hold your breath for 4 seconds. Breathe out slowly through the nose for 4 seconds. Repeat.
Self-Care Practices to Pair with Aromatherapy
Journal your reflections and intentions for the year ahead.
Meditation and daydreaming about your goals, priorities, and emotions.
Curl up with a good book or podcast that inspires you.
Practice gentle movements like yoga or stretching.
Indulge in your creative pursuits that bring you joy and allow you to express yourself without words.
Make nourishing, home-cooked meals with lots of root veggies and drink warm teas with spices like ginger and cinnamon.
Wintering is not just about surviving the season; it’s about thriving in its embrace. With essential oils and simple self-care, you can turn January into a time of restoration and renewal.
If you need quality, 100% pure essential oils for self-love, and aromatherapy blends to support the art of wintering; check out our wide range of self-care blends here!
If you have any questions about how to use aromatherapy or what essential oils would be best for you, please contact me through the contact box at any time below. I always love to hear from you!
Stay cozy, stay comfy, stay well.
Your personal aromatherapist,
Rachel London
Resources and Citations:
References for Essential Oils and Their Benefits
Frankincense:
Ali, N. A., et al. (2008). "Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities of essential oils of Frankincense." Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
Buckle, J. (2015). Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Healthcare. 3rd Edition. Churchill Livingstone.
Sweet Orange:
Goes, T. C., et al. (2012). "Effect of sweet orange aroma on experimental anxiety in humans." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Lis-Balchin, M. (2006). Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals.
Cedarwood:
Fang, H., et al. (2011). "Aromatic compounds from Cedarwood as sedatives." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Schnaubelt, K. (1999). Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science of Essential Oil Therapy.
Lavender:
Koulivand, P. H., et al. (2013). "Lavender and the nervous system." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Holmes, P. (2016). Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. Principles and Profiles.
Peppermint:
Gobel, H., et al. (1996). "Essential oils of peppermint in the treatment of tension-type headache." Cephalalgia.
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. 2nd Edition.
Ginger:
Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. 2nd Edition.
General Aromatherapy Resources
National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA): www.naha.org
International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA): www.ifaroma.org
WebMD: Essential Oils Guide