There’s nothing like the scents of the holidays. The fresh smell of live fir trees, the spicy scent of cinnamon, and the warming aroma of vanilla all may recall memories of past holidays and times with friends and families. Beyond simply adding a delightful scent to your home, essential oils may also offer potential benefits to your health.
About Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils to promote health and balance in the body. Dating back to ancient times, aromatherapy has become a holistic practice that incorporates the health of the mind, body, and spirit. Today, these naturally extracted essences work to support temporary relief from pain, promote immune system health, and may also support a healthy mood.
One of the most popular uses of essential oil is diffusing them. Simply add a few drops to your diffuser, and your home or office will have a pleasant aromatic scent. You can also add a few drops to your bath, or to your favorite lotion. They can also be used as massage oil, or even as mouthwash.
Essential Oils for a Healthy Holiday Season
Whether you prefer a single oil, or if you like to create your own blends, we’ve found seven essential oils that are perfect for the holidays. Â Not only do these oils smell amazing; they also offer potential benefits to support your healthiest holiday season yet!
Fir Needle Oil
Fresh and woodsy, fir needle oil recalls the fresh scent of the forest. Silver firs were among the first species to be used for holiday decorating, so using fir essential oil is a great way to bring the scent of the holidays into your home. In aromatherapy it is considered a middle note oil, since its scent is mild and not overwhelming.
Fir needle oil is used to support respiratory system health and detoxification, and may also promote a healthy metabolism. Fir needle oil also makes an excellent addition to natural detergents, cleaners, and air fresheners. Try combining fir needle oil with balsam or pine for a delightful woodsy blend.
Blends well with: balsam, lemon, pine, orange, and rosemary.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense, also known as boswellia, is a fruity, balsamic, and slightly spicy aroma that makes a wonderful addition to aromatic holiday blends. Harvested from the sap of the boswellia tree, frankincense has a long history of use in many cultures. For example, it was used for religious ceremonies in Ancient Egypt, and Middle Eastern cultures used frankincense for everything from toothpaste to deodorant.
Frankincense has a number of potential health benefits, such as offering support for immune system health, and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels already in the normal range. It is also used to support a healthy response to stress, so if you experience stress during the holidays, frankincense oil may make a difference for you!
Blends well with: bergamot, cinnamon, grapefruit, lavender, pine, sandalwood, vetiver, and more.
Cinnamon Oil
A quintessential holiday scent, cinnamon offers a warm and spicy aroma that is perfect for cold days. This intensely scented oil blends well with other oils, but it should be diluted before applying directly on the skin. Cinnamon oil can also be used for cooking, and adds a bright spicy flavor to dishes. It may also act as an insect repellent.
Potential health benefits of cinnamon oil include supporting immune system health, supports healthy blood pressure levels already in the normal range. Cinnamon may also support healthy looking hair. A blend of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla is perfect for diffusing throughout the holiday season.
Blends well with: cardamom, clove, frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, lemon, nutmeg, marjoram, vanilla, and balsam.
Vanilla Oil
Gentle and warming, the scent of vanilla recalls fresh-baked cookies and cakes. This oil is made from vanilla beans, which are contained in long, skinny pods. Vanilla is grown primarily in Mexico and Central America, and is pollinated by the Melipone bee, which is found only in this region. Vanilla is frequently used in cooking and baking, and is also a note in many perfumes, soaps, and lotions.
In aromatherapy, vanilla has antioxidant properties which work to protect cells from free radical damage. It also supports overall health by promoting a healthy sleep and a healthy mood. It may also act as an aphrodisiac.
Blends well with: bergamot, frankincense, jasmine, lemon, orange, rose, sandalwood, peppermint, cinnamon, and ylang ylang.
Clove Oil
A spicy and aromatic oil, clove oil is sourced from the evergreen clove tree. It was initially used in ancient Indian and Chinese civilizations, and spread to Europe in the 7th and 8th centuries. Today, clove is often used as a cooking spice and makes an excellent addition to mulled ciders.
Clove is often used to promote dental health, and is often used in toothpastes and mouthwashes. In small quantities it may support healthy looking skin, and is also used to support immune system health and function.
Blends well with: allspice, bergamot, clary sage, ginger, jasmine, lavender, lemon, vanilla, and ylang ylang.
Orange Oil
The most popular citrus scent for the holidays, orange has a sweet, uplifting citrus scent that has a variety of uses. One of the oldest cultivated fruits, today oranges are grown all over the world. The oil, which is harvested from the orange peel, has been used for many years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is also used as an ingredient in many earth-friendly household cleaners.
Orange oil is most often used to support immune system health and to promote healthy looking skin. It is also used to support a healthy mood, especially when combined with other oils. Try it with lime and lavender for a refreshing and uplifting scent.
Blends well with: basil, cinnamon, clove, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, ginger, lavender, lemon, nutmeg, vetiver, ylang ylang.
Peppermint Oil
Reminiscent of the wintertime, peppermint oil has a fresh, minty, herbaceous scent that has soothing properties. A cross between spearmint and watermint, peppermint is used in a wide variety of products, from soap, shampoo, and toothpaste, to chewing gum, tea, and ice cream. Menthol, a naturally occurring compound in peppermint, is what gives this oil its cooling properties.
In addition to its minty qualities, peppermint has a number of other potential health benefits. Peppermint seeks to offer temporary relief from head pain, as well as support a healthy mood. Peppermint oil may also support digestive system health and may promote a healthy mood.
Blends well with: basil, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, orange, rosemary, tea tree.
What are your favorite essential oil blends? Let us know in the comments!
