Tis the season for coughs, sneezes and runny noses, but don't let the winter months get you down. With a few simple aromatherapy remedies, you'll find the right key to enjoying better health, softer skin and a happier mood.Winters are beautiful if only we could get ourselves out of bed. As the mercury dips, it brings along with it a host of winter blues like colds and flu, laziness and a general sense of gloom. It is easy to tackle problems head-on once you put a finger on the cause.Here are some factors that contribute to health and wellness problems during the cold months:
Don't let the temperatures dampen your spirits this year and embrace the sunshine with essential oils and aromatherapy.
You don't need to pump in antibiotics and strong drugs to protect yourself from microbes when you can do it the natural way. If you sense a cold coming up, stop it right there with a hot aromatherapy foot soak. Fill up a tub with hot water, being careful not to scald yourself, and add five drops of lavender essential oil, five drops of pine essential oil along with two tablespoons of Epsom salts to it. Stand in the tub for about 20 minutes with the water reaching up to your ankles.
Don't let cold feet prevent you from having a good time during the holiday season. Mix a teaspoon of Jojoba oil with three drops of Cypress essential oil and rub onto the soles of your feet. Pull on a pair of warm socks and place your feet on a hot water bottle at bedtime.Rubbing a blend of Jasmine and Lavender oils will relieve dry, cracking heels and keep your footsies silky soft through the winter.
Proper breathing is absolutely necessary if you have to keep your immune system going. Lack of oxygen in the blood stream lowers immunity and prevents the release of endorphins, the "feel good" hormones. Make a conscious effort to take deep breaths several times a day. If you feel lethargic and lazy because of the cold weather, rub three drops of eucalyptus radiata essential oil between the palms of your hands and inhale deeply. Seven to ten deep inhalations are enough to give your body an instant boost of energy. This oil is known for its strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. It is a great choice for people who are prone to frequent colds and infections.
Make your own aromatherapy concoction at home with 10 drops of Spruce essential oil and five drops of pine essential oil mixed in a 4 oz bottle of Jojoba oil. Spruce has an uplifting scent while pine is very effective against sore throats, chest congestions, joint pains and respiratory distress. Keep this blend handy in the shower and rub it all over your body just after a shower. Lack of sunlight and physical activity during harsh winter months can lower the body's immune function and induce malaise. These essential oils collectively work towards fighting infections, supporting the adrenal glands and improving lymphatic drainage. While using the oil, make sure that you pay special attention to the abdomen as that area has a dense concentration of lymphatic tissue.After a brief massage, practice deep breathing for about 30 seconds. It has been found that people who practice this method in the shower every morning stay more healthy and active during winters.
Health tips are no good if your mind and body are busy battling stress. Stress can really strangle the body's natural immunity and make you more susceptible to illnesses and infections, especially when the weather is down. The simple act of using lavender essential oil in an aromatherapy burner when you are home can calm your senses and prepare your body to fight against the oddities.If you have a little bit of extra time, soak in a warm bath laced with five drops of pine essential oil, five drops of lavender essential oil and a tablespoon of Epsom salts. This will relax your muscles and rejuvenate your soul.Alternatively, mix a drop each of pine essential oil and lavender essential oil in a teaspoon of jojoba oils and massage your feet and the back of your neck with this blend.
Bring back the fresh, summery feel with citrus oils. Oils like orange, mandarin, grapefruit, may chang and lemon are known to uplift the senses and induce a positive atmosphere. Use any of these in an aromatherapy burner on a regular basis to brighten up your day.The comforting scent of cinnamon essential oils is enough to warm up the senses and make you feel cozy.Fir essential oil is a natural mood enhancer and its woody aroma can take the sting out of winters.Palo santo essential oil has a calming property that can eliminate every bit of anxiety, stress, nervousness and irritability out of your life for good.However chilly the weather, there is no escaping parties and get-togethers during the holiday season. Essential oils like ylang ylang and clary sage induce a feeling of sociability and helps one shed any inhibitions. You may use these oils in a diffuser when you have guests coming over for a lively, cheerful atmosphere.
Mucus membranes, our body's natural defense system, need an optimum temperature of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a clean, moist environment to function well. Apart from the chilly outdoors, our bodies have to bear the brunt of heating systems, trapped pollutants and closed windows. Dry, particle-laden air irritates the mucous membranes thus lowering their defense mechanism and making us more susceptible to infections.Add a teaspoon of Epsom salts along with a drop each of tea tree, ravensara, eucalyptus and pine oils to a bowl of steaming hot water, cover your head with a towel and deeply inhale the vapors.
Harsh, dry weather can send your skin screaming for help. As your skin loses moisture, it ends up looking dull, flaky and lackluster. Keep your skin plump and glowing by massaging your face and body with nourishing essential oils like frankincense, sandalwood and patchouli. These oils can be mixed with rich carrier oils like carrot seed, apricot kernel and evening primrose. The massage will improve blood circulation under the skin and restore your natural glow.
