5 Essential Oils to Help You Through the Holidays

Overworked? Overwhelmed? Over it all? Touted as “the most wonderful time of the year,” the holidays can also add pressure and stress to our already busy lives. They can also be reminders of loss of love and loved ones, leaving us with heavy feelings of the past.The rising demand of expectations from our workplace, home and family can take its toll on health, vitality and experiencing the simple pleasures that season of life has to offer.The use of essential oils is one of the most effective ways to adapt to stress. It provides a gentle, natural treatment and a feeling of control over their own well being, offering a sense of self empowerment and a deeper connection to one’s true nature.

 These essential oils  will encourage that zen vibe so when you share the sentiment “Happy Holidays” it comes from the heart!

Essential oils are invigorating and refreshing and perfect for a foot soak after a long day of shopping or socializing. It is an oil of strength and fortitude for the body, mind and emotions. It is also a wonderful digestive aid, especially this time of the year when our typical diet is stretched to the limits of what is agreeable to our bodies. Dilute one drop in a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage the stomach in circular motions after eating, or simply add a peppermint tea to your evening relaxation time.

Carrot Seed-is nourishing and revitalizing. This nutrient rich aromatic including vitamins C, A and B deeply nourishes the adrenal system and increases our resilience to stress. The warm, deep aroma is grounding, balancing and supportive to the liver which can be important this time of year with overconsumption of fats and alcohol.

Lemon- is clarifying and uplifting. Its crisp citrus aroma clears the mind, enhances benevolent feelings and supports focus. Where our attention goes our energy flows, this makes lemon a number one aromatic feeling of overwhelm and to encourage a positive outlook. Used in massage it is wonderful for circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Lavender-is calming and soothing and generates a sense of peace. It is an excellent aromatic for tension headaches, muscular discomfort and soothing those emotional peaks and valleys all too common this time of year. You can make a spray with 15 drops of Lavender in a one ounce bottle of distilled water to mist your sheets and pillow cases before bed to drift off to a restful and restorative nights sleep.

Frankincense-allay anxieties and deppens spiritual reflection. This is an exceptional oil of tranquility, inviting that quietude for pause and reflection that is such a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. Add this oil to your meditation or sacred intentional practice to stay centered and connected.

Peppermint Foot Soak

Add 5 drops of Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita) and one cup of Epson Salts to a foot soak in warm water and luxuriate for twenty minutes and invigorate your feet and entire body, mind and spirit with this popular aromatic.

 Zen Hydrotherapy

4 drops of Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

3 drops of Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carteri)

3 drops Carrot Seed essential oil (Daucus carota)

 This rejuvenating bath is sure to sooth your spirit and renew your body-mind during the holidays and all seasons. Blend the essential oils above into one tablespoon of jojoba or olive oil and add to a warm bath. Increase the benefits of your hydrotherapy with one - two cups of epsom salts.

Adora Winquist, Author. Teacher. Healer. EXPERT IN AROMATHERAPY & VIBRATIONAL MEDICINE