As the holiday season approaches, a lot of us will find our already hectic, day-to-day routines getting even more jam-packed with things to do. Whether it’s entertaining, gift buying, or just making the rounds visiting family and friends during the festive season, the added activity can often leave us wondering where all the ‘tidings of comfort and joy’ have gone.
If you find yourself in the midst of a holiday headache, or turning into a stressed out Santa, why not try a little aromatherapy instead of reaching for an over the counter pain killer? There are many different ways to make use of essential oils, especially for holiday stress relief.
My tried and true favorite essential oils
Oil Burners & Diffusers are a great way to spread the joy. It’s believed that when inhaled, the molecules of the essential oils diffuse across the tiny air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) and eventually find their way into the capillaries and circulation system, where they wield their therapeutic effect.
Put some water into the ‘bowl’ of the oil burner and add a few drops of the following oils (alone or in combination – mix and find a customized blend that works for you). Bergamot, Lavender, Chamomile (German or Roman), Clary Sage, Geranium, Pine. You will need between 4-10 drops in total and usually 6 drops is enough to scent a room that is about 3 metres squared. Let your nose guide you!
Sink in to an Aromatic Bath
Aromatic Baths are a special treat, especially after a day of fighting through the crowds at the mall, or crunched over the table making and wrapping gifts. The ideal temperature for a neutral bath is between 32-36°C (90-97°F), which is most conducive to reducing tension in the body and mind. Choose one of the oils below, and sprinkle four-to-eight drops on the water’s surface once the bath has been drawn (if you put the oil in while the water is running, much of the vapour will have evaporated by the time you get into the bath). For an extra treat, mix the oil(s) in a carrier oil such as Sweet Almond or Jojoba and moisturize winter-dried skin at the same time. Then just light a beeswax candle, turn down the light and feel your hectic holiday tensions melt away…
Some stress busting oils: Bergamot, Chamomile (German or Roman), Lavender, Patchouli, Vetiver.
Massage using essential oils doesn’t always require a willing partner - let’s face it, our partners are probably as stressed as we are, so it might be better to avoid the topic altogether. After your bath, take a few minutes to do a self-massage, or if your partner is willing to lend some helping hands, even better! Below is one suggestion for a massage blend that helps to reduce anxiety and stress:
50 ml of light base oil (sweet almond)
8 drops bergamot
3 drops clary sage
3 drops neroli (can be substituted with mandarin or orange)
5 drops frankincense (the three wise men were actually pretty wise after all!)
Put the essential oils into a dark glass bottle, add the base oil and shake to disperse the oil. I often wash and save various cosmetics bottles to use for this type of quick blend. Be sure to get your massage blend ready before you chill out in the tub (you’ll be shivering and tensing up again if you try to mix it after the bath). The magical molecules in essential oils are small enough to pass through the skin and eventually into the bloodstream, where they begin to work their wonders. Nothing like some little miracles to get us back into the holiday spirit - breathe deeply, relax and join in the festivities!
As with all natural and synthetic remedies, a little common sense goes a long way. There are differing opinions on the effect of various oils, but before using any, you should read up on some basic essential oil safety information, especially of you are pregnant or nursing. And, as always, check with your physician if you have any concerns.
Recommended and Related
Aromatherapy: An A to Z, by Patricia Davis
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