Aromatherapy for the Winter Blues

by Wendy Mackay MIAAMA

Winter can be a time when the cold weather and shorter daylight hours can mean that we do not feel as positive, energetic and motivated as we do during the warmer months.

For some people the effect can be quite extreme, whereas for others it is just a matter of feeling like staying home and nesting in a warm place.

Many essential oils can have a positive effect on the mood and emotions, lifting the spirits and helping to energise and motivate during this time of year.

Some of the best oils for this time are the citrus oils, which, as a group, have quite sunny positive dispositions. They are usually well accepted by most people and have a bright lively aroma that freshens the air and lifts the mood. There are a number of different citrus oils, some quite sharp such as lemon or grapefruit, some are sweeter in aroma, including mandarin, sweet orange and lime. Some are even particularly good for stress, such as bergamot, for when the cold is really getting to you!

Other oils with uplifting qualities include clary sage, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint and spearmint, petitgrain, pine, ylang ylang. Choose one or a combination that suits your mood. Some of these oils, such as eucalyptus for example are also good helping to clear the air when coughs and colds strike, so are very appropriate for this time of year.

Warming spicy oils are another way to combat the feeling of cold, oils such as black pepper, ginger, cinnamon leaf and clove bud are great in oil burners and many are also good antiseptic oils as a bonus! They generally blend very well with the citrus oils, to further enhance their benefits.

Try some of these blends in your vaporiser or experiment with your own combinations.

Blend 1

3 drops sweet orange
2 drops lemon
2 drops grapefruit

Blend 2

2 drops ginger
3 drops sweet orange

Blend 3

3 drops bergamot
1 drop ylang ylang
1 drop clary sage

Blend 4

4 drops lemon
2 drops eucalyptus

(This information is meant as general advice.  Please consult your health practitioner or a qualified aromatherapist for advice on your specific situation.)

Wendy Mackay is a qualified Aromatherapist and member of the International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IAAMA). Wendy and her husband David run Essence of Wellbeing a successful Aromatherapy & Massage Supply and Pure Natural Skin Care business, based in Mornington on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula in Victoria Australia.