When the days are shorter and the sun is lower, temperatures drop, making us want to stay indoors where it’s warm and cozy. While the winter months have their charm (watching a film wrapped with a hot chocolate is not too bad after all), not everyone is a fan of the cold.
So, can we use aromatherapy to warm the body, improve circulation and keep the winter chills at bay?
Why essential oils in winter?
Feeling the chill in your hands and feet during the colder months? Consider adding comforting essential oils like peppermint, ginger, juniper berry, and rosemary to your winter skincare routine. These oils naturally radiate warmth and invigoration, helping to alleviate everyday discomforts. Incorporating essential oils into your winter regimen not only provides a sense of vitality and resilience but also offers a multitude of benefits such as increased energy and overall health improvement.
The effects of the cold on the body
First of all, let’s have a look at what the cold does to our bodies.
When temperatures drop, our body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Our extremities – our hands and feet – have blood vessels that are closer to the skin and further away from our heart where our core temperature is more stable. As the blood flows to our extremities, away from the hearth, it cools down.
On top of this, cooler temperatures also slow down the blood flow around the body as it constricts the veins and arteries, which increases the chances even more that hands and feet get numb and cold.
While feeling warm induces a feeling of being relaxed, feeling cold can do the opposite – making you feel alert and maybe even a bit on edge.
So let’s see how we can beat the cold and bring some warmth to your body through the power of aromatherapy…
Exploring essential aromatherapy oils that create a warming effect
Ginger Essential Oil
If you’ve ever had a ginger shot drink, then you will have experienced firsthand the heat ginger can generate. It’s quite powerful!
Using ginger essential oils are a great way to capture the warming effect of ginger – add just a few drops to a carrier oil such as jojoba oil and massage into the skin. It’s a simple yet effective warming blend. Also great for achy muscles and joints.
Black Pepper Essential Oil
Black Pepper Essential Oil has a warm, spicy aroma that, just like ginger oil, can be added to a carrier oil to create a blend that will warm the skin.
On top of this, it’s also a great oil for helping to ground the mind, which is a bonus when feeling stressed or unfocused.
To make your own blend, add 2 drops of Black Pepper, 3 drops of Rosemary, 3 drops of Lemon and 1 drop of Lavender in 30ml of Sweet Almond oil and create a warming massage blend.
Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil
Majoram Sweet Essential Oil has a sweet & herbaceous fragrance, but it’s also warming and comforting, which makes it great for when the cold weather hits.
For an easy recipe, add 1 drop each of Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary and Cypress in 10 ml of Sweet Almond oil and use as a body massage oil.
Sweet Marjoram oil is especially great for those who struggle with overthinking and worry, so perfect for when you want to warm up and switch off – relaxing both body and mind.
Myrrh Essential Oil
Myrrh essential oil, renowned for its skin-friendly warmth, gently awakens the body’s energy without overwhelming it. It helps release stress and promotes healthy energy flow.
Blend myrrh oil with a carrier oil like olive oil and massage it into your skin. Its relaxing influence on the mind and its potential to foster emotional balance makes it ideal for unwinding after a long day of work.
Coriander Essential Oil
Coriander essential oil is an effective cure for soothing muscles and joints, delivering a unique combination of relaxation and warmth. Its mild yet effective touch not only soothes physical discomfort but also reduces emotional stress.
To reap its comforting benefits, mix a few drops with a carrier oil, such as coconut or grapeseed oil, for a gentle massage. Coriander oil is ideal for individuals looking for a warm and relaxing escape from the daily grind.
WARMING ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS FOR AROMATHERAPY MASSAGE
To make a comforting Massage Blend, utilize any of the aforementioned Essential Oils, renowned for their refreshing and mood-lifting properties. A suggested ratio is 3-6 drops of your chosen Essential Oil or Essential Oil Blend per 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of your preferred Carrier Oil. Adjust the quantity accordingly, especially for a full-body massage, considering the application area and duration.
To further enrich the calming effect of your personalized Massage Blend, contemplate incorporating Essential Oils with gentle, tranquilizing aromas such as Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium, Helichrysum, Lavender, Neroli, Basil, and Ylang Ylang.
DIY Essential Oil Blends for Winter
If you are willing to invest your time and efforts in the best DIY essential oils blends for winter then stay tuned. We are all pumped up to share the best diffuser blends for the winter season which will instantly relax your mind and will give you that warm feeling.
Recipe 1 – Soothing Blend
Ingredients:
2 drops of Juniper Berry Essential Oil
2 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
2 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
1 tbsp Almond Oil
Method:
- Add almond oil to a bowl
- Now, pour in all of the essential oils
- Mix the oils thoroughly and follow the provided instructions to diffuse the blend properly
- You may transfer this blend into a roll-on bottle and apply it to your pressure points
Recipe 2 – Winter Calming Blend
Ingredients:
2 drops of Clove Oil
2 drops of Oregano Oil
1 tbsp Coconut Oil
Method:
- In a bowl add coconut oil.
- Now pour in all the essential oils in it.
- Give it a good mix and diffuse it as per the instructions.
- You can also transfer this blend to a roll-on bottle and apply it to your pressure points.
Tips for Using Essential Oils in Winter
- Essential oils are strictly for external use and should never be ingested.
- Store essential oils safely away from children and separate them from other products.
- Always dilute essential oils before applying to the skin due to their high concentration, using a carrier oil of your choice. The maximum recommended concentration of essential oils should be 3-4%.
- Perform a patch test before applying to larger skin areas to check for any adverse reactions.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your midwife before using essential oils.
- Ensure you purchase pure essential oils from reputable sources to guarantee therapeutic benefits and avoid counterfeit products.
Conclusion
As winter sets in and temperatures drop, the allure of cozy indoor activities is undeniable. Yet, for many, the cold weather brings discomfort. Can aromatherapy offer a solution? By incorporating warming essential oils like ginger, juniper berry, and rosemary into our routines, we can combat the chill, boost circulation, and uplift our spirits. With caution and creativity, these natural remedies can transform the winter blues into a season of warmth and wellness.
