We all know and love many familiar festive aromas from cinnamon and clove to ginger and orange, but these oils can also support our emotional wellbeing too! We explore the therapeutic properties of some popular Christmas essential oils and how they can help you de-stress, boost relaxation and uplift emotions during the festive period!
Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil, derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, is highly valued for its therapeutic properties and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and spiritual practices. It has a calming, grounding aroma that helps reduce stress, anxiety, and tension and is believed to elevate mood and support emotional balance. It can be used in diffusers or diluted in carrier oils for massage – try combining it with Lavender and Chamomile for the ultimate relaxation blend.
Myrrh
Myrrh essential oil, extracted from the resin of the Commiphora myrrha tree, has been used for centuries for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicine and spiritual practices. It has a warm, earthy scent that promotes emotional balance, reduces stressful feelings and can also help you feel uplifted. It’s also a great oil if you suffer from fatigue, so try diffusing it on your home when you need perking up! With its slightly balsamic aroma, it pairs beautifully with other grounding scents like Frankincense and Cedarwood.
Sweet Orange
Orange essential oil is uplifting, bright, and refreshing. It offers a variety of therapeutic benefits for the mind, body, and overall well-being and is well-known for being hugely uplifting and refreshing. But did you know it can also promote feelings of restfulness too? Its fresh, zesty scent can improve focus, concentration, and mental clarity and it’s a natural pick-me-up for moments of low energy. Blend it with Ylang Ylang which adds a floral sweetness that enhances relaxation and emotional upliftment or Rose for a luxurious, uplifting blend perfect for emotional support.
Pine
Pine essential oil, derived from the needles of pine trees (Pinus sylvestris or other species), is a refreshing and invigorating oil with a wide range of therapeutic benefits. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing properties. Used alone it instantly evokes the thought of a natural Christmas tree but blend it with Lemon or Lemongrass for ultimate freshness. It’s a lovely oil to diffuse in a bathroom for freshness and also blends well with other tree oils like black spruce or cedarwood, or try it with peppermint or spearmint to bring out the coolness. It’s uplifting nature can help boost mental clarity and focus.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon essential oil, extracted from the bark or leaves of the Cinnamomum tree, is known for its warm, spicy aroma and potent therapeutic properties. It’s a fabulous mood enhancer: The warm, comforting scent of cinnamon helps reduce stress, combat fatigue, and uplift the spirit. It also provides a natural boost to focus, concentration, and mental clarity. Blend it with some other warm winter classics like clove and sweet orange for an unmistakable scent of spicey warmth.
Clove
Clove essential oil, derived from the flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, is a powerful oil known for its warm, spicy aroma and numerous therapeutic benefits. It should be used quite sparingly as it can overpower other aromas in blends, but it pairs well with other spicey essential oils like black pepper and ginger, or classics like cinnamon and sweet orange. Its warm, spicy scent can reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Black Spruce
Black spruce essential oil, derived from the needles and branches of the Picea mariana tree, is a grounding and versatile oil known for its woodsy, fresh, and slightly sweet aroma. It has been valued for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing and restorative properties. It promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety. It’s grounding and balancing with its calming aroma supporting emotional balance, making it ideal for meditation or mindfulness. It can also help combat fatigue and enhances focus and clarity without overstimulation. Pai it with frankincense to enhance the grounding or with cedarwood which complements spruce with its deep, woodsy aroma, perfect for calming the mind and relieving stress.
Ginger
Ginger essential oil, extracted from the root of the Zingiber officinale plant, is widely known for its invigorating and warming properties. It’s commonly used for both physical and emotional wellness due to its numerous therapeutic benefits. It also instantly evokes feelings of warmth and cosiness when it comes to Christmas and pair it with sweet oils like benzoin for a natural gingerbready scent! Ginger’s uplifting aroma can help combat feelings of sadness or emotional exhaustion, boosting overall morale and is especially uplifting when blended with lemon.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the peppermint plant. Its scent instantly evokes the thought of candy canes when it comes to Christmas, or maybe fresh cold, frosty walks in winter. It’s really awakening and pairs well with woodsy aromas like spruce and pine. Try blending it with cardamom, cedarwood and ginger for a soothing, festive feel.
Cardamom
This is a fabulously warm and spicy scent, with a hint of citrus. It is uplifting, calming and has a soothing effect on the mind and body. Its warming properties make it a great addition to a cosy holiday blend. Try blending it with bergamot for an uplifting pairing, or frankincense which adds depth to the blend, promoting relaxation and grounding effects, ideal for a calming atmosphere.
Don’t forget to keep an eye on all our social media pages during the festive period and beyond as we always create and share lots of tips and blend ideas to help you get the most out of your essential oils!
