Brrrrrr!!! Aromatherapy to Warm the Spirits, Fight Winter Blues, Combat the Flu and Eliminate Stuffy Odors

Frigid winter temperatures are now upon us in so many areas across the United States and northern regions of the world. Areas of the U.S., including Florida are experiencing low temperatures not felt in ages. It's a beautifully sunny day here in Michigan as I write this. Several inches of snow blanket the outdoors in white. But not all winter days are filled with clear skies and sunshine. Some winter days can look downright bleak, especially with the hours of daylight being far fewer than in the summertime.

Unlike synthetic aromatics that merely smell pleasant, many essential oils and other pure, natural aromatics are anti-bacterial, anti-viral and can be beneficial in an array of other ways. The use of pure essential oils and products made with them can help warm the spirits and help keep you physically and emotionally strong. Diffusion is often the easiest and most customizable way to personalize your aromatherapy experience. Skin care and massage products made with natural essential oils can also be incredibly helpful. I tend to diffuse essential oils at all times of year, but the oils that I diffuse can vary depending on the temperature, my particular needs and mood. The aromatherapy personal care products that I make for myself or purchase from AromaWeb's valued advertisers are often selected for both their skin nourishing properties and their ability to enhance mood and help ward off bacteria and viruses.

Here are a few ways that aromatherapy can play a special part in warming up your winter and helping to keep you free of illness or reduce their duration:

Enhancing Your Mood:
Diffusing essential oils, most particularly those that are uplifting and energizing can help combat the "winter blues" and make days in which you're stuck indoors much more pleasant. During the daytime, I lean towards using blends that emphasize citrus notes as they are so cheerful, fresh and uplifting. AromaWeb's article entitled Aromatherapy Tips for Combating the Winter Blues and Holiday Blues provides tips and oil suggestions for helping uplift your mood at this chilly time of year.

Warming the Spirits
To especially warm my spirits, I like to include a drop or two of warming/spicy essential oils like ginger, cinnamon or nutmeg in my diffuser blends. The spicy oils are especially potent in strength. Be conservative in the amount that you use. For a list and links to spice oil profiles, blending ideas and recipes that include warming ginger, zesty cinnamon and other spicy oils, read AromaWeb's Essential Oils for Autumn article. It's geared towards the use of the oils on cooler Autumn days, but most of the information remains perfectly suited to use on chilly winter days.

Fighting Cold and Flu Bugs
Many essential oils are naturally anti-bacterial and anti-viral. The regular but safe use of essential oils has kept my immune system healthy and has helped to ward off the bacteria, viruses and microbes that can lead to illnesses. For more information, read Reducing the Risk of Contracting H1N1, Flus and Colds With Aromatherapy on AromaWeb.

Eliminating Stuffy Odors
With windows shut tight during the winter months, diffusing essential oils can help keep your home from smelling stuffy or stale. Citrus essential oils are especially helpful in clearing out old odors. Lemon is a particularly good choice and it is also helpful in ridding a room of smoky odors.

For recipe ideas, visit AromaWeb's Recipe Box area. New to Aromatherapy? Start by reading What is Aromatherapy, History of Aromatherapy, What are Essential Oils, Safety Information (a must!), How to Shop for Essential Oils and then look at the Article Index and read the others that interest you.

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Comments

[Ann Wooledge]

Great article, Wendy, as usual! Thanks for all the information you provide about aromatherapy.

[essential oil blends]

Essential oils are a life saver to have in flu and cold season. I inhale them in steam regularly.