It may feel like we’ve only just found our summer; however it is never too early to begin preparing your skin and health for winter. After all, our weather does seem to have a tendency to jump through the seasons giving no thought to the impact it has on you.
Luckily, by incorporating the following aromatherapy tricks into your day to day routine you can overcome dry skin and the common cold, and give your immune system a well deserved boost.
Things to remember when using aromatherapy…
- Aromatherapy oils should never be put directly onto your skin unless it has been diluted using a carrier oil. Good carrier oils to add to your kit are Almond, Apricot Kernel, Avocado, Jojoba and Grapeseed. Once diluted you can add these oils to your bath or massage them onto your skin.
- If you plan to use vapour therapy, your oils don’t have to be diluted to be used on your burner. Adding a carrier oil here will only make your oil go rancid. Instead add a few drops of your undiluted aromatherapy oils to water before heating over a flame in your burner.
Winter benefits of Aromatherapy
Like we mentioned before, aromatherapy can do wonders for your health when you know how to use it correctly.
- Dry skin – whether you naturally have dry skin or find the winter breeze dehydrates and dries your skin, adding the following to your bath can moisturise your skin so it remains healthy and supple. Simply add 1 cup of oats to your bath whilst it is filling, then in a container mix ½ cup milk, 5mls pumpkin seed oil, 5mls Rosehip oil, 3 drops Frankincense and 2 drops Petigrain together. Once blended add to the water, sit back and relax.
- Drained – the winter blues might sound like a myth, but you’ll be surprised by how easily the changing seasons and shorter days leave you feeling down and tired. To help invigorate and refresh your body add a few drops of Lavender oil to a container as well as a few drops of Tea Tree oil and Rosewood oil. Stir in your bath salts and leave these overnight to absorb. Once ready add a teaspoon to your bath and witness as these salts and oils re-energise your body.
- Aches and pains – the cold tends to make us more aware of our aches and pains. So whether you suffer from back problems, arthritis, joint pain or knee injuries as the days get colder, you’ll more than likely feel stiffer. To combat this, blend Marjoram oil with Lavender, Chamomile, Ginger and Rosemary, add a base of Jojoba or Grapeseed oil and then introduce to your bath. Allow yourself to soak in these oils for 10 minutes and you’ll feel a difference to your joints. (NOTE: make sure to wrap up warm after your bath to enhance its benefits)
- Immunity– sure you may get the odd cold during the summer, but winter is notorious for leaving your immune system weak. To combat the chills mix 15 drops of Lemon scented Tea Tree oil with 10 drops Ginger, 10 drops Sandalwood, 5 drops Sweet Orange and 100ml of a carrier oil (Sweet Almond or Jojoba), and massage into your skin.For colds/the flu combine a mixture of the following oils (2-3 oils) and add a few drops to your burner. These will purify the air, help your breathing and act as an antiseptic: Aniseed, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint and Pine.
Ensuring you get through the winter months feeling healthy, radiant and renewed is possible when you know how. Simply remember to bear the above tips in mind, and with the support of aromatherapy your body will always be prepared.
My name is Ellie and I use aromatherapy for my every day health and I like to write tips on aromatherapy to help others get the benefits that I get.
