Ever felt your energy levels plummet as summer draws to a close? Or found that you’re fighting an endless battle against coughs and colds as the winter months begin? It’s widely accepted that our bodies must work a little harder in the colder months – from dry, irritated skin and trouble sleeping to tired, achy muscles – but it needn’t be that way. When the heady days of summer beat a hasty retreat and autumn comes knocking, essential oils could provide the boost you need. Read on for the perfect essential oils to lighten your mood this autumn.
If you’re a total novice to essential oils and aromatherapy, then we’re here to help. Practiced for centuries (with the first uses thought to be around 3500 BC), this ancient tradition is the art of using plant extracts to promote healing and wellness. Used throughout ancient cultures as a form of holistic medicine, plants (including leaves, roots, flowers and seeds) have been distilled into balms, resins and oils and used for their naturally restorative properties. Considered an art by some and a science by others, aromatherapy has been shown to boost body, spirit and mind.
The benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils are hugely wide-ranging. Used to improve sleep, boost immunity, ease skin conditions, sooth ailments and even reduce labour pains, it’s likely that whatever your concern, there’s an essential oil (with a wealth of anecdotal evidence) to support you.
With the nights drawing in, the summer holiday feeling like a very distant memory and Christmas being close but not quite close enough, autumn is often a time for high levels of overwhelm. Lavender essential oils are shown to reduce stress and the associated levels of cortisol in the system. It will also moisturise and sooth chapped and irritated skin. What’s not to love?
If, like many of us, you find your mood and general joi de vivre taking a nosedive at the advent of winter then citrus oils could provide the perfect mood booster. The smell of lemon, orange oil and grapefruit have been shown to boost energy and alertness. A perfect pick me up before that afternoon meeting.
Bergamot has been used throughout the centuries to relieve physical pain and ease the mind. This uplifting fragrance adds a feeling of lightness to the dark days of autumn and winter and could even have a positive impact on seasonal depression. A little enlivener precisely when you need it most.
Frankincense boasts a whole host of benefits that are perfect for this time of year. With mood, concentration and focus boosting properties, this little oil even has even been used as a decongestant and to strengthen the respiratory system – goodbye cold. It smells delicious too.
If the lack of sunlight and colder weather is leaving you feeling sluggish and tired, then add eucalyptus oil to your autumnal routine. The oil is thought to relieve exhaustion and boost circulation for a wintery pick me up. And, if your first cold of the season has already taken hold, then this has also been shown to clear and soothe the sinuses.
Peppermint is something of a wonder oil when it comes to boosting energy and stimulating circulation if the wintery weather is getting you down. With breathe-easy properties and the ability to lessen aches and pains, it’s just the ticket if seasonal stress is affecting your mood.
The winter is long but it needn’t be bleak. Let’s borrow from the Danish principle of hygge and use the coming months as the perfect excuse to slow down, get cosy and treat ourselves to a little of what we need precisely when we need it.
