One of the joyful things about Christmas are all the wonderful scents that come with it.  Yes, Christmas comes with its very own brand of aromatherapy for ultimate festive cheer…

Chestnuts may not be roasting on an open fire in every household, but cinnamon, candles, oranges and mulled wine are most definitely popular features in the seasonal repertoire, but for many, the scents they bring with them do much more than titillate those noses, they have aromatherapy to thank for their feel good factor.

Sweet orange

Sweet and invigorating, sweet orange is a really uplifting aroma that brightens the mood and perks up the body. It’s a happy aroma and plentiful at this time of the year. If you sprinkle a drop or two on a tissue and inhale deeply or add four or five drops to an unperfumed body lotion, then you can really make its aromatherapy attributes work for you.

Frankincense

A meditative scent, frankincense allows you to deepen the breath. As a result, it’s a calming and relaxing aromatherapy oil that works on an emotional level, smoothing transitions and moving us through change with ease. It’s a wonderful oil for the lungs and it’s also ideal for rejuvenating the skin, which we all know could do with a bit of extra TLC in the cold weather. Add four or five drops to a jar of your favourite moisturiser and it will also help your stress levels to decrease.

Ginger

A warming essential oil that conjures images of gingerbread men and all things festive, ginger aromatherapy oil boosts circulation and eases aches and tensions. It’s even good for easing digestive cramps (just in case you really overdo it at Christmas dinner). On a more exciting note, ginger can bring passion back to a fading sex life where loss of libido adds pressure to a relationship. Adding two drops of each oil to 20ml of sweet almond or sunflower oil and massaging the lower back and legs works like magic!

Myrrh

Really getting into the spirit of the Christmas story, myrrh is a good essential oil for coughs and colds, fighting infection and helping to ease congestion. It can also help to clear the respiratory tracts and in general it’s good for warding off ailments – maybe spray it on fluey colleagues then?

Pine

Not just reserved for Christmas trees, pine essential oil has a number of health benefits, helping to reduce inflammation and protect against sinus infections. It can also help with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, although do consult a doctor before use, and it can generally help to boost the immune system, particularly when blended with other complementary oils such as cedarwood, rosemary and sage.

It adds a whole new dimension to a happy Christmas!

BEAT THE JANUARY BLUES