Christmas is such a sensory time of year.  Cold air, warm homes, rich food, carol singing and sparkling lights.  Above all however, it’s the Christmas scents that evoke the most powerful emotions.  Here are some of the aromatherapy benefits of your favourite seasonal scents…

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is considered to be particularly beneficial for easing menstrual cramps but it also has a variety if other practical benefits.  Its used to reduce drowsiness and irritability, and in general to ease aches and pains, relaxing tight muscles and easing painful joints.  It’s also supposed to help with concentration, and to boost circulation – just what you need in the chilly weather.

Pine 

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.  It can generally help to boost the immune system, particularly when blended with other complementary oils such as cedarwood, rosemary and sage.

Ginger

Ginger aromatherapy oil boosts circulation and eases aches and tensions. It’s even good for easing digestive cramps (duly noted with all the festive eating going on). 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

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?

Vanilla

From aphrodisiac to antidepressant, vanilla essential oils are a superbly popular and happy.  A generally nice scent to have around the house, it is little wonder that it is so prevalent in candles, particularly at Christmas time.  However, it’s wellbeing benefits are wide reaching.  Most prominently, it has a sedative effect and is superbly relaxing, which is what this time of year is all about.

Juniper berries

Most of us are probably familiar with juniper for its use in gin.  However, in the essential oil variation, it helps to heal the skin, boost digestion, aid relaxation, repel insects and it’s a natural antiseptic.  It’s a stimulant and it has many astringent properties, some even find it helpful to treat toothache. In general, it can be used as a tonic… although that’s not an excuse to overdo it on gin this New Year.

Cedar

Antifungal and antibacterial, cedarwood essential oils have a rich aroma with a number of mental and physical benefits.  It can be used to ease physical ailments ranging from dandruff to acne, colds to eczema.  It is also said to be effective in helping to reduce stress.

Before using any aromatherapy essential oils consult a doctor or an expert.