Autumn Essential Oils to meet the challenge.
Adapting to Autumn can be challenging. In this Blog Post I highlight some Essential Oils that can help you make the seasonal transition.
I think of Autumn as a season of transition and adjustment. The weather changes, it’s cooler,breezier and fresher. It’s a time when the summer greenery fades and leaves fall from the trees and the nights start drawing in. For me, Autumn is a time when nature turns inwards and that can leave us feeling less grounded.
This is the season when we return to our routines: school, work and other duties. For some, Autumn is a time to get motivated, focus, concentrate and start new projects. For others, it can be unsettling, making them feel gloomy, anxious or even depressed.
Autumn also brings some physical issues. Colds and flu become more prevalent; eczema, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions can flare up with the drier air, lower temperatures and less exposure to sunlight.
Over the years I have found a variety of oils that are very effective for tackling the challenges Autumn brings and I’ve highlighted some below:
For transition: Cypress, Frankincense, Lavender and Ylang ylang.
For grounding: Atlas cedarwood, Vetiver, Frankincense, Myrrh, and Sandalwood or, if you’d like to try something new, there is Palo santo (its name means ‘holy’ or ‘sa- cred wood’ in Spanish) which I find especially calming and grounding. From the same botanical family as Frankincense, it is highly regarded as a spiri- tual oil. Palo santo tree oil has been used in South American folk medicine for centuries because of its association with spirituality. In aromatherapy it is used to release negative emotions, enhance mood, and calm pain, stress and anxiety. It is also valued by those who use essential oils within meditation and prayer.
For focus and concentration: Basil, Peppermint, Rosemary and Ginger.
For low mood and anxiety: Bergamot, Neroli, Roman chamomile and Ylang ylang.
For immune support: Niaouli, Pine, Fragonia, Ravensara, and Lavender.
For relief from cold and flu symptoms: Eucalyptus, Ravensara, Tea tree and Sandalwood.
For dry skin: Benzoin, Geranium, Pal- marosa, Sandalwood and Patchouli.
For eczema and psoriasis: Helichry- sum, Neroli, Rose otto, Lavender and Roman chamomile.
Carrier oils also have a role to play and my favourites are Rosehip seed, Calendula and Evening primrose oil.
To help me get into the mood for the new season I’ve formulated two special blends:
A walk in the woods
This blend is inspired by the scents of damp leaves and lichen mixed with that first breath of crisp cool winter air.
3 drops Bergamot 2 drops Ginger
2 drops Frankincense 2 drops Birch
Autumn pick-me-up
This blend of immune-boosting essential oils works wonders for clearing the sinuses and warding off autumn colds. Also great for a quick pick-me-up on a slow morning!
2 drops Sweet orange 2 drops Rosemary
2 drops Ginger
2 drops Eucalyptus 1 drop Cinnamon 1 drop Clove