Autumn is such a beautiful time of year. We can learn a lot from nature as it never hurries, working on its own time. It will feel a lot chillier in the coming weeks/months and the trees will start to shed their beautiful, multi-coloured leaves and people will start digging out their winter wardrobe again. Change is everywhere! It can feel a bit daunting and can be a struggle when it comes to the change in weather as the darker shorter days will descend upon us and some of us will be susceptible to colds, coughs and feeling generally run down due to lack of sunshine and Vitamin D. It can feel really cold and miserable and really challenging time.
However, it is possible to embrace the Autumn/Winter season and keep a positive mind by thinking there’s better days to come. Life is ever evolving, in its own time.
Using good quality organic essential oils as part of your wellness regimen during these colder months is a great way to help embrace these changes as our sense of smell is lined to our brain and emotions and certain scents can trigger memories. It’s a great way to slow down and give yourself some well-deserved time out as we’re always on the go and can sometime miss what’s going on around us as we’re always in a rush to get from A to B.
Here is a list of essential oils and uses that are perfect for Autumn/Winter and will help you focus on the present moment/lift your mood and make you feel loads better.
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Sweet Orange – Sweet Orange supports and stimulates the immune system has really cooling and refreshing properties can also help relieve symptoms of a feverish cold or flu viruses. Can be used as a diffuser or a room spray, it can help clear the air and mind and helps rest the mind and aid a restful sleep. Can use on children over the age of 3. Safe to use in Pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding but in small doses. Can be mixed with ginger essential oil to relieve mild nausea or indigestion.
Patchouli – Acts as an anti-depressant and is very useful for treating exhaustion, stress and anxiety. Safe to use on babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women
Nutmeg – Good for calming anxiety or exhaustion, lifts the spirit and helps you regain focus. Not safe for Children or Pregnant women and breastfeeding women.
Ginger – Ginger has antiseptic and pain relief properties and can help ward off colds viruses, and once a cold has set in. Very good for relieving the pain and discomfort of sore throats and helps ease congestion. Safe to use on children over 3 years old . One of the best essential oil for pregnancy. Inhale from the bottle to relieve nausea, tummy upsets. Can be used during breastfeeding.
Clove – The expectorant properties found in clove oil is useful for respiratory infections, such as coughs, colds, sinusitis, and asthma. It can help disinfect and clear the air. Do not use on children under 2 years old. Should not be used in Pregnancy as it can cause contractions.
Cinnamon – Cinnamon is really effective against a broad range of viruses, bacteria and parasites. It has an uplifting scent and good for exhaustion and depression. Add one or two drops to a diffuser to disinfect the air to get rid of unpleasant smells. Not suitable for children under 6 years old. Should not be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Lemon – Lemon contains antiseptic properties defending from bacteria and viruses and killing germs. It is also good reducing fever. It lifts the mood and great for busy days when you need mental focus and positivity. Use on children over the age of 3. Good for combatting nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Sage – Helps calm the nerves during periods of stress and exhaustion and has a tonic effect on the nervous system. It stimulates and revives bringing renewed vitality. Good for aching muscles too. Avoid using on children and babies. Not to be used whilst pregnant or breastfeeding.
Sandalwood – Eases breathing and calms chronic coughs as it has anti-inflammatory effects on the mucus membranes. It also is a mild decongestant and antiseptic and good for treating bronchitis, laryngitis, and respiratory tract infections. Safe to use on babies and children. Aids restful sleep during pregnancy.
Myrrh– Myrrh is an excellent expectorant especially when cough and colds produce thick white mucus. Good for steam inhalation to ease chronic lung conditions, coughs, colds and bronchitis. Avoid using on babies and children. Not recommended to use during pregnancy. Breastfeeding women should avoid using.
Frankincense – Helps soothe the mucus membranes, calms and eases breathing and helps ease coughs, bronchitis and laryngitis. Safe to use on babies and children but should be used with caution. Safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The following essential oils are also perfect for Autumn/Winter illnesses too:-
Eucalyptus – Is good for blocked noses, coughs and colds. Not to be used on children under the age of two. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid.
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Benzoin – Helps relieve chesty colds and also good for negative thinking. Use on child’s skin only. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Lavender – Eases headaches and aching joints and muscles. Just add a few drops to your favourite carrier oil and rub into the temples and other aching areas. Safe to use on children. Can be used during pregnancy during 3rd trimester and breastfeeding.
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Tea Tree – Good at getting rid of fungi, viruses and helps the body fight illness and helps with recovery. Can stop a cold from forming. Avoid using oil on babies younger than 6 months old. Always do a patch test on older children. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
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Camphor – Helps to boost sluggish circulation and helps clear blocked sinuses and respiratory complaints, making breathing easier. Avoid using on children. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Peppermint – It acts an expectorant to help alleviate coughs and clear sinuses. Add 3-4 drops to a steam inhalation or a diffuser. Not suitable for children or people who suffer with asthma. Avoid during Pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding.
Pine – Protects against viruses helps to clear catarrh. Not suitable for children, pregnant women or whilst breastfeeding.
Rosemary – contains potent antibacterial and antifungal substances that can fight infection and has a warming anti-inflammatory action that helps relieve pain. Not suitable for children. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Thyme – The antiseptic and antispasmodic properties found in Thyme essential oil make it a great remedy for easing the symptoms coughs and sore throats. Good for soothing symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Not suitable for children, pregnant women or whilst breastfeeding
Marjoram – This oil’s warming decongestant action can fight off chills and help clear sinus and lung congestion. Do not use on children under 5 years old. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It’s always a good idea to have essential oils on hand to combat seasonal illnesses.
You can use all these oils in a steam inhalation or use a diffuser or add a few drops to your favourite base oil and massage in a localised area e.g. throat, chest, sinuses, add to a warm compress or add to your bath water mixed with a carrier oil. Grapeseed oil is best for this as it’s disperses in water making it an ideal choice for bath oil blends.
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If pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication, always check with your Doctor before using.
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Check to make sure the essential oil you opt for are suitable for your pets before you diffuse/inhale/apply to your skin.
