The holiday season can be full of gatherings, delicious food, and fun gift-giving. It can also mean busy days filled with planning, shopping, eating a little too much, and not getting enough sleep.
Essential oils can be a wonderful support for the mind, body, and spirit during busy times. You can use specific ones for stress, anxiety, and fatigue to bring a sense of balance and to feel grounded during the holidays.
Here are some creative ways you can use essential oils for a calmer, dare I say easier holiday season.
Evergreen oils
The fresh, foresty aromas of evergreen oils can be invigorating, especially during winter! These oils can help
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open up the senses.
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support breathing.
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deodorize and purify the air.
Black Spruce oil (Picea mariana)
Douglas fir oil (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Juniper Berry oil (Juniperus communis)
Norway Pine oil (Pinus resinosa)
Siberian Fir oil (Abies sibirica)
White Spruce oil (Picea glauca)
Spicy oils
These oils bring warmth, like a cup of tea, and a spicy sweet aroma into your home. These oils can help
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support your immune system.
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support your digestion.
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warm you up.
Black Pepper oil (Piper nigrum)
Cardamom oil (Elettaria cardamomum)
Cinnamon Bark oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Clove Bud oil (Eugenia caryophyllata)
Ginger oil (Zingiber officinale)
Nutmeg oil (Myristica fragrans)
Refreshing oils
These sweet and refreshing oils awaken your senses. Reach for them when you feel stuck because they help you find a fresh look. These oils
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bring a lightness into your home.
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are calming and uplighting.
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can support your digestion.
Bergamot oil (Citrus bergamia)
Grapefruit oil (Citrus paradisi)
Lemon oil (Citrus limon)
Mandarin (Green) oil (Citrus reticulata)
Orange (sweet) oil (Citrus sinensis)
Peppermint oil (Mentha x piperita)
Grounding oils
Many of these oils have an earthy aroma, and some a resinous. one. All can have a grounding effect and are a good choice when feeling rushed or overwhelmed. These oils can help you
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feel more centered.
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calm your nervous system.
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support your immune system.
Cedarwood oil (Juniperus virginiana)
Frankincense oil (Boswellia carterii)
Myrrh oil (Commiphora myrrh)
Sandalwood oil (Santalum album)
Vetiver oil (Vetiveria zizanoides)
How to use these essential oils during the holidays
There are many ways to use essential oils. I include some of my favorite ways to use them during the holiday season.
Diffusers
Fill an entire space with your chosen aromas using a diffuser. This is a wonderful way to freshen a space and gain the benefits of essential oils.
Follow the instructions for your diffuser for how many drops of essential oil to use. A smaller diffuser usually is 4-6 drops. A larger one uses 8-10 drops typically.
I personally don’t recommend running the diffuser for hours on end. Give your body a break. Also, make sure any pets are able to leave the room where the diffuser is.
Personal inhalers
You can take your essential oils with you easily using an inhaler. They’re small and can fit in your pocket. Place up to 15 drops of essential oil on the cotton wick inside the inhaler. (For kids 10 and under use 7 drops)
You can also use a cotton ball. Place 4 drops on the cotton ball and store it in a sandwich bag.
Holiday decorations
Adding a few drops of essential oils to holiday decorations is another way to bring aromatherapy into your home.
I like to add essential oils to pinecones, wreaths, or other natural items. I’ve heard of people adding them to Christmas tree ornaments. I suggest making sure the essential oil absorbs into the item. And know that it might stain it.
Room sprays
Misting a room with a homemade spray can freshen the room, help purify the air, and bring a festive mood.
Add 3-5 drops of essential oils to a spray bottle full of water. Shake well before misting into the air (not on your body).
Tips for essential oil combinations
The great thing about using essential oils is that you can customize your essential oil combinations. There is no right way to blend.
I have some tips below to get you started. Use them for inspiration this holiday season.
Christmas tree aroma
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Black Spruce (this is one of my favorite oils)
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Siberian Fir
Holiday spice blend
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Orange (sweet)
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Clove
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Cinnamon bark
Holiday grounding blend with some spice
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Cardamom
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Frankincense
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Cedarwood
Fresh garland blend like you’re hiking through the woods
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Orange (sweet)
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Siberian Fir
Grounding blend for when you feel frazzled
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Cedarwood
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Frankincense
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Vetiver
Which essential oil will you try? Comment below!
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