Seasonal Scents
Revive your energy, mood, and love life this winter with
warming essential oils ~ by Adina Licht
Delicious Living Magazine, January 2006 issue
Winter brings enough holiday parties, shopping sprees, and
travel to wear down even the hardiest among us. How can you refresh and
rejuvenate for the new year? Try essential oils, the natural or volatile oils
derived from plants. These vaporize easily in the air, releasing beneficial
compounds that contain a variety of health benefits. Read on to learn about four
distinct techniques - bathing, inhaling, massaging, and misting - for using
essential oils to reduce stress, lift your spirits, enhance your love life, and
boost your energy.
When holiday stress becomes overwhelming, Minneapolis-based
registered aromatherapist Mindy Green recommends relaxing in a warm bath with
soothing essential oils. To bathe away winter anxiety, try Green's combination
of essential oils: 3 drops of uplifting orange (Citrus sinensis), 5 drops
of frankincense (Boswellia carteri), and 2 drops of clary sage (Salvia
officinalis) with 1 ounce of a moisturizing carrier oil, such as sweet
almond oil. Add 1/2 teaspoon of this mixture to a warm bath. "Add the oils
just before getting into the bath so you can inhale the volatile compounds in
the air while you soak," says Green. "If you add the oils while the
tub is filling up, the beneficial volatile substances will evaporate too
quickly."
In one study, men and women who inhaled volatile compounds from
orange essential oil relaxed more than when exposed to unscented air (Physiology
of Behavior, 2000, vol. 71, nos. 1-2). In addition, the women in the study
experienced less anxiety and better moods.
To combat winter blues, Green recommends making an easy and
portable scented salt that you can sniff throughout the day. Simply mix 10 drops
of essential oils, such as Green's mood-boosting recipe containing 4 drops of
stimulating rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), 3 drops of relaxing
lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), 2 drops of uplifting lemon (Citrus
limon), and 1 drop of refreshing peppermint (Mentha piperita) oil,
with 1/2 ounce of common rock salt. According to a recent study, participants
sitting in cubicles were more content when they inhaled the volatile compounds
from either rosemary or lavender than those who inhaled unscented air (International
Journal of Neuroscience, 2003, vol. 113, no. 1). Store the mixture in a dark
glass jar and gently inhale this merry-making combination whenever you need
wintertime cheer.
Use the extra time spent indoors during the cold winter months
to give or receive a relaxing massage with romantic scents. To create a sensual
aromatherapy massage, Green recommends mixing 10 drops of essential oils, such
as 4 drops of relaxing sandalwood (Santalum album), 3 drops of heady rose
(Rosa centifolia), 2 drops of soothing lavender, and just 1 drop of the
powerful spicy aphrodisiac ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) with either 1
ounce of carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, or 1 ounce of an unscented
natural lotion. Because the face can be sensitive to certain oils in this blend,
Greens recommends using this recipe only for body massages.
These scents can do wonders for your well-being. Women who
inhaled lavender in one study experienced a "comfortable feeling" (Journal
of Physiological Anthropology and Applied Human Science, 2000, vol. 19, no.
1). In another study, adults who breathed in rose oil were more relaxed and had
significantly reduced blood levels of the heart-pumping and blood-pressure
raising hormone adrenaline (Japanese Journal of Pharmacology, 2002, vol.
90, no.3).
When your energy reserves are low--say, after New Year's
celebrations--Green recommends using a convenient, affordable, and portable
stimulating spray-on body mist. Make Green's invigorating "second
wind" mist in a dark spray bottle by combining 10 drops of essential oils,
such as 4 drops of rosemary, 3 drops of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), 2
drops of lemon, and 1 drop of peppermint, and adding this blend to 2 ounces of
water.
In a study of adults performing in a series of standardized
cognitive tests, those who inhaled rosemary had higher memory and alertness
scores than those not exposed to any scents during testing (International
Journal of Neuroscience, 2003, vol. 113, no. 1). In other research, adults
who inhaled peppermint essential oil in a darkened room during daytime were less
sleepy than adults in an unscented darkened room (International Journal of
Psychophysiology, 2005, vol. 55, no. 3).
"The best way to use a mist is to spray the air or the
body," says Green. "But don't forget to shake the mixture before every
use because the oils can separate from the water easily."
Natural Health Hut
