5 Favorite Essential Oils for Winter
As we nestle into the winter months in the Northern hemisphere, it’s important to have the best essential oils on hand. These oils can provide both comfort and promote health during the cold weather season when we need it most. Whether used topically on the skin or hair, or incorporated into immunity-boosting blends, these oils are sure to provide the soothing effects you need to stave off a chill or sickness. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five of our favorite (and might we say, "alternative") winter essential oils. Besides the common go-to’s for warming oils like clove, cinnamon, allspice, etc., discover these unique oils' properties and how to use them this season!
Get creative and find the perfect mix to make your winter a little bit warmer in body and mind!
1. EUCALYTPUS BLUE MALLEE
Eucalyptus polybractea oil is great for the winter months because of its energizing aroma, which can help provide a sense of comfort during those cold, dreary days. While it may actually have cooling effects unlike the other oils below, it's a popular oil in aromatherapy, and can also be used in skincare products to help boost circulation and revive dull, sun-starved skin. You can even add a few drops to a diffuser or burner to help open up congested airways, and help you breathe easy. Eucalyptus Blue Mallee is a must-have oil for the winter season!
2. LEMON MYRTLE
Backhousia citriodora oil is an ideal oil for the winter. Its bright and cheery properties will bring comfort to your home and your health. This oil has a strong lemon-like aroma and is packed with antioxidants to help keep you healthy. Not to mention, it can help combat the stuffiness of winter with its anti-inflammatory effects. It can also be used as a functional fragrance, mixed with other oils such as ginger, black spruce, or allspice to create your own winter-inspired scent blend!
3. KUNZEA
Kunzea ambigua is a powerful essential oil with many aromatic therapeutic benefits for the winter and cold months. It has a pleasant, woody, and earthy aroma that makes it a great addition to any winter-focused blend. It is known for its antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce congestion and sore throats. Kunzea has soothing qualities that make it the perfect choice for winter season blends. Kunzea is great for topical applications, such as creams and balms (for after all that wood chopping!), as well as diffusing in the home.
4. ROSALINA
Melaleuca ericifolia oil is commonly used for its fresh and calming scent. Its camphoraceous and lemony aroma is bright and refreshing, ideal for a dull winter’s day. Rosalina is unique in that it can be used in both functionally uplifting, therapeutic products, as well as physically soothing products. It works well in skincare as well, making a perfect addition to moisturizers and toners, and blends particularly nicely with the oils above for a winter blend.
5. BLACK SPRUCE
Picea mariana oil is one of the must-have essential oils for the winter with a sweet, slightly woody aroma that provides a number of health benefits, making it a great addition to any winter wellness routine. The main constituents in black spruce oil are α-pinene and limonene, which give this oil anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It also provides respiratory support, making it ideal for helping to reduce congestion and other symptoms of colds and flu. Additionally, it can help to ease tension and soothe aches and pains associated with inflammation. Black spruce is an excellent choice for those looking for skincare benefits. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for helping to reduce redness, irritation, and other signs of inflammation on the skin for that post-slopes wind burn. Additionally, it can help to improve skin’s tone and texture, making it look healthier and more youthful.
When used in aromatherapy, black spruce essential oil can help to promote relaxation and improve mood, which is vital for those affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Its scent helps to reduce stress and tension, while also providing calming and grounding effects. Additionally, it can help to clear the mind and bring focus and clarity. There are many ways to use black spruce essential oil in winter wellness routines. Incorporating this oil into immunity-boosting blends is a great way to get all the benefits of this oil. Additionally, adding a few drops of this oil to diffusers, lotions, shampoos, and other topical formulations. Its comforting effects can help to ease aches and pains associated with inflammation. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties make it an excellent choice for helping to boost immunity during the winter season.