Five Scents for the Holidays
With the holidays upon us, there is nothing more heart-warming than the aroma of the season. The fresh winter air, the great outdoors, the candy canes, the mouth-watering desserts. To get in the TRUE holiday spirit, I have broken out some of my favorite essential oils and I want to share them with you.
Cedarwood
Growing up, my family had a cedar tree that stood alone in the field by our house. I look back fondly on a few memories of my siblings and I playing in that field with the fresh, natural aroma of that cedar tree in the winter months. This is exactly why Cedarwood oil is one of my seasonal favorites. The oil that is steam-distilled from the wood of the tree has been said to alleviate the symptoms of tuberculosis, urinary infections, acne, colds, coughs, dermatitis, and perhaps most outstanding, muscular tension and stress. With it’s distinct woody odor, Cedarwood oil can be applied topically when diluted with a carrier oil, as well as diffused and inhaled.
Juniper Berry
Now I must confess, this next oil is my most recent infatuation. Juniper Berry oil. This oil is refreshing and uplifting with its crispy, woody and fruity notes. Though Juniper Berry is not my typical go to during the cooler months, it is an excellent topical antiseptic and astringent and can be diffused, inhaled and taken orally as prescribed. Like Cedarwood, this oil is steam-distilled (from the berry of course) and has been used for colds, flu, acne, kidney stones, cellulitis, gout, hemorrhoids, obesity, alcoholism and toxin build-up.
Cinnamon
This oil is perhaps one of the most familiar to us all. Whether atop Grandma’s homemade pie or sprinkled in hot cocoa on a cold winter’s night, Cinnamon is by far my number one go to during the holidays. The oil is steam-distilled from its bark and has a spicy, earthy smell to it. Cinnamon oil has been shown to enhance mood and immune system response, aid in bacterial, viral and fungal infections, improve physical fatigue and help with breathing. This oil can be diluted and applied topically, used in cooking and diffused with caution as it may irritate the nasal membranes when inhaled directly. With its notable warmth, Cinnamon has also been used to increase labido and digestion, as well as treat coughs, colds and infections and improve energy.
Peppermint
Last, but admittedly my all-time favorite is Peppermint oil! From peppermint patties to candy-canes, this oil is a staple for me year round but especially during the holidays. With its pleasant, minty fresh aroma, Peppermint oil can be applied with or without a carrier oil, diffused, inhaled, used in cooking or taken orally. This oil has been used to treat symptoms of asthma, colic, vertigo, sinusitis, IBS, exhaustion, and muscle tension. Since the oil is steam-distilled from the leaves, many people will keep a peppermint plant in their homes to create an inviting, uplifting environment.I cannot wait to share my oils with my loved ones this holiday season! Do you have some favorite oils of your own? Share them with me by emailing me what you love most about your essential oils at cedmonds@wellviewhealth.com and look out for your share on Facebook and Instagram!
– CASEY EDMONDS, CHC
