Need an energising boost after a long day with restless kids? Need to unwind tense muscles from a stressful week? Aromatherapy can help

As the leaves turn brown and make their way to the ground, it seems that many of us also feel like shutting down for winter. On top of our own personal anxieties (after all, we’re only human) there’s been limited joy in the world, so tensions are high.

Most of us are trying to live happy, healthy and successful lives – we want to eat right, sleep well and love deeply – so, a helping hand is often welcome. Aromatherapy may not cure all life’s problems, but it can be a nice boost to improve sleep, reduce stress, and clear the mind. And even if you’re an essential oils sceptic, at the very least they produce lovely aromas.

Aromatherapy

Here are just a few essential blends to help you through the winter months:

Reduce stress

If you’ve got the responsibility of hosting your first dinner, are worrying about the in-laws, or are feeling anxious about money, take a moment to relax with this blend:

  • 3 drops clary sage essential oil
  • 1 drop lemon essential oil
  • 1 drop lavender essential oil

Add drops to your bath: This time of year can be incredibly overwhelming. We’re sure even Kris Kringle sneaks away for some pamper time! If you’re feeling stressed, run a warm bath and add a couple of drops of the blend to the water for ultimate relaxation.

Aromatherapy

Control nerves

We’ve all been there. You think you’ve got everything under control, until 10 minutes before the big presentation and the nerves kick in. You might feel nauseous, and panic takes over. Use this blend to relax, control your nerves, and help you wow your boss:

  • 3 drops true lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 2 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Rollerball: For a quick, easy-to-use application, add the oils and carrier oil to a 10ml rollerball bottle. Apply to the insides of the wrists or to the temples as needed. Voilà!

Ease aches and pains

Whether you’re injured, had a great day at the gym, or spent the weekend clearing the house, this warming essential oil blend may help recover and ease those sore muscles:

  • 2 drops ginger essential oil
  • 1 drop black pepper essential oil
  • 4 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 5 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Massage: For an aromatherapy massage, add the essential oil blend, and your chosen carrier oil, to a glass bottle and mix well. Rub between your palms and massage the aching muscle.

Aromatherapy

Boost energy

If you’ve had a bad night’s sleep due to a screaming child, constant sirens or well, anything else, you’re probably going to feel awful the next morning. But instead of reaching for a coffee, give this energising blend a try:

  • 3 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 3 drops thyme essential oil
  • 2 drops peppermint essential oil

Diffuse: Blend the oils together and use in a diffuser. The fresh aroma of the peppermint, with the woody scents of thyme and rosemary, can help give you that much-needed energy boost.

Beat ‘winter blues’

If the dull UK weather is affecting your mood, this essential oil blend may be just the thing you need. The uplifting scent of bergamot, teamed with the sweet orange scent of neroli and exotic jasmine, is the perfect mood-booster:

  • 3 drops bergamot essential oil
  • 1 drop neroli essential oil
  • 1 drop jasmine essential oil

Inhale: For an instant effect, add a couple of drops to a tissue and inhale the aromas. This is perfect for an on-the- go boost, whether you’re feeling down at work, in a meeting or at home.

To find out more about essential oils, visit Therapy Directory.