Christmas is a time of high emotions; the joy of seeing family can quite often be outweighed by stress.
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Could essential oils be the missing link to balance stress and our tendency to over indulge at this time of the year?
What are essential oils and how they work?
Essential oils have a therapeutic effect on the body, where as Fragrance oils smell very similar but are cheaper, synthetic and offer no-therapeutic benefit.
Strong smells have a powerful ability to bring forth memories and emotions; this is because unlike our other sensory systems, aroma’s directly affect our limbic system.
This is the part of the brain that is responsible for regulating our emotions, which is why certain smells can instantly affect our mood.
Lavender: for when it all just gets too much!
Since the ancient times, Lavender has been repeatedly used for it’s calming qualities.
Add a few drops to your shower or bath or apply to your temples or the back of your neck when you feel a tension head ache coming on.
Additionally, studies have shown lavender to improve sleep quality and duration; so maybe useful for those nights you might be struggling to nod off.
Lemon: is perfect for when you may have over-indulged on all those yummy Christmas treats.
Lemon, orange and grapefruit oils are all high in limonene; a compound that helps supress your appetite and may help to ease symptoms of bloating and digestive discomfort after a big meal.
Just add a few drops of Food Grade Lemon essential oils to water and sip.
Tea Tree and Eucalyptus: to make sure the house is spick and span for the festivities.
Tea tree also known as Melaleuca oil can make an excellent surface cleaner, just added a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and it’s ready to go.
Alternatively, replace the Tea tree oil with a few drops of lemon and eucalyptus if you prefer the citrus aroma to fill the house for when guests arrive.
Frankincense: Just the mention of it probably calls to mind the biblical story of the Three Wise Men and their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Child Jesus.
Most research on this essential oil is related to its use in cancer treatment, which hasn’t been overly promising, but is still being researched.
Important things to consider when choosing an essential oil!
- Unfortunately there are no regulations in the essential oil industry, which makes it hard to find a quality product.
- Aim for a company that sources plants and herbs from where they naturally occur. For example tea tree is best sourced from Australia, where as Peppermint is native to the United States.
- If you are using essential oils in cooking, make sure it is food grade oil, cheaper oils can be toxic for consumption - This will be stated on the bottle.
- Choosing oil is personal; select an aroma that you are drawn too.
