Essentials Oils for Happy & Healthy Holidays

I use essential oils everyday to upgrade the well-being of my mind, body and soul. What started for me in college as a minor curiosity has evolved into a full blown passion for all the ways plant oils can help us heal and thrive in a completely natural way.

Maybe it is because I am a Taurus and we are governed by the sense of smell…or maybe because my mother always doused herself with perfume before going anywhere…But for whatever the reason, I have always been obsessed with all things smelly –  scented candles, perfume, soaps, lotions and potions… I just can’t get enough!  My brother bought me a book on aromatherapy back in college when I first got into yoga because he thought it might be something his hippy-dippy sister was into – and was he right!  When I was 19, I started wearing lavender oil as perfume and buying shampoo with tea tree oil because I loved the way it smelled.  What I didn’t realize back then was that essential oils have many therapeutic benefits that extend far beyond simply the pleasant fragrance.

In 2012 I was preparing for a trip to India where I would be walking barefoot a lot through many temples.  I knew I wanted to boost my immune system and stay healthy on the trip – I had been violently ill in India in the past and did not want to repeat the experience. But I did not want to get the usual vaccines and antibiotics that many travelers take.  I try to do things the natural way whenever possible.  I did a lot of research and discovered a blend of essential oils (clove, eucalyptus, cinnamon, rosemary, and lemon) that serve as antibacterial and help ward off the nasty, illness inducing germs.  I bought a bottle and rubbed the oil on the soles of my feet and back of my neck every day of my trip.  When a big storm hit that blew up tons of dust and debris and several people in my group got sick, I did not.  It was then that I became a firm believer in the healing power of oils.

I have become obsessed and have accumulated a collection of over 70 essential oils in my home! I have been studying the therapeutic benefits of the oils and the power of plants to heal and I wanted to share with you a few of the essentials that can help you stay grounded, healthy, and vibrant this holiday season.  (They’re called essential for a reason!).

1. Lavender.  What began as my perfume in college is now one of the most essential pieces of my home wellness kit!  Lavender is great for minor skin irritations, helps relieve chapped lips, promotes peaceful sleep (I rub it onto my wrists and neck each night before bed!), can be used in cooking to add an interesting twist to baked goods or to soften citrus flavors, and helps relieve anxiety and stress.  I often add a few drops to coconut oil for my daily self-massage (abhyanga).  Lavender in my diffuser also makes my house smell like a fancy spa!
2. Peppermint. I love peppermint on the back of my neck and soles of my feet when I “overheat” (either physically or emotionally) because it is cooling.  You can add a drop or two to water and sip if you have an upset tummy.  Peppermint is great for headaches (dilute with carrier oil and rub on back of neck, shoulders, temples), oral care (swish a drop with water in your mouth after brushing teeth and use as mouthwash), and inhale peppermint aromatically for increased alertness and better lung capacity.
3. Frankincense. This is one of the most precious oils of the ancient world. Frankincense has been used in religious ceremony, perfumes and salves since Biblical times.  I use it in my diffuser during my morning meditation and prayer to increase awareness and lift my mood. I also love this oil (diluted with fractionated coconut oil) as a moisturizer for my face as the weather gets cold and dry!  You can also rub it onto the soles of your feet to support immune function during cold & flu season.  Frankincense when mixed with Lavender and Peppermint helps relieve stress and tension – something most of us experience during this busy time of year!
4. Lemon.  Lemon is a powerful cleanser. It is great for cleaning surfaces and the air, which is really important for staying healthy during flu season. I add it to a spray bottle with water to clean my kitchen counter and sink.  I also love to travel with lemon oil and add it to water for my morning lemon elixir in case fresh lemons aren’t available.  By adding it to water you reap all the internal cleansing and alkalizing benefits of lemon. A drop of lemon oil can be added to a tablespoon of raw unfiltered honey to help soothe a sore throat and when used aromatically lemon helps create a joyful mood.  Lemon helps open both the heart and throat chakras to create hope and clarity.
5. Cinnamon. This is one of my favorite scents of the season! Cinnamon is excellent for exhaustion & low vitality. It is a very “hot” oil that is uplifting but must be diluted when used topically. It eases depression, tension, fear and mental fatigue. Therapeutic grade cinnamon oil is considered safe for cooking and I sometimes add it to my tea (along with clove and ginger oils) to make homemade chai!  You can dilute a few drops with a carrier oil (I like fractionated coconut oil) and apply to your belly for pancreatic health.  It is also wonderful when added to your carrier oil for self-massage to help warm your joints in the colder months!

It is really important to use high quality, therapeutic grade oils when using them therapeutically and internally.  There are a few great companies that provide amazing therapeutic grade oils.  I mostly use oils from DoTerra and I buy all my oils at wholesale prices.  If you are interested in purchasing oils, you can do so here (click to purchase essential oils mentioned above).  Please be aware that they cannot be shipped to some countries – so check before ordering!  If you are really excited about oils like I am and you want to begin using them to uplevel the health of you and your family, then simply respond to this email and I can help you get set up to purchase at wholesale prices.

May you be healthy, happy and radiant this holiday season!