3 min read

Warming Aromas for the Winter Season

Written By: Robin Lander

Winter is the perfect season to work with warming aromas to enliven and revitalize mind, body, and spirit.  As the winter months bring shorter days and colder temperatures, many of us experience seasonal changes in our daily routine. Less sunlight often means more time indoors, less exposure to fresh air, and perhaps a decrease in physical activity. We may find our skin and hair needing extra moisture, our bodies craving more warmth and movement, and our minds seeking greater inspiration.

Using warming and energizing aromas in a diffuser can help refresh and cleanse the air as well as bring a sense of inspiration and renewed spirit. The essential oils of majestic trees in the Pinaceae family, such as Fir, Cedarwood, Black Spruce and Pine, have aromas that bring an ambiance of warmth and clarity, particularly when combined with hints of spice oils such as Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark or Cardamom. Cheerful citrus oils, such as Sweet Orange and Mandarin, can be added for their cleansing and comforting qualities.

...oils can also be used in a warming massage for joints and muscles.

Cold weather and dry indoor air may leave our skin feeling dry, sluggish or congested. Combining warming aromas and carrier oils to create a body oil blend can be beneficial for congested skin while moisturizing at the same time. Uplifting and essential oils such as Ginger, Black Pepper, Thyme ct Linalool, Juniper Berry, Turmeric, Laurel Leaf, and Rosemary are good choices. These oils can also be used in a warming massage for joints and muscles. Excellent carrier oil choices for winter body oils and massage blends are Argan, Marula and Moringa oil. An appropriate dilution ratio is 15-18 total drops essential oils to every one ounce of carrier oil.

One of the best ways to enjoy the invigorating effects of warming aromas is a Sea Salt scrub. Sea Salt scrubs help get things moving while they exfoliate dull and dry skin, bringing a healthy-looking glow to the skin. The combination of enlivening aromas with a clarifying scrub and a warm bath or shower can elevate self-care to a new level of restoration. Following is a recipe to help rev up a cold winter’s day.

Warming Sea Salt Scrub

Materials:

Directions:

In a small bowl or jar, combine the carrier oil and essential oils and mix with the spoon. Add ½ cup Sea Salt and stir to combine. Makes enough for 1 – 3 scrub applications, depending on how much you choose to use. For best results, make fresh and use immediately, or within 1 -2 weeks. Cover tightly until the next use.

To use the scrub, apply either before bathing or while in the shower or bath. Scoop out a small handful of the scrub. Starting at the hands or feet, massage in upward motions over the body toward the heart. Rinse salt from the body and enjoy the moisturizing, cleansing, and invigorating effects.

Do not use on damaged or hypersensitive skin or on the face. Use caution in the tub or shower as the oils may leave the area slippery.