5 Essential Oils Essential for Fall

Autumn is a time of preparation, transition, and celebration, but it is also the beginning of Cold and Flu season. There is less sunlight as the days get shorter, and many suffer from congestion and cough. To help navigate this time, I like to use my favorite Essential Oils as a little prevention to keep healthy and thriving. Here are my top 5 favorite Essential Oils I turn to in fall:

Lemon, that sunny fruit known for its refreshingly sharp citrus smell, grows prolifically here in California year round. While it's great for Lemonade, Lemon Bars, or even a Lemon Drop cocktail, Lemon also has a number of health benefits. Lemon oil is known for its antibacterial properties, and can be especially helpful during the cold and flu season. It also helps keep mental and physical fatigue at bay, with an energetic scent that doesn't overwhelm. Many praise and enjoy lemon as a tonic and digestive aid.

Clove, with its familiar strong spicy aroma, is often used in cooking and in potpourri. Many add Clove to holiday recipes or push dried Clove buds into oranges to make festive decorations. Aside from adding extra holiday cheer, Clove can also be used for its analgesic and antiseptic properties. The aroma has a positive, uplifting effect upon the mind and can be used in creams and lotions to calm inflamed joints. Best used in small doses to avoid minor skin irritation, a little bit of Clove goes a long way.

Mandarin, another great citrus, has a sweeter aroma than others in its species. Mandarin is also known for antiseptic and digestive properties. Mandarin can be added to everything from creams, lotions, bath bombs and soap and many find it uplifting to the mind while calming to the nerves. The Mandarin fruit is edible, thus helpful as a digestive aid as well. Since Mandarin is safe and gentle, it's a great choice for everyone including babies and the elderly.

Cedar, derived from Atlas Cedar or Cedarwood, has an unforgettably warm, woody and balsamic scent. Cedar is not only an antiseptic, it can also be used as an insecticide. Historically, Cedar was used to keep moths and other insects away, and people coveted Cedar lined closets and heavy Cedarwood chests to store clothes and winter woolies. As an aroma, Cedar is also very harmonizing and soothing, and can be very helpful for reducing stress, exhaustion, nervous tension or anger. Furthermore, Cedar can be used as an aid for the respiratory system due to its expectorant properties.

Niaouli, a relative of Tea Tree, has a fresh and camphors smell. Niaouli is used for a variety of reasons, and is used as an antiseptic, bactericide, and decongestant. Like Tea Tree, Niaouli has a stimulating and uplifting effect upon the mind. When diffused, Niaouli can help prevent air-born illnesses and is considered an excellent choice to aid in the healing of pulmonary infections.

Great ways to utilize these Essential Oils this fall:

Draw a bath, add a few drops of oil, linger and enjoy the fragrance and healthy properties of your chosen oil.
Add 1 or 2 drops of oil to a large handful of your favorite unscented lotion or oil and massage into the soles of your feet. For respiratory benefits, massage onto chest.
Add a few drops of oil into a 2 or 4 oz spray bottle or diffuser filled with distilled water and spritz around your space.

ENJOY!!!

**A few words of wisdom, always use respect and caution whenever using essential oils. Seek professional guidance. If you have animals make sure they have a way to leave the room you are using essential oils in. Many of the essential oils humans enjoy are toxic to animals, especially cats. Animal’s body systems are different than humans and many essential oils are highly toxic to them.

This Aromatherapy blog and information is based upon the common uses of aromatherapy. This blog and information does not intended to be used for diagnosis or to treat any condition. Please do not use this information as a substitute for medical advice/counseling with a health care professional. No part of this blog article may be reproduced in whole or part without the explicit written permission of AromaticVitality and/or Maggie Yule.**

Maggie YuleNovember 2, 2017