While many of us look forward to the upcoming holiday season and cooler weather, fall and winter come with their own set of challenges. Many of us struggle with getting sick, sluggish mornings in the dark, and lower mood during the winter months.
Essential oils have surprising benefits that are often overlooked, so today we’re diving into some of our favorite essential oils for the fall and winter—specifically to help boost your immune system and mood, and help you wake up easier when it’s still dark out!
Fall and Winter Essential Oils for Immunity
Viruses, such as the common cold, run rampant during the colder months, especially as we spend more time in close quarters with others. In addition to staying hydrated, prioritizing sleep, and washing your hands, you can take additional steps to boost your immune system.
Lavender Essential Oil is not only a relaxing choice, but one with scientific evidence demonstrating that it may improve stress levels and immune function. One study on pregnant women found that lavender aromatherapy massage lowered cortisol levels in the saliva—and we all know stress does a number on the immune system!
A study review found that lavender essential oil showed significant anti-inflammatory effects, which may reduce the presence of pain.
Additionally, this study suggests that lavender possesses antimicrobial properties, which may help protect against certain bacteria. To learn more about the benefits of lavender essential oil, read our previous article on its amazing health benefits. We also offer a Lavender Blend Roll-On for easy application while on the go!
If you don’t love the smell of lavender, consider Tea Tree Essential Oil, which has been traditionally used for fighting respiratory illnesses and its purported anti-viral benefits.
A 2017 study found that tea tree may reduce inflammatory cytokines in the body, while a 2015 study revealed that tea tree oil hindered inflammatory cytokines altogether. All this to say that tea tree seems to possess powerful properties that may reduce inflammation levels, which contribute to a compromised immune system.
Give Yourself an At-Home Massage for the Best Results
Many of the studies we reviewed emphasize the importance of not only the essential oils but also the application. Most researchers focused on massage—whether professional or at-home—as massage itself brings many benefits. Some studies found that pairing essential oils with massage is key to achieving the biggest benefit.
A 2013 study on patients with colorectal cancer found that light massage with essential oils boosted lymphocyte numbers by 11% (these are your white blood cells that fight disease and infection) and reduced symptoms of fatigue, pain, and stress. This is especially impressive considering these patients were undergoing chemotherapy, which dramatically affects the immune system for the worse.
Wake Yourself Up with these Punchy Essential Oils
If you’ve been feeling sluggish in the morning as it stays darker longer, you’re not alone! Many of us struggle with waking up early during the cooler months. One of our favorite ways to counteract this is by using essential oils that fight fatigue and encourage better focus and alertness.
Incorporate essential oils into your morning routine by using them in a diffuser, adding a few drops to your favorite carrier oil or lotion, or taking a few deep breaths to inhale the scent.
Try these peppy essential oils for alertness:
- Peppermint Essential Oil: Really, any minty essential oil will usually do the trick for helping you wake up! A 2013 study found that peppermint essential oil effectively improved alertness and even enhanced athletic performance.
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Rosemary Essential Oil: Rosemary has a pungent, earthy aroma that you’ll either love or hate—either way, it’s an excellent option for fighting brain fog and fatigue. Rosemary essential oils have been shown to improve learning, memory, and brain function. Another study found that school children learned better and retained more information using rosemary essential oil.
Caution: Rosemary essential oil should be avoided by individuals with epilepsy or when used in close proximity to them.
- Lemon Essential Oil: Many of us love the smell of lemons, and it’s terrific for many goals, such as improving mood, combating stress, and increasing alertness, according to a wide range of scientific research.
- Spearmint Essential Oil: Like peppermint, spearmint is excellent for promoting alertness, whether you’re battling morning drowsiness or an afternoon slump. Recent research found that spearmint essential oil improved alertness and learning.
- Mountain Air Essential Oil Blend: Love the oils listed above? Mountain Air is the perfect blend of Peppermint, Lavandin Grosso, Eucalyptus, Lemon and Clove. It's available as a roll-on, soap and a spray!
Our Favorite Cozy Essential Oil Blends for A Better Mood
Fall and winter can feel like a rollercoaster of highs and lows, from the holidays and winter break with the kids to the fresh start of a new year, all while battling cold weather that leaves you wanting to crawl back into bed.
Diffusing a favorite essential oil or adding it to your favorite perfume, carrier oil, or lotion can quickly lift your mood, whether you’re facing holiday stress or missing the sunshine.
We love the following essential oils to promote contentment and positivity:
- Autumn Breeze Essential Oil: Embrace the season with this woodsy and spicy autumnal blend featuring cedarwood, bay laurel, and tangerine. Perfect for diffusing around the holidays or as a nice morning pick-me-up! (It also comes in a handy roll-on blend!)
- Thankful Roll-On Essential Oil Blend: Promote mindfulness by taking a moment for a gratitude practice with this calming blend. We love the citrusy and woodsy scent and always take a moment to breathe deeply while applying this blend to center ourselves.
- Pine Essential Oil: Not only is pine the perfect scent for the holidays and winter, but it’s also traditionally used to address respiratory issues, fatigue, stress, and nervous exhaustion. If you enjoy this fresh scent, bring it into your home this winter. Many enjoy applying this to the body for minor muscle aches, arthritis, or rheumatism (always in a carrier oil or lotion!).
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Sweet Orange Essential Oil: This fan favorite essential oil is sure to lift your spirits. Orange has long been used to elevate mood with its bright and cheery scent, and may reduce emotional tension and aid in moving energy throughout the body during colder months.
Thanks for reading!
Herbalist Natalie
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Natalie Hajdu-Voakes is a consulting herbalist and the owner of The Herb Stop, with over 28 years of hands-on experience in crafting herbal remedies and promoting natural wellness. |