Originally published December 26 2009
Use Essential Oils to Add Natural Holiday Fragrance to Your Home, Part II
by Christie Bailey
(NaturalNews) When choosing natural essential oils to scent your home for the holidays, think of the smells that conjure your fondest memories of the season. Fresh Christmas trees, gingerbread, spiced cider, and candy canes may all be captured by spice, citrus, peppermint, and evergreen essential oils. You may also consider using biblical fragrances, including frankincense and myrrh, for a more meditative and reverent mood.
Evergreen
Cedarwood (Cedrus sp.), fir (Abiew alba), and pine (Pinus sp.) are reminiscent of wintery evergreen forests, Yule logs, and Christmas trees. Diffuse these in the home if you do not have a real Christmas tree but desire the fragrance. These oils are emotionally grounding, harmonizing, and elevating -- perfect for the holidays, especially when family gets together.
Citrus
The citrus oils orange (Citrus sinensis), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), and neroli (Citrus aurantium) have fresh and uplifting scents. They are used in aromatherapy to brighten the mood and reduce stress. Combine with spice oils (below) for aromas that are sure to warm your house on a cold winter day.
Spice
Holiday spices are stimulating and uplifting -- and are considered aphrodisiacs, as well. Cinnamon is a holiday favorite that is available in several varieties. Look for the species Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Oil from the bark or leaf is available; the leaf oil is far less expensive but still smells wonderful.
Clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) has a warm sweet scent that works well by itself or combined with other spice or citrus oils. Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) can also be used, but you may want to combine them with another spice or a citrus.
Frankincense and Myrrh
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) and myrrh (Commiphora myrrha are two of the famous gifts offered to the Christ child by the Three Wise Men. Both are derived from small trees that produce resinous gum. The gum resins have been burned as incense since ancient times and are known to inspire the spirit and enhance meditation. Their essential oils can be used for the same purpose.
Peppermint
What is Christmas without candy canes? Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has a sweet, cold, refreshing scent. The fumes of peppermint have the added benefit of clearing the sinuses, easing headaches, and boosting energy.
Resources
"Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art," Kathi Keville and Mindy Green, 2nd edition, 2009
The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy Global Online Research Archives
About the author
Christie Bailey, BSN is a practicing RN with a passion for holistic health and natural products. In addition to writing health articles, creating herbal concoctions, and pursuing her Masters degree, she keeps a blog about natural products and health at http://savvybynature.blogspot.com/
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