The time of the year in our part of the world where we sadly close the windows, pack away the shorts and turn to indoor activities has arrived.  Yes it’s Fall or Autumn.  As we begin to hunker down for the harsh winter that Canada delivers every year, it can be a shock to our system.  During summer, there is a noticeable lack of colds and flu.  The sun is shining, we spend time outdoors taking in fresh oxygen and enjoy the elements.  Flowers, trees, freshness of rain all have positive effects on our senses and psyche whether we realize it or not.

Cedarleaf Essential Oil

Stuffy indoor aromas take hold and leave us longing for that burst of fresh air and earth’s bounty just on the other side of that thin sheet of glass. Essential oils are a one step removed, chemical representation of plants. The only thing that could be more pure is having the various foliage right in your house which may not be so practical or obtainable especially in winter. Help adjust this environment by creating more of a pleasant transition and easily substitute some of nature’s plant life and woodsy aromas.  Since essential oils are all natural, it is challenging to pick seven, so we have decided to offer seven great ways to strategically use them this time of year.

1. How about some cedarwood, black spruce and pine to mimic the earthiness of trees outside? Put a few drops of these oils in a glass of water near windows with a view of trees.  You’ll feel like you are outside.

2.  The wafting aroma of basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme fills the void of fresh picked herbs which have now withered and disappeared from the garden. Place a few drops on your cutting board or in a cup of water while preparing food.  It will help get the digestive juices flowing.

3. Black pepper, ginger, cinnamon and cardamon provide a warm spicy atmosphere to take the chill out of your bones. Mix a few drops of each into 30 ml (1 oz.) of unscented cream or lotion and apply to hands and feet.

4. Don’t forget lemon, grapefruit, bergamot and orange to provide that sunshine in a bottle on gloomy rainy days.  Add generous amounts to unscented liquid soap for washing dishes, floors and laundry.  It will make you forget you are inside.

5. Mix virgin coconut with lime and spearmint oil, to apply after a shower. It will conjure up the feeling or memory of tropical breezes and beautiful beaches.

6. Use peppermint, eucalyptus, and wintergreen oil to bust open the claustrophobia of a closed house and chase away those airborne microbes that leave us feeling ill. Dissolve 10 drops of any combination of these oils with 15 ml (1/2 oz) glycerine or denatured alcohol then add to a cup of water.  Pour into a spray bottle to freshen every room in your house.

Himalayan Salt Lamp Diffuser

7. Add a few drops of cedarwood, ho wood, petitgrain or cedarleaf oil to your diffuser and fall asleep with memories of camping in the great outdoors without the threat of bears or being rained upon.  Speaking of rain, try some sweetgrass hydrosol and a dash of cedarleaf hydrosol in a spray bottle to mimic the aroma of fresh rain.  If you are more of the floral type, how about a few drops of alpine lavender, neroli or immortelle to set the sweet dream state.

You won’t realize how effective it is till you try these simple tips.  Your body and your mind will thank you.

You’re Welcome!

Sandy Powell

©Nascent Naturals Inc. 2019 All rights reserved

For more information on essential oils and natural soap, cream and lotion bases to mix with, visit our website.  www.nascentnaturals.com