The Restorative Power of Winter
Autumn is the season for retreat, rest and renewal. The leaves on the trees start to change colour and the wind has a restless quality, bringing them tumbling to the ground. Nature creates the perfect environment for all forms of life to recover over the autumn and wintertime, in preparation for a renewed burst of energy and growth the following spring. Studies have shown that by tuning into the moods of the changing seasons, we can also benefit from the restorative powers of winter, by hibernating in the warmth of our homes, enjoying deeper sleep and experiencing a feeling of creative introspection. The cooler, crisper air can also help to refresh our spirits and create a sense of focus and mental alertness, making it is a good time to go within and germinate new projects or ideas.
Autumn and winter, however, are also periods that correspond with an increased risk of illness, especially since we often spend more time indoors, putting us at an increased risk of infection. Viruses tend to proliferate and live longer in colder temperatures, making us more susceptible to infectious illness, such as colds and flu, over the autumn and winter. Many studies have demonstrated that essential oils have potent antimicrobial, bactericial and antiviral properties, making them the ideal defensive shield for yourself, as well as for your home and workplace over the cooler seasons.
The Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Bactericidal & Decongestant Properties of Essential Oils
Many essential oils have outstanding purifying and protective qualities used in room diffusers: for example, one recent study demonstrated that bergamot and blue gum eucalyptus oil were very active against the influenza virus after only ten minutes of being exposed to their vapours. The results of an Australian study also demonstrated that vaporised tea tree oil was extremely effective as an antiviral for the airborne influenza virus. Many other oils, including lemongrass, may chang, clove, niaouli and cinnamon leaf have also been shown to not only be very effective in combatting airborne viruses, including the cold virus, but also help boost and support our immune system, simply via inhalation. See also my previous journal on ‘Protect and Prevent: Supporting the Immune System’
Research has also confirmed the natural mucolytic properties of eucalyptus oil, giving the respiratory system a major support by soothing congested coughs and bronchitis. Many other oils also support the respiratory system and can help prevent many common conditions from developing as a preventative if used regularly. Colds, coughs, bronchitis and congestion respond extremely well to the use of essential oils simply through the process of inhalation. When we breathe in the aromatic vapours of a particular oil, the active therapeutic properties of that plant are readily absorbed by the mucus membranes lining the whole respiratory tract, including the lungs. This can be achieved via steam inhalation, by using a traditional oil burner or an electric room diffuser. Using an electric vaporiser is perhaps the most efficient way of keeping the local environment at home or in the office free of air-borne germs on an everyday basis.
Essential oils which are especially valuable in this context include basil, sage, bay, laurel, ravintsara, fragonia, cajeput, peppermint, lavender and white thyme. Rosemary oil, however, is my favourite ‘go to’ oil at the first sign of a cold coming on and makes an amazing preventative treatment used in a room diffuser.
Creating a Protective Home Sanctuary using our Range of Essential Oil Diffusion Blends
Using essential oils in vaporisers is therefore one of the most effective ways of protecting yourself from unwanted bugs over this autumn and winter. Using a range of aromatic oils in warm baths and for massage during cold weather is also one of the most pleasurable means to create a ‘home sanctuary’ in which to flourish and increase our overall wellbeing, together with a sense of ritual.
I have formulated a range of synergistic Diffusion Blends aimed at supporting the respiratory and immune systems in different ways over the colder months, together with banishing any ‘winter blues’:
- Defence to protect & boost the immune system, also to help lift the spirits when feeling fatigued and to stimulate our natural immune defences.
- Mountain Air to purify the environment with the fresh aromas of evergreens, including juniper berry, creating a cooling effect and to clear any stagnant air in the car, home or office.
- Clear Head to help kill airborne germs, to decongest, and to breathe more freely by having a clearing effect and to soothe any irritation caused by sore throats or chesty coughs.
- Deep Sleep provides a very useful aid in promoting a good night’s rest, ideal for winter hibernation, based on valarian root, renowned for its sedative and soothing qualities.
- Festive creates a comforting and cosy atmosphere, being based on the rich aromas of frankincense and spice oils, helping to create a warm, nurturing space and to stave off any winter bugs.
- Sacred Space has a soft, incense-like scent, which is grounding and harmonising, enhancing mental clarity, good for meditation and encouraging a calm, nurturing space to go within.
- Brighten is a reviving and uplifting blend, with a fresh, zesty-citrus scent, ideal for banishing winter blues: uplifting and revitalizing, it promotes optimism and refreshes the spirits.
- Serenity is my ’stress-relief’ formulation and one of our most popular diffusion blends to date, having a floral-citrus scent which is elevating and soothing, helping to lift depression and ease anxiety.