It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Joy to the world! Peace on earth! Happy holidays! Or is it? This is one of the most stressful times of the year for many. Family time, travel, gifts to buy, meals to prepare, etc. We want this time of the year to be merry and bright for our family and friends. Feeling overwhelmed is an under-statement.

Kick off December by giving yourself the gift of a wholistic approach to survive the holiday season.

We've made it to Day 12 of the 12 Days of Christmas!

Tip #12: Holiday Cheer

In this blog, I thought it would be fun to share some essential oils for you to enjoy! You can diffuse them throughout your home, create a body spray to give as a gift, etc. Beautiful smells and aromas can set the tone for calm, peace, and feelings of contentment. All wonderful things to feel during the holidays. I will also share which essential oils act as an anti-microbial. You don't want your family and friends going home with anything other than the gifts that were exchanged!

• Clove has been used as a fragrance and spice for over 2 millennia. Many associate this time of the year with clove; who's parent plant is evergreen. Clove essential oil is recognized as generally antibacterial; however, it was found that E. coli was particularly susceptible to clove oil. Clove has been recognized for a long time as a dental remedy. Not only is clove as effective as a topical numbing agent, it also can slow tooth decay and is effective in remineralization of teeth. (p. 26-31)

• Frankincense (aka Boswellia) is a well known component of the Christmas story. We know the Magi brought frankincense (along with gold and myrrh) to baby Jesus. Frankincense is known for its beautiful fragrance; and, for wound healing, arthritis and air purification. Burning Frankincense in the home is known to bring good health; and it purifies the home. The healing benefits of this essential oil is mainly focused on disease prevention and its anti-inflammatory properties. Consider using it in a diffuser, vaporizer and/or salve. (p.37-42)

• Lavender is a fairly popular essential oil. It is known that Jesus' feet were anointed with Lavender oil. Lavender can be used for stress, headaches, depression and anxiety. Not only does Lavender have a beautiful fragrance, it is also an Antimicrobial agent. In fact, when Lavender is used together with cinnamon and/or orange it was found to be effective against respiratory illness.(p. 48-53)

• Myrrh was also given as a gift to baby Jesus and is spoken about at Christmas time. Myrrh has several therapeutic properties, which include; antiseptic, anesthetic, anti- tumor, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, and wound healing. Here's a beautiful Christmas thought, combine frankincense and myrrh to experience a synergistic effect of antimicrobial benefits. (p. 66-71)

• Peppermint (not the candy) is a hybrid of spearmint and water mint that grows like a weed! Peppermint is used often to help relieve nausea, and is quite effective. Peppermint is also a natural muscle relaxer or pain reliever. It can also clear stubborn sinuses or sooth a sore throat by diffusing or inhaling Peppermint essential oils. Peppermint is also great for cutting cravings! Simply diffuse peppermint essential oil before your holiday feast and it can help you feel full faster! (p. 77-81)

A word of caution: Always follow the professional recommendations, your healthcare Practitioners advice and common sense when using any essential oil. Essential oils are medicinal quality substances and should be treated with caution. When using any essential oil, make sure you dilute with a carrier oil. Essential oils are best used in small doses!

References:

Zielinski, Eric L. Using God's Medicine for the Abundant Life: An Evidence-Based Approach to Essential Oils. Biblical House Publishing, 2015.