Wintertime Essentials

During the frigid winter months, there is always the potential for several unique health concerns that are common during this time of year to come about. The inclement weather tends to keep people indoors in crowded areas, where they are more susceptible to sharing viruses and bacteria. The cold, dry air can often lead to dry skin and chapped lips. And the shortened winter days with less sunlight can occasionally contribute to a depressed mood.

For each of the many wintertime problems, there are several common essential oil recommendations that can help prevent or ease the symptoms of these winter maladies.

Skin Care
With the cold dry air that is common during this time of year, there is always the potential for dry and/or chapped skin. To help alleviate chapped skin, D. Gary Young recommends using a blend of equal parts rosewood, patchouli and geranium placed in a body lotion (Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide, page 480).

Other oils that can be combined with lotion or vegetable oil for dry skin include davana, geranium, jasmine, lavender, lemon, neroli, patchouli, roman chamomile, rosewood and sandalwood.

Lavender oil is great for all around wellness. I use it on my face for winter wind burns.
—Jeanette Jolley, California, USA

Dry and cracked hands in the wintertime are a problem, so mixing a few drops of Lavender with hand lotion really helps keep them from cracking open and bleeding.
—Karen Thomas, Pennsylvania, USA


Dry/Chapped Lips
Cold, dry air can often lead to dry, cracked lips if steps are not taken to help prevent it. One natural solution is to blend a few drops of geranium and lavender oil, and to combine this with either a natural aloe vera gel, or in a natural lip-balm recipe. Other oils that can be used to care for the lips include German chamomile, lavender, lemon, and melaleuca (tea tree). It is also important to keep yourself well hydrated during this time of year.


For more tips visit aroma-essence.com.