Whether it’s the party-circuit or your never-ending to-do list, you might be feeling run down right about now. If you haven’t already implemented a solid self-care routine for the holidays, now’s the time.
Essential oils don’t just smell good – they’re packed with therapeutic qualities too.
To help you navigate the holidays feeling like your best self, we asked Shannon Davenport – expert aromatherapist and founder of natural beauty brand, Esker – to share some insight into how essential oils can be the boost you need.
feature image: vitruvi
image: anthropologie
How can aromatherapy help your body cope with the holiday season?
“It’s obviously a big travel and family time which are both huge stressors. Bringing oils with you can be a great way to ease travel tension, and the bottles are generally so tiny that they’re very simple to travel with.”
What are some of your favorite scents for the season?
“Orange, clove and pine are all essential oils that occur in different forms during the holiday. I love to lean into those and really let the holiday be sensory by experiencing the therapeutic effects of those aromas.”
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Any favorite products that incorporate some of the oils below?
“Our Restorative Oil formula has a smoky, woodsy smell that feels very seasonally appropriate. It gets its aroma from frankincense, carrot seed, rosemary and bergamot and ylang ylang which lighten the spicy, balsamic scents.”
(Scroll to the end of the post for more of our favorite products that incorporate essential oils!)
Any general tips for staying happy & healthy through the holidays?
“I’m still working on that myself, but I will say I’m a huge proponent of baths! You can add a couple drops of your favorite oil to the tub but even just immersing yourself in a nice toasty bath for 5 minutes can work wonders.”
image: urban outfitters
The best essential oils to deal with common holiday stressors:
Energy / Fatigue: Citrus oils (again like the oranges we associate with holiday) are really uplifting and energizing when these cold dark days start to take over. Some other great picks are eucalyptus and black pepper.
Hangover / Bloat: Too much merrymaking at last night’s party? Ginger and peppermint are great ways to gently cure a hangover, and juniper and grapefruit can help beat bloat.
Anxiety / Feeling Low: Try out lavender, ylang ylang and chamomile. The woodsy oils like pine, fir and frankincense also have a calming, grounding effect.
Cold / Immune system: No one has time for a cold around Christmas-time – try rosemary, eucalyptus and lemongrass to give a boost to your immune system and kick your cold to the curb if the sniffles have already made their appearance.
image: urbanoutfitters
One of the easiest ways to incorporate essential oils is through the skincare and body products we use. Treat yourself to one of these essential oil infused goodies.
Any go-to oils we missed? Hope you’re having a happy and healthy holidays!
