Deep mid-winter is here and I am in full hibernation mode. There is nothing better than shutting the door on the world and the weather and creating your own cosy sanctuary at home. If you live in an old cottage like I do, you’ll know that the battle with the elements is real and lots of effort is spent fighting draughts, stoking fires and filling hot water bottles! The cold can bring with it an increase in stiff joints and arthritic pain, chilly fingers and toes and overall poor circulation. How can oils help?
Nature provides a wonderful selection of warming oils, that are perfect for winter use. Think of warm spicy oils like ginger, frankincense, cinnamon, rosemary, black pepper, cardamom and juniper berry. I love making up my own potions for my winter ailments; I might rustle up a soothing ginger and tangerine foot bath for a cold winters night (especially wonderful if you’re feeling unwell or run down). I also like to make up a spicy frankincense massage oil for my joints. Take a look at my recipes below for some inspiration 🙂
How do warming oils work? Warming oils improve the circulation and increase blood flow to the areas that you apply them. Improved circulation means a better flow of nutrients and oxygen and improved waste removal from inflamed joints, relaxing areas of tightness and congestion. Warming oils are actually a little irritating to the skin but used correctly, they will provide gentle warmth and an analgesic effect. Used incorrectly, they can burn the skin, so always use these oils with extra caution and make sure they are very well diluted in a carrier oil.
Warming Ginger & Tangerine Foot Bath: This is a really nice way to warm up the whole body. Fill up a bowl or a foot spa with warm to hot water. Add 2 drops of ginger essential oil and 5 drops of tangerine essential oil to a teaspoon of liquid soap (or a tablespoon of bath milk) and mix into the water. Always use a carrier to add your spicy essential oils to the water, or they will not disperse properly and may irritate the skin. You might like to add a couple of tablespoons of salt to your foot bath as well (optional) for extra skin softening benefits. Immerse your feet into the aromatic water for at least ten minutes, preferably a bit longer, and enjoy the warmth and relaxation. When you’re done, pat your feet dry with a towel and keep them warm with a pair of snuggly socks. Be aware that your feet will be a little slippery when you exit the foot bath!
Rosemary & Lavender Hot Compress: This is ideal for stiff, cold joints. Fill a small bowl with warm to comfortably hot water. Add 3 drops of lavender essential oil and 3 drops of rosemary essential oil. Soak a flannel in the water, wring out and apply immediately to the joint (knees, wrists or elbows). Wrap up in a towel to keep the heat in for as long as possible.
Warming Frankincense & Orange Massage Oil: This is a really nice way to warm up specific areas of the body. Add 2 drops of frankincense and 1 drop of sweet orange essential oil to a teaspoon of carrier oil (olive, almond, apricot for example). Massage gently into the joints and any areas of stiffness or inflammation. I prefer to do this after a shower, while the body is still warm before wrapping up in my layers!
Warming Cardamom & Rose Hand Bath: An aromatic hand bath can bring great relief to arthritic aches and pains and repetitive strain injuries. Simply fill up a bowl of warm to hot water. Add 4 drops of rose otto essential oil and 1 drop of cardamom essential oil to a teaspoon of liquid soap (or a tablespoon of bath milk) and mix into the water. Sink your hands into the warm water for at least ten minutes and allow your hands to relax. Pat dry and follow up with a little warming massage oil.
What will you be trying first?
Thanks for reading,
Lindsey x
Important note: Always ensure that your essential oils are diluted in an appropriate carrier oil before using on the skin. Never use essential oils undiluted. Take extra care with warming oils and dilute well before use. Please note that some essential oils are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people taking certain medications. If you are in any doubt, please contact us as we’re always happy to make recommendations. None of the information provided is intended to diagnose, treat or prescribe for any medical conditions. If you require health advice, please seek the help of a medical professional.