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WELLNESS
COULD
essential
OILS BE
THE
ANSWER?
Beat winter sniffles and niggles
naturally, says Lucy E Cousins
C L E A R A
STUFFY NOSE
In terms of decongestants
for winter, Princi-Jones
recommends eucalyptus,
lemon, Australian
sandalwood, peppermint
and pine oils. “These
contain cineol, linalool and
alpha-Pinene which give
them their decongestant
action,” says Princi-Jones,
“as well as a cooling and
clearing effect on the body.
They not only provide relief
to the symptoms, but also
build immunity.”
HOW TO
Diffuse 6–9 drops to ease nasal
secretions and headaches. A quick
inhalation with a few drops of
lavender in a bowl of hot, steamy
water will also help soothe and
ease nasal secretions, a blocked
nose and throbbing headache. Mix
a drop of each of these five oils in
one tbsp coconut oil and massage
under nostrils morning and night
to offer relief, help build immunity
and prevent your cold from
developing into a chest infection.
DE-STRESS
QUICKLY
If winter has got you
stressed, try oils such as
lavender and chamomile,
which are renowned for
their sedative and calming
effect on the central nervous
system, says Princi-Jones,
while florals such as neroli
and ylang-ylang will help
reduce anxiety. “Grapefruit,
lemon and especially
bergamot, sweet orange
and mandarin oils are also
excellent nerve tonics,”
she adds.
HOW TO
Diffuse three drops each
of lavender, bergamot and
cedarwood. Massage your
chest and back with frankincense,
sweet orange and ylang-ylang
(two drops of each in one tbsp
of coconut oil) to ease anxiety.
HAY
FEVER
Princi-Jones says hayfever
sufferers can get relief with
peppermint, German
chamomile and lavender
oil. “This is the perfect
mix because it reduces
inflammation and is also
pain relieving. These oils
are antibacterial and, either
combined or on their
own, may not only fight
infection, but also reduce
the urge to sneeze.”
HOW TO
Diffuse two drops of each
throughout the day as needed
to combat the nagging symptoms
of this condition. Dispense a
drop of lavender on a tissue or
hanky and inhale regularly to
soothe the bronchial tract.
Massage one drop of each of above
oils into one tbsp of coconut oil
onto neck, behind ears and upper
back to ease headaches
and respiratory congestion.
Every year when the cooler months arrive,
offices, buses and coffee shops erupt in a
cacophony of coughing and sniffing.
It’s inevitable, but according to aromatherapy
specialist Pat Princi-Jones from the Oil Garden,
essential oils can be used to help combat
common winter ailments. Here’s how:
IMPROVE
SLEEP
A good night’s sleep while
struggling through flu
symptoms is crucial during
winter, and Princi-Jones
uses oils such as lavender
and Roman chamomile to
quiet the mind in
preparation for sleep, as
well as mandarin and
frankincense, which are
renowned sedatives.
“These oils have a tonic
effect, reduce inflammation
and are soothing and
comforting as well,”
she says.
HOW TO
Diffusing these beautiful sweet
notes in the bedroom will ensure
sound sleep for all the family as
well as aid breathing conditions.
Massage one drop of each in one
tbsp of coconut oil to the chest,
neck and upper back to intensify
the treatment and even help fight
fevers of common cold. Regular
use will improve sleep quality,
fight germs and build immunity.
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