Scent-Sational Christmas Gifts :: Holistic Healing

Scent-Sational Christmas Gifts
by author Bev Gray, CH, RA

Giving aromatically can be as close as your local natural health store. Many of the ingredients to make your own all-natural Christmas gifts can be found in the bulk herb, spice, and cosmetic aisles.

Look for any or all of these essential oils, from the tangy scent of orange to the fresh scent of pine.

Orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil’s sweet and fresh scent is emotionally warming and is great for frayed nerves. It can be used in a room diffuser to create a happy and uplifting atmosphere. Note: Never use citrus oils topically without a carrier such as an oil, salt, or emulsifying base.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) orange aromatic scent reminds me of my childhood Christmases when I would find a mandarin in each toe of the leotard that I had hung by the fire the evening before. Mandarin is refreshing and has an affinity for treating digestive problems with a stimulant effect on both the stomach and liver when used through inhalation, in a bath, or in a massage.

Clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) invokes the warm spirit of winter celebrations. The sharp spicy, fruity scent of clove can be euphoric and grounding. It can be used topically for digestive upsets, nausea, and skin infections. Its painkilling properties also make it useful for treating toothaches. Clove can be used as an inhalant or with a diffuser and on skin with carrier oil. Avoid during pregnancy. Use in moderation in low dilution.

Fir (Abies balsamea) essential oil is also known as the Christmas tree oil. The sweet-balsamic scent is reminiscent of a walk through the forest and creates a fresh and inspiring environment. The oil can be used in a steam, in a topical rub for bronchitis and sinusitis, or in a bath for sore, achy muscles.

White pine (Pinus strobus) is also known as the tree of peace. One waft of pine essential oil and you will remember everyone on your Christmas list! Pine oil acts as a cerebral stimulant and is also used on infections for its antimicrobial properties. Like fir and all the conifers, pine is excellent when used as a steam for chronic coughing due to colds.

Try making up a batch of these seasonal scents. You can easily double or even quadruple any of these recipes so that you can keep one for yourself and give the rest away to the people on your Christmas gift list. Be creative, have fun, and enjoy using and giving pure aromatherapeutic gifts.

Christmas Joy Massage Oil

Here’s a lovely gift for others, but hold some back for yourself, too.

6 drops orange (Citrus sinensis)
6 drops mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
4 drops fir (Abies balsamea)
2 drops clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)
2 Tbsp (30 mL) grapeseed oil

Mix essential oils with grapeseed oil in a 30-mL bottle.

Silent Night Aromatic Bathing Salts

With all the flurry of activity of the season, remember to treat yourself to a little relaxation.

10 drops mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
10 drops lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
10 drops vanilla (Vanilla planifolia)
1 cup (250 mL) coarse sea salt
1 tsp (5 mL) cardamom spice powder

Mix thoroughly in a bowl and pour into a jar. Decorate the lid with a fancy label and some fabric and ribbons.

Home for the Holidays Room Diffuser Blend

If you don’t have time to make an orange pomander, use essential oils to recreate this holiday scent.

40 drops orange (Citrus sinensis)
15 drops mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
40 drops vanilla (Vanilla planifolia)
15 drops clove (Eugenia caryophyllata)

Blend oils in a 5-mL bottle and gently roll the bottle between your palms for a few minutes to thoroughly combine the oils. To use, simply add drops to an aromatherapy diffuser.

Spirit of Christmas Room Spray

Enjoy the smell of Canadian conifers throughout your house, office, or vehicle.

10 drops orange (Citrus sinensis)
10 drops fir (Abies balsamea)
10 drops pine (Pinus strobus)
10 drops cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
1 tsp (5 mL) vodka
1/4 cup (60 mL) distilled water

Add the vodka to an empty 60-mL spray bottle, add essential oils, and then add the water. Shake well before use.

Bev Gray, CH, RA, owns Aroma Borealis Herb Shop in Whitehorse. She was given the Yukon Business Person of the Year Award in 2006. www.aromaborealis.com

Source: alive #290, December 2006

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