Spring is about renewal, growth, and clearing out the stagnation of winter. It is a time to regain balance with movement and diet so we don’t develop sluggishness, congestion, allergies, and excess mucus in the body. It is a time to drink warm herbal teas, eat lighter foods, and shake off winter lethargy with invigorating herbs and oils.
As an aromatherapist, I rotate oils each season to best support the body. I’m excited to share with you some of the oils I use as we shift into spring.
- Warming and stimulating oils: Ginger, black pepper, clove, and cardamom oils help to counteract the season’s sluggish nature.
- Decongesting and respiratory oils: Eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary help clear excess mucus and reduce seasonal allergies.
- Uplifting and energizing oils: Lemon, grapefruit, and sweet orange combat spring’s sluggishness and enhance mood.
- Detoxifying and circulatory oils: Juniper berries, cypress, and turmeric oils support the body’s natural detox process.
- Bug bites and stings: Lavender, tea tree, peppermint, and chamomile are perfect for reducing pain and swelling and preventing infection.
You can apply these essential oils in several ways, depending on your intention – whether you’re looking to energize, detox, relieve congestion, or achieve balance. Here are the best methods.
1. Aromatic Application (Diffusion and Inhalation)
- Diffuser: Add 5–7 drops of your chosen oil to a diffuser to purify the air, uplift mood, or clear congestion.
- Steam inhalation: Add 2–3 drops of eucalyptus, peppermint, or rosemary to a bowl of hot water. Cover your head with a towel and inhale deeply for 5–10 minutes to relieve allergies and congestion.
- Direct inhalation: To boost energy, place a drop of oil ginger, black pepper, or citrus oil on your palms, rub them together, cup over your nose, and take deep breaths.
2. Topical Application (Massage and Skin Absorption)
- Balancing massage: Use juniper berry, black pepper, or cypress with sesame oil and massage vigorously to stimulate circulation and lymphatic flow.
- Detox massage: Blend grapefruit, ginger, or rosemary with coconut or almond oil and massage over the abdomen and lymphatic areas to support detox.
- Sinus relief: Use a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemon (diluted) to the chest, temples, or behind the ears to relieve congestion.
3. Bath Therapy
Mix 5–10 drops of essential oil with Epsom salts, then add to warm bath water.
- Detox: Use juniper berry, cypress, or grapefruit.
- Congestion relief: Use eucalyptus, peppermint, or tea tree.
4. Self-Massage
Use warm sesame or almond oil with black pepper, cardamom, or turmeric for a morning self-massage to boost circulation and remove stagnation. Let the oil absorb for 15–30 minutes before showering.
If you are interested in learning more about essential oils, please reach out. I offer an Aromatherapy Certification course each spring and fall. This course is for all levels. We will explore over eighty essential oils firsthand.
Susan Cote, owner of Everyday Harvest LLC, is an aromatherapist and certified life coach and was voted one of the Natural Nutmeg 10Best Coaches of 2024. Susan offers group and private coaching, as well as aromatherapy consultations and certification workshops using Wisdom of the Earth medicinal grade essential oils.
Contact Susan at: [email protected].
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