Ward off the winter blues
BY GUEST AUTHOR: ERIN HALCROFT
The winter months can be a time where class numbers can drop off whether it be due to illness, lack of motivation or the plummeting temperatures. Many find their personal practice also gets neglected whether through lack of motivation on illness. Essential oils can be a complimentary tool to support your yoga practice and breathe some vitality and freshness into your studio or yoga class. Some of my top picks for winter are:
Wild orange: The oil of abundance and joy is an uplifting and energising oil. It’s high in antioxidants and a powerful purifier and cleanser. It can be diffused to purify the air and boost immunity, protecting against cold, flu and other airborne bacteria. It can also be directly inhaled to energise the mind and body. To inhale place 1–2 drops in the palm of your right hand, rub the palms together then cup over the nose and inhale deeply. Rub any remaining oil over your heart space. You can also make a hard surface cleaner for your studio by adding a few drops of wild orange oil to a spray bottle of water and shaking to combine. Not only will your yoga space smell amazing, it will be clean and emanating joy.
Eucalyptus: A calming, cooling and clearing oil which supports respiratory health and opens airways assisting with breathing. Eucalyptus also has antibacterial and antiviral properties making it a perfect oil to diffuse during winter to eliminate pathogens in the air and aid in opening the airways, alleviating symptoms of colds and flu along with clearing the mind. Eucalyptus can be inhaled or diffused on its own or blended with wild orange for an added kick. You can also make an eco friendly yoga mat cleaner by mixing a few drops of eucalyptus and wild orange in a spray bottle of water. Spritz your mat for a burst of freshness and vitality. Eucalyptus is also fantastic rubbed onto the front and back of the chest to aid in opening the airways and alleviating a pesky cough.
On Guard — protective blend by Doterra: A proprietary blend from Doterra of wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus and rosemary. For a super immune boost and to nip the first signs of a sniffle in the bud you can’t go past On Guard. With an aroma reminiscent of spicy chai you’re sure to fall in love with this blend. On Guard is antibacterial and antiviral and can be used to strengthen and maintain healthy immune function. It’s a wonderful oil to diffuse to purify and cleanse the air, support healthy respiratory function, uplift and energise. It can also be applied to the soles of the feet where it will enter the bloodstream within seconds delivering a host of benefits while also stimulating the circulation. On Guard makes a wonderful hard surface cleaner when mixed with water in a spray bottle. You can also make a natural hand sanitiser by combining a few drops of On Guard with fractionated coconut oil.
How best to use your oils
Essential oils are best diffused using an electric diffuser, which uses cold water. It’s advised not to burn essential oils in an oil burner as the heat can alter the delicate makeup of the essential oil reducing the therapeutic properties. Burning an oil can also be a safety hazard. The above essential oils can be blended with a carrier oil of your choice (fractionated coconut or a vegetable oil are ideal) before applying to the skin especially if using on children or on someone with a sensitive skin. Citrus oils can cause temporary photosensitivity when applied to the skin. If applying citrus oils to the skin avoid sun exposure on the area of application for 12 hours.
About Erin:
Erin Halcroft is a yoga teacher, health coach and Doterra essential oil wellness advocate with a passion for sharing the life enhancing and health transforming benefits of essential oils.
