By Leslii Stevens ERYT500, YACEP, Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher, Ayurveda Practitioner
Fall and winter: a time for cozy sweaters, pumpkin everything, and... bone-dry skin. If you're like me, once that chill sets in, your skin starts feeling like sandpaper, your energy drops like the temperature, and you find yourself wrapped in three blankets wondering if you’ve become part bear because of how much you just want to hibernate.
But don’t despair Ayurveda (yep, my fave ancient wellness guide) has us covered. When the air gets dry, crisp, and cold, Ayurveda suggests balancing the Vata dosha (which rules fall and winter) with warmth, moisture, and grounding practices. And guess what? Essential oils are the perfect way to do that.
Let’s talk about three essential oils that are perfect companions for your fall and winter routine. These oils not only smell amazing but also help soothe your skin, calm your mind, and keep your body in balance during the chilly months. Plus, they’ve got fascinating histories that stretch back thousands of years because who doesn’t love a little history with their self-care?
1. Frankincense: The Ancient Healer
Frankincense is like the wise, calming friend we all need especially when we’re feeling scattered and frazzled by holiday chaos (you know what I’m talking about). This oil has been prized since ancient times for its deeply grounding and spiritual properties. Used in religious ceremonies and healing practices in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, frankincense has a history as rich as its earthy, woody scent.
Why it’s amazing for fall and winter:
Frankincense is perfect for calming the mind and helping us ground down exactly what we need during Vata season, when we tend to feel spacey and anxious. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also fantastic for dry, irritated skin. You can use it in your skincare routine by adding a few drops to your moisturizer or body oil. It’s like a luxurious little treat for your face (and who doesn’t need that when the wind is whipping in your face?).
How to use it:
· Add a few drops to a diffuser during your meditation or yoga practice to enhance focus and calm your nervous system.
· Mix it into your body oil and give yourself a little massage to nourish your skin and soothe any winter dryness.
· Apply it to pulse points or your temples for a sense of grounding and relaxation.
2. Cedarwood: Your Grounding Companion
When I think of cedarwood, I imagine a walk through a forest in the fall, with the leaves crunching underfoot and the crisp, fresh air filling my lungs. Cedarwood has that grounding, woodsy aroma that brings a sense of calm and stability. Historically, it was used by the ancient Egyptians for embalming (yep, the mummies), but these days, we’re all about using it to ground ourselves not our sarcophagi.
Why it’s amazing for fall and winter:
Cedarwood oil helps balance the nervous system and is wonderful for reducing stress and anxiety. It’s also a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, making it perfect for calming irritated skin that tends to flare up in dry, cold weather. In Ayurveda, it’s considered deeply grounding and stabilizing something we can all use when the wind and cold make us feel like we’re getting blown in every direction.
How to use it:
· Add a few drops to your diffuser during yoga practice to feel more rooted and connected to the earth.
· Mix it with a carrier oil (like sesame or jojoba) and use it for a scalp massage to soothe dryness and promote healthy hair (because winter scalp problems are real).
· Diffuse it at night to encourage deep, restful sleep and reduce stress. Sweet dreams, anyone?
3. Sweet Orange: Your Sunshine in a Bottle
When winter feels gray and endless, sweet orange oil is your happy little burst of sunshine in a bottle. Historically, oranges were treasured in ancient China, where they were symbols of prosperity and good fortune. Now, we can enjoy the uplifting, sweet aroma of orange essential oil to boost our mood when those winter blues hit hard.
Why it’s amazing for fall and winter:
Orange oil is perfect for boosting your energy and lifting your spirits when the cold weather starts to feel too dreary. Its antimicrobial properties also make it a great natural cleaner perfect for keeping your yoga mat fresh (you know, since we're spending so much more time indoors). Plus, its citrusy scent adds a refreshing zing to your skincare routine.
How to use it:
· Add a couple of drops to your diffuser during your morning yoga practice to energize and uplift your mood.
· Mix it into a DIY sugar scrub with coconut oil for a bright, refreshing exfoliation session that leaves your skin hydrated and glowing.
· Combine it with water in a spray bottle for a natural room or yoga mat cleaner that makes your space smell like a citrus grove instead of, you know, winter funk.
The Ayurvedic Take on Essential Oils for Fall & Winter
In Ayurveda, fall and winter are dominated by the Vata dosha, which is associated with the elements of air and space. When Vata is out of balance, you might feel dry, cold, scattered, or anxious (hello, winter stress!). Using essential oils that are warming, grounding, and moisturizing can help bring balance back to your body and mind. Frankincense, cedarwood, and sweet orange are perfect examples of oils that help calm Vata while providing moisture and nourishment for dry winter skin.
Incorporating these oils into your daily routine is easy: add them to your skincare, use them in diffusers, or mix them into a carrier oil for self-massage. You can also bring them into your yoga or meditation practice to create a deeply calming, focused environment that helps you find peace amid the chaos.
Wrapping Up: Warm Up to These Oils
As the weather cools and the air gets drier, your body and mind need a little extra love. Using essential oils like frankincense, cedarwood, and sweet orange can help you stay grounded, nourished, and balanced all season long. Whether you’re working them into your skincare routine, diffusing them during yoga, or just inhaling their uplifting scents, these oils are the perfect companions for fall and winter. So, grab your favorite oil, take a deep breath, and let these ancient remedies work their magic. Your skin, your mind, and your spirit will thank you.
Let's Rock this planet!
Leslii