Aromatherapy is a non-medicinal sleeping aid that helps you relax. If you struggle to sleep, essential oils could help you nod off. Lavender oil is the best-known ingredient, but several Christmas aromas are just as good.
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy involves diffusing essential oils to unlock relaxant qualities. The idea is that essential oils can help you sleep and unwind naturally. Studies on aromatherapy have yielded mixed results, showing that it works for some people but not for everyone. So, you need to try it to see if it works.
Christmas aromatherapy involves using Christmassy aromas, which some people find more relaxing than popular favourites lavender and citrus.
Best Christmas essential oils
Christmas spice
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| Pictured: Christmas Spice is a zingy spice fragrance where sparkling orange notes combine with rich cinnamon and clove buds, resting upon smooth woods and vanilla. |
Christmas spice is heavy on nutmeg, cinnamon, star anise, clove and rose, with touches of orange peel and lemon to cleanse the air.
Winter spice
A Christmas favourite, winter spice combines all the aromas associated with Christmas like orange peel, ginger, frankincense, cinnamon and clove.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon invokes memories of Christmas buns with a warming, delicious aroma that helps relax the senses. But be warned, it’ll make you hungry!
Peppermint
Peppermint is a delicious aroma that reminds us of snow and candy canes, so it’s a perfect essential oil for Christmas time.
Frankincense
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| Pictured: Frankincense is said to be great for memory and focus. It has an earthy scent that’s similar to pine with a dash of rosemary. |
Roasted chestnut
Roasted chestnut is a fragrance oil infused with the irresistible scent of roasted chestnuts, bringing a warm, woody aroma to your bedroom.
How to use essential oils
You can use essential oils on your body, on beds or diffuse them in the air.
Topical application
Before applying an essential oil to your body, you need to dilute it in carrier oil unless it’s already diluted. The best carrier oils are coconut, jojoba, and extra virgin olive oils. Use one teaspoon of carrier oil for every one drop of essential oil.
You can rub essential oils on your feet, wrists and palms, and put a little oil below your nose and on your chest. The oil should last all night.
On your bed
Put a few drops of essential oil on your pillow, and the aroma will last all night. You can also put a few drops on your duvet and beside your bed on a cushion. The oil needs washing out eventually, so only use it on fabrics you can wash.
Diffuser
Another way to use essential oils is an electronic diffuser, evenly dispersing the aroma into the air. Diffusers avoid the possibility of skin irritation and release all the fragrance in the oil, filling your room with a relaxing scent.
Diffusers are also recommended to preserve your essential oil. You will only need a drop to fill your whole room versus a few drops for your body.
Candles
Another way to enjoy Christmas aromatherapy is with scented candles infused with essential oils and Christmassy fragrances. The effect will be more subtle than a diffuser, but you also get the warm glow of a flickering candle.
Candles complement diffusers and offer a different aroma depth; candles have a warmer aroma and give off scents lit or unlit.
Gifting essential oils this Christmas
Christmas aromatherapy is a great gift idea for anyone who struggles to sleep. We recommend buying a selection of essential oils and an electronic diffuser; this way, your recipient will be able to figure out what they like.
You can buy Christmas essential oils online. Holland and Barret is probably the best place to pick some up if you prefer the high street.