Aromas of the Season

 

I love the aromas of the holidays as it filled with so many fond memories. Did you know that your sense of smell can transport you back in time? I'm going to get a little nerdy here to explain how our bodies process these aromas into memories. 

 

When we come into contact with an aroma, or molecules from volatile substances wafting through the air, the neurons in our olfactory receptor cells send a single to the part of our brain called the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb is responsible for interpreting those signals into what we perceive as aromas. Our olfactory bulb runs from your nose to the base of your brain and has direct connections to your amygdala (the place where you process emotions) and to your hippocampus (the area linked to memory and cognition). Neuroscientists have researched and discovered that this close physical connection between the regions of our brain is linked to memory, emotion, and our sense of smell, which may explain why our brains learn to associate smells with certain emotional memories. 

 

There are so many fragrances out there and most come from highly processed or synthetic-based concoctions. Have you ever walked by a scent that gave you an instant headache? Artificial fragrances are actually toxic and harmful to our endocrine system (hypothalamus, pineal gland, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, testes, and ovaries) in our bodies. These organs are responsible for emotions, energy levels, skin, hair, glucose levels, metabolism, growth & development, fertility and sexual function, sleep, and blood pressure control. As you can see, we need to toss those toxic candles, plug-ins, and sprays as they are harmful to our bodies and environment. I was a huge fragrance person. I had plugins, candles, and wax melt all over my home and office. I wish I knew then what I know now. I ditched those toxic fragrances and feel so much better!

 

So, now, you may ask, "what can I use instead?" Glad you asked. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy the aromas of the season. 

 

I love adding a few essential oils to my diffuser, making holiday-scented sprays, adding a few drops to pinecones, or any wool or felt garland or balls. 

 

Cinnamon Bark

The warm, spicy scent of cinnamon has brightened holidays for centuries. Cinnamon Bark also has frequently been used in the kitchen, adding spice to desserts, entrées, and hot drinks. Here are a few ideas for your bottle of Cinnamon Bark this December:

 

Diffuse this blend and imagine hosting your family holiday party by a fire in the snowy woods-but without the cold:

• • 2 drops of doTERRA Cinnamon Bark essential oil
  • 3 drops of doTERRA Wild Orange essential oil
  • 1 drop of doTERRA Clove essential oil

 

Start your day by diffusing Cinnamon Bark with Citrus Bliss® and Cypress to inspire holiday cheer.

 

Try this Cinnamon Bark diffuser blend while you trim the tree: Christmas Tree

• • 2 drops of doTERRA Cinnamon Bark essential oil
  • 2 drops of doTERRA Siberian Fir essential oil
  • 2 drops of doTERRA Wild Orange essential oil

 

Diffuse Cinnamon Bark with Madagascar Vanilla and Cedarwood to make your home smell like toasted marshmallows while you work.

 

Madagascar Vanilla

doTERRA's Madagascar Vanilla balances the cheer and relaxation we all need during the holiday season. Its rich, creamy scent is perfect for snuggling up in front of the fireplace or watching an old movie. Here are some ideas for one of my favorite essential oils"

Diffuse Madagascar Vanilla with Holiday Joy® and Balsam Fir to create a romantic, wintry ambiance after dark.

 

Diffuse a few drops of Wild Orange and Lavender with Madagascar Vanilla while you cuddle up with the kids and sip hot cocoa. Hard Candy

• • 3 drops of doTERRA Madagascar Vanilla essential oil
  • 2 drops of doTERRA Wintergreen essential oil
  • 1 drop of doTERRA Bergamot essentiall oil

 

Add a couple of drops of Madagascar Vanilla to your favorite eggnog.

 

Frankincense

Frankincense is the king of essential oils and a product we all want to stock up on. Frankincense has a refreshing, invigorating aroma that can both liven and steady your home.

 

Try this festive diffuser blend while you deck your home in lights and boughs of holly:

• • 2 drops of doTERRA Frankincense essential oil
  • 2 drops of doTERRA Myrrh essential oil
  • 3 drops of doTERRA Wild Orange essential oil
  • 2 drops of doTERRA Cedarwood essential oil

Diffuse this merry blend to keep your spirits bright while wrapping holiday gifts:

• • 2 drops of doTERRA Frankincense essential oil
  • 2 drops of doTERRA Grapefruit essential oil
  • 3 drops of doTERRA Siberian Fir essential oil

 

Rub Frankincense into the palms of your hands and inhale for a warming aroma.

 

Add Frankincense to doTERRA spa Hand and Body Lotion to help refresh the skin in cold weather.

 

Mix a few drops of Frankincense into your bath as you relax your holiday stress away.

 

Fill your heart with hope by diffusing this blend:

• • 4 drops of doTERRA Frankincense essential oil
  • 3 drops of doTERRA Bergamot essential oil
  • 3 drops of doTERRA Ylang Ylang essential oil

 

Balsam Fir 

Balsam Fir is an exclusive limited-time product this December.  You will love diffusing its breathtaking pine scent all month.

 

Diffuse Balsam Fir with Wild Orange and Cinnamon Bark beside the Christmas tree to create a fantastical, sparkling yuletide ambiance.

 

Diffuse Balsam Fir with Cedarwood and Eucalyptus while you sleep during cold December nights.

 

Create a pine forest room spray by adding several drops of Balsam Fir to a small spray bottle with water.

 

Make your holidays evergreen with this Balsam Fir diffuser blend:

• • 2 drops of doTERRA Balsam Fir essential oil
  • 2 drops of doTERRA Spearmint essential oil
  • 1 drop of doTERRA Wild Orange essential oil

 

Douglas Fir

Douglas Fir, like Balsam Fir, smells just like a fresh fir tree farm. Unscrew the bottle cap and inhale the revitalizing scent, letting it send you straight to a land of nostalgia.

 

Diffuse Douglas Fir with Grapefruit or Holiday Joy to create a warm, inviting atmosphere while you exchange gifts with loved ones.

 

Mix Douglas Fir with Epsom bath salts for a peaceful, relaxing bath at the end of a busy day.

 

Add one drop of Douglas Fir to your facial cleanser, bar soap, or body wash for added cleansing benefits.

 

Enjoy this diffuser blend, matching the silvery mood of a winter wonderland:
Fir Tree Farm

• • 3 drops of doTERRA Douglas Fir essential oil
  • 2 drops of doTERRA Cedarwood essential oil
  • 1 drop of doTERRA Juniper Berry essential oil

 

Diffuse this cheerful diffuser blend while wrapping presents:
Santa's Workshop

• • 2 drops of doTERRA Douglas Fir essential oil
  • 2 drops of doTERRA Peppermint essential oil
  • 2 drops of doTERRA Holiday Joy essential oil
  • 3 drops of doTERRA Wild Orange essential oil

 

Combine Douglas Fir with a carrier oil and stave off the winter cold with a relaxing massage.

 

I'd love to hear your favorite aromas of the season. Please comment below. 

 

I invite you to hop on over to my Insta and/or Facebook pages this month. I'm sharing how doTERRA's supplements support your body at the cellular level and why this is important for daily health. I will dive deep into how MetaPWR supports the body, and how to swap OTC options for natural options for digestive support, tension, inflammation, and aches and pains. I even have the littles covered, plus so much more!

 

Feel free to contact me if you are interested in learning more about using natural solutions and reducing your toxic load for you and your family. 

 

Until the next time,

 

Be well, Deanna

Peace. Love. Oils.