The Essence of Winter

The essence of winter has a different meaning to everyone. For me, it is a time where I enjoy the company of family and friends. During this time I try to make an extra effort  to be thankful for past moments and create new ones with my loved ones. This is also a time when I reflect on events which have happened throughout the year and begin planning changes for the next. For me this season brings me hope for a new beginning I have the power to create; even if I have stumbled or fell short of my goals.

Along with reflecting and spending time with family ,the winter season beings many scents, although Christmas has now passed, the scents surrounding this holiday season linger to aid us in ways we may not realize. Popular scents of the holiday season are: Pine, cinnamon, ginger, orange, clove, pumpkin, nutmeg, cardamom, juniper berry, and peppermint. Each element has a chemical composition which actually aid in bring healing to our bodies. After my research there is no question as to why these are the common scents this time of year.

Pine…

Is a common scent which fills homes each season and has quite a remarkable history. Historically pine has been used by the American Indians to prevent scurvy and for many other remedies. It has also been stuffed in mattresses to aid in repelling lice and fleas. Past documents have also shown pine being used to help with pneumonia, lung infections, and help with mental fatigue.

But we have been filling our homes with more than the fresh wood scent of pine, but also its healing properties. The chemical constituents of pine essential can be used as a natural source of antioxidants and have antimicrobial benefits.

It is because of the constituents in pine essential oil, we can use it for cleaning our homes from bacteria, fungi, pathogens, and yeast; remove orders and purify the air, decrease inflammation, decrease allergies, relax muscles and help with pain, and energize, uplift, and focus the mind.

In the diffuser it is great for soothing mental stress, relieve anxiety, freshen and deodorize a room, and revitalize the body.

Nutmeg Essential Oil… comes from the Myristicaceae plant which is indigenous to the islands of Indonesia. Historically nutmeg oil has been used by various populations but mainly for pain, digestive, and kidney problems. It has been placed in soaps, candles, dental products, and hair lotions. The Egyptians used it in their embalming blend and the Italians burned it during the plague.

Today research has shown us why the chemical constituents of nutmeg essential oil can aid our bodies in healing in many ways. Nutmeg affects the immune, nervous, and hormonal system,. Nutmeg oil is mostly used to help with chronic diarrhea, nausea/ vomiting, muscle pains, arthritis, insomnia, gall and kidney stones, and aid in digestion.

Juniper… 

Comes from the plant Cupressaceae (the cypress family). Historically Juniper berry oil has been used to protect from evil spirits, physical and spiritual purification, cleansing and healing wounds, liver complaints, embalming, headaches, kidney problems, warding off plagues or epidemics, keeping diseases at bay, fevers, arthritis, and help decrease fatigue. Today, juniper oils is still used for many of its historic remedies along with aiding in reducing inflammation, improving memory, clearing urinary tract infections, and help with skin issues (eczema, acne, and dandruff).

The research surrounding the chemical components of juniper berry essential oil show Juniper berry oil has an effect on the digestive and nervous system, skin, and emotional balance. The research also shows it has antimicrobial activity against several bacterial and fungal species.

DIY Pumpkin…

Pumpkin is a common cultivated plant, which scent fills each home from fall through winter. It is in candles, pies, other dishes, and fresheners. I have not been able to find a pumpkin essential oil specifically but have smelled the sweet scent of a pumpkin spice blend. By mixing 3 drops of clove, 3 drops of cinnamon bark, 2 drops of nutmeg, 1 drop ginger, and 1 to 2 drops of orange you can enjoy the added benefits of each oil and the sweet aroma of pumpkin spice from a diffuser.

Traditions, although strange at times, have a sense of truth to them often drowned out by folklore.  Winter season is a time for family and also a time to reflect and prepare for the new year. Mental exhaustion and depression are real this time of year, as we reflect on our goals, dreams, accomplishments, relationships, set backs, hardships, and down falls.

The traditional smells of the winter season were once used to fight off infection, increase mental alertness and uplift spirits, reduce mental fatigue, calm up set stomachs, aid in skin irritations, and of course many more…  I find it ironic how the aromas of each season have benefits to the us with moods/feelings we feel. Although the New Year is approaching, winter season is still here. Fill your home with the smells of winter and embrace the benefits the aromas bring to your mind, body, and spirit.

Wellness is a journey. Taking a step and becoming balanced in mind, body, and spirit is possible. As we reflect this season and plan/ hope for a New Year; you can accept the challenge, go out of faith, and try something new. I was happy I did. Let us embrace this journey together. 

– Jasmine Hutchinson BSN, RN, PHN

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If you’re looking for places to purchase natural, organic products or essential oils, check out my organic products page for links.

Disclaimer… This blog is intended solely to serve as a resource to health information and to provide you with basic information about the symptoms, cautions, safety concerns, natural remedies, DIY recipes, and nutritional concerns related to all aspects of health. This blog does not provide a comprehensive explanation of all aspects of any health condition or concern or even those aspects that are discussed in this blog. This blog is not intended to be–and you should not use it as–a substitute for medical advice or health care given by a licensed health care provider. Be sure to see a licensed health care provider to help ensure your health and the health and well-being of your family.