The changing calendar also means a shift in the season and this transition has a subtle but significant impact on our physical and mental health. As the world changes from the vivid summer to the warm embrace of autumn, or from the icy winter to the optimistic blossoming of spring, a change in our bodies and feelings becomes evident. This shift of seasons can show itself as weariness, mood swings, or just a general sense of being out of rhythm. However, a general practice known as aromatherapy can help to harmonise our internal rhythms with the external world.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is an alternative medical practice that utilises natural extracts of plants, known as essential oils. These extracts help improve general well-being. Since this therapy uses the aromatic components of plants for medicinal effects, it is often termed essential oil therapy as well.¹ If we literally translate aromatherapy, it means ‘treatment with odour’. 

On the other hand, aromatherapy entails massaging the entire body or only the feet, hands, or head with very diluted essential oil or a mixture of them in a percentage of one to two in a carrier oil like almond oil. Adding drops of essential oil to a hot bath or basin, or volatilizing them using a variety of burners, are other methods of aromatherapy.²  

The science behind aromatherapy

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts with volatile components that give them their unique scent. These substances interact with the limbic and olfactory systems when breathed or absorbed via the skin. These molecules have the ability to release neurotransmitters that have an analgesic and pleasurable impact, like endorphins.^3,4

Aromatherapy compounds can cause a pathophysiologic response through two typical mechanisms. Inhalation - for example, using a diffuser - is the most popular method. The stimulation of olfactory organs by inhaled essential oils rapidly influences various physiological parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, pupil dilation, body temperature, and circulation.^3,4

The second typical method involves molecules being absorbed through the skin, as happens during a massage. Essential oils can improve healing, facilitate communication, and lessen an individual's perceived stress.⁴

Seasonal transitions and their impact

Every season presents a unique set of difficulties as it changes. Not only do these changes correspond with alterations in the weather and the world around us, but they also bring about modifications to the length of the day, the temperature, and even the quality of the air we breathe. Our surroundings change as the seasons change and this can have a significant impact on how we perform our day-to-day activities.

Winter to spring

As the season changes from winter to spring, the daylight increases and the cold is replaced by warmth. Spring brings with it a renewed life and a whole bunch of pollen allergies. This leads to discomfort impacting well-being.

Spring to summer

Longer days and warmer temperatures can result in discomfort from the heat and insect bites.

Summer to fall

The days become shorter, the air becomes cool and dry taking moisture away. This leads to skin and respiratory issues.

Fall to winter

Colds, flu, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) are common in winter as the days become short with reduced sunlight and cooler temperatures.

Essential oils for each season

Using essential oils is a great way to welcome the transition of the seasons. You may improve your well-being and create a peaceful environment year-round by choosing the correct essential oils.

Spring: Renewal and rebirth

The world wakes from its slumber as winter gives way to spring. It is a season of development and rebirth. However, you may feel sluggish and worn out due to allergies. You should think about adding the following essential oils to your regimen to help you embrace the spirit of spring:

Eucalyptus

It helps clear nasal passages and alleviate allergy symptoms. It has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. A compound named cineole is present in Eucalyptus oil and helps in healing by restricting the spread of infection.⁵

Peppermint 

It boosts energy. Its anti-inflammatory action helps to clear the sinuses.⁶ The relaxing action of peppermint oil on the muscles of the respiratory tract helps reduce cough by decreasing the contraction of muscles.⁷

Lemon

It has antihistamine activity and helps relieve seasonal allergic rhinitis.⁸ Antihistamines block the receptor of histamine, a substance released by the immune system when the body comes in contact with the allergen. Besides this, the fragrance of lemon is refreshing and uplifts the mood.

Blends and usage tips

• Diffuse a blend of eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemon to invigorate and clear the air
• Add a few drops of peppermint and lemon oil to a carrier oil for a refreshing massage
• Allergy Relief Blend: Mix together a single drop of each lemon, peppermint, and lavender essential oil, and apply to the soles of your feet, behind your ears, and on your neck for potential allergy relief¹

Summer: Vitality and balance

Summer is a season to embrace a sense of vitality, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the outdoors. However, outdoor time means an encounter with insect bites and skin irritation. The following essential oils can help you keep the bugs at bay:

Citronella 

A natural insect repellent, citronella essential oil is a perfect partner for someone who loves nature but is prone to insect bites.⁹

Lavender

It is a versatile essential oil and an all-rounder for every season. It has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Because of these properties, it helps to soothe sunburns. It also acts as an insect repellent. It promotes relaxation and helps to have a good night’s sleep during summer.¹⁰

Chamomile 

Sun-stressed skin might find calming respite from chamomile oil. The anti-inflammatory and relaxing qualities of chamomile oil are well-known for their ability to lessen redness, irritation, or inflammation brought on by sunburns or other skin sensitivities. During the hot summer months, the mild herbaceous fragrance of chamomile soothes the mind and encourages calmness and relaxation.^11,12,13

Blends and usage tips

• Keep the local area clear of insects especially mosquitos by burning citronella essential oil in an oil burner in the garden
• Dilute lavender oil with a carrier oil and apply on burns or irritated skin
• Spray lavender oil mist in the room before sleeping
• In a diffuser, place some drops of chamomile oil and spread through the air for a relaxing effect

Autumn: Grounding and letting go

Autumn encourages us to slow down, contemplate, and get ready for winter as the days get shorter and the leaves change colour. However, dry and cold air is another gift of autumn resulting in breathing issues and dry skin. Oils having soothing and grounding properties might support you as you welcome this changing of season:

Geranium

It balances and moisturises the skin because it regulates the secretion of sebum in the skin. It may mitigate skin irritation and encourage the regeneration of healthy skin cells.¹⁴

Tea Tree

It supports respiratory health and helps in the healing of skin.¹⁵ Tea tree oil has the potential to bring down inflammation and stimulate white blood cell production, both of which are critical for the healing process.¹⁶

Cedarwood

The balancing and grounding features of this woody oil can help alleviate feelings of anxiety and tension.¹⁷

Blends and usage tips

• Take a breath of the cedarwood essential oil straight from the bottle. You can also dab a little bit onto a piece of cloth or towel and place it near your pillow
• In a diffuser, mix a few drops of tea tree and eucalyptus oil for air purification and as a respiratory health support

Winter: Rest and rejuvenation

During the winter, warm and relaxing oils can enhance your well-being and contribute to creating a warm and inviting environment:

Cinnamon

The warming and energising qualities of this spicy oil can improve your mood and increase blood flow.^18,19

Ginger

It treats cold hands and feet and weak blood flow by stimulating the circulatory system. As a warming massage oil, ginger essential oil works wonders. Ginger helps the body generate heat and sweat, and helps break fevers.²⁰ It also acts as an expectorant.²¹

Blends and usage tips

• For use as a spray, add a few drops of clove oil. For every ounce of water, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommends 10 to 15 drops
• To use as an inhalant, a few drops of ginger oil should be added to steaming water. It is advised to start with no more than one or two drops by the University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing (CSH)

Summary

When adjusting to seasonal changes, aromatherapy can be a very useful ally. You may support your physical and emotional well-being by employing the right essential oils and being mindful of the particular challenges that each season brings. Harness the power of aromatherapy's natural ingredients and incorporate it into your everyday routine. Keep in mind that the key is to figure out what suits you the best.