Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
Written by Lisa Cadman, 22/12/2021
This Christmas feels a little precarious right now, with the ever-present Covid-19 still within our communities. Whatever Christmas means or is to you and your loved ones, and whether you are on your own or with friends or family, I wish you all a peaceful and relaxing time, and a happy, healthy 2022.
Christmas can be a magical time, with all the fairy lights, the gift-giving, decorations, wonderful food, church services, nativities, pantomimes and warm movies. It can also be a sad, lonely or difficult time for some, whether they be homeless, without friends or family, grieving a lost one, suffering illness, financial difficulties or for many other reasons.
May Christmas be a time when we feel gratitude for the people and things we have in our own lives, and a time when we reach out to help those less fortunate. Give your time, money or gifts where you can, to those who may need that extra comfort. Include people who may be on their own (who would prefer not to be), or those not able to support themselves or their families, as they would like to.
If you are lucky enough to be with loved ones, remember that this is what is most important. Being together this year (particularly after the sadness of missing loved ones last year) is the greatest gift – not just what is wrapped under the tree.
I thought maybe for this blog I would mention some Essential Oils that evoke the aromas of Christmas! Our sense of smell is a strong one, and its lovely to bring a little of these aromas into our homes at this time of year.
Please note that under all the Essential Oil descriptions, I have noted any Safety Data to be aware of. Some oils are contra-indicated completely for certain conditions (i.e. you should not use), where others are just ‘use with caution’.
Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis)
Orange is a wonderful nerve tonic, uplifting, yet still calming and relaxing, which leads to a wonderful sense of wellbeing. I’m yet to meet someone who doesn’t like the smell of this oil! It is great for the Lymphatic and Digestive systems and is really refreshing – a brilliant tonic. It is also useful for headaches and migraines, and also helps with poor concentration and fatigue. It is a safe oil for everyone, and very popular with children too. It blends beautifully with all the traditional Christmas smells – and oranges themselves are often pierced with clove buds, to make lovely pomander balls at this time of the year. These are thought to bring good luck, and are used by many different cultures around the Christmas and New Year period.
Frankincense (Boswellia Carteri)
This oil is probably the one I would take with me to a desert island if I was only allowed to choose one! It is one of the safest oils we have, and one of the best for dealing with stress-related conditions. It is rejuvenating, healing, wonderful for emotional support, and is calming and centering. It is also lovely for elderly people (probably why I like it so much!) and is useful when dealing with bereavement and trauma. A wonderful link to the Christmas story, being one of the gifts brought by the wise men, and definitely my favourite Essential Oil. Frankincense also blends beautifully with most other oils.
Cinnamon Leaf (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Fol)
This oil is a powerful circulatory stimulant and digestive remedy. It is analgesic and carminative, as well being antimicrobial, antiviral and antispasmodic. It is a very powerful oil, so only a few drops should be used, as it may be too strong and overpowering for some. When used wisely though, it is extremely invigorating and warming, and can bring comfort and strength. This oil should not be used with babies, children or for those with damaged skin. It also should not be used in pregnancy or during menstruation, and should not be used long-term by anyone, but particularly those taking anticoagulant drugs. A lovely warm, Christmas aroma, used in moderation.
Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum Gem)
This oil shares very similar properties to Cinnamon leaf above. It is also a powerful circulatory stimulant and analgesic, and is also warming and strong in its effects. It has a powerful antibacterial action and is a great antirheumatic. This oil is totally contraindicated with babies and children (just 5-10ml of pure essential oil ingested can be fatal to a child), and it also should not be used on those with damaged skin. Like Cinnamon, it should not be used in pregnancy or during menstruation, or used long-term by anyone, but particularly those taking anticoagulant drugs. Another lovely, warm, Christmas aroma, used in moderation.
A lovely Christmas Essential Oil Blend of these for a healthy adult that I would recommend, would be 30ml of whatever Base/Carrier oil is your preference – I use Sweet Almond – then add:
5 drops of Orange
4 drops of Frankincense
2 drops of Cinnamon
1 drop of Clove
Or if you can’t use them all, or would like to use different ones of your own choosing instead, then use a combination (up to a total of 12 drops) per 30ml of Base oil.
So all there is left to do, is to wish you all the very best for the Christmas period, and to wish you all a very happy, healthy 2022.
If you would like to discuss any ways in which my treatments or products might be able to help you please do not hesitate to contact me on: 07710 173354 or email me at: lisa@soulspace.biz. I would really love to hear from you.
With all my love and hugs. See you next year!
Lisa
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