5 Essential Oils For Your Diffuser This Winter
Winter is here, y’all. My neighborhood is currently blanketed in white—every tree branch heavy with snow, a gentle reminder that the season is, indeed, here.
We’re also in the thick of the holidays, with Thanksgiving behind us, and Christmas and New Year ahead. No matter how much we love this time of the year, it can feel chaotic and overwhelming.
To help you combat the winter blues and stay grounded, here are 5 essential oils to add to your survival kit for one the busiest seasons of the year.
A refresher on essential oils
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that retain the smell of the plant. They can be diffused, or applied topically if mixed with a carrier oil.
When inhaled, the scent connects to the part of your brain that controls emotions, so certain scents can help calm you down or energize you.
Five essential oils and why you should definitely keep them in rotation all winter long
Tea tree essential oil
Tea tree essential oil comes from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia and has a fresh, medicinal, camphor-like scent. Research found that trea tree oil can inactivate 95% of airborne influenza virus within 5-15 minutes when diffused.
This makes it one of the most effective natural air purifiers for winter, when viruses are circulating and we’re spending more time indoors. And because tea tree also fights bacteria and fungi, you can get well-rounded protection during cold and flu season.
Rose essential oil
Diffuse rose oil during your planning rituals, when you sit down to map out your goals and vision for the year ahead. It creates the perfect aromatic backdrop for this reflective work.
Clinical research shows that rose oil promotes both psychological and physiological relaxation, helping to calm the nervous system. This makes it ideal for relieving stress and anxiety, and uplifting mood.
Rose essential oil has also been clinically found to reduce menstrual cramping and pain when used through massage or inhalation, either alone or in combination with pain medication.
Lavender or Bitter orange essential oil
Lavender is one of the most studied oils for calming the nervous system, easing stress, anxiety, and depression. You can diffuse it when you feel overwhelmed, before and after gatherings, for sleep relief, or anytime really.
If you’re over lavender, a great alternative is bitter orange essential oil. Research comparing both oils found no significant difference in their ability to reduce anxiety—both were equally effective at calming stress and improving well-being.
The main difference between these two is the scent profile. While lavender—a floral oil with a soft, herbal aroma—has more calming abilities, bitter orange is from the citrus family and has a brighter, more uplifting quality.
Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus is a winter essential because of its ability to support respiratory function and ease breathing. Diffuse it to help clear stuffy nose, provide relief from congestion, and improve indoor air quality during peak cold and flu season.
The primary compound, eucalyptol (also called cineole), has been shown to have decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties that help ease respiratory discomfort.
Wild orange essential oil
Wild orange essential oil is another favorite because of its refreshing and mood-boosting aroma. It has multiple health benefits, including stimulating and cleansing qualities that makes it perfect for diffusing.
You can use wild orange as is or blend it with peppermint for a more invigorating feeling. Diffuse it in the morning to help start your day or in the office.
Because of its antimicrobial, it’s also great for homemade cleaning solutions.
