While essential oils come in many wonderful varieties, there are three which stand out for the holiday season. These are Pine, Eucalyptus and Frankincense. They have characteristics which are not only suitable for the winter months, but have a symbolism which represents the season of giving.
Pine Oil
Pine oil results from the distillation of twigs, cones and stumps, from various types of pine. It is popular oil for aromatherapy and during holidays can be diffused around the home to give it a fresh, forest like scent. It is the perfect companion oil for Christmas trees. It is also used in bath oils to bring out their scent, and can be used for cleaning and lubrication. Those who specialize in expensive clocks will often use pine oil for maintenance. It is a natural disinfectant, insecticide, and can be used for massages.
Frankincense
The holidays are one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year, which is why savvy people will massage Frankincense onto their temples, neck or chest. This is because it has an aroma which is both uplifting and relaxing. Frankincense is actually a type of resin which is aromatic, and is used in a variety of products, which range from perfumes to incense. It is extracted from trees in the Burseraceae family and the resin comes in different grades whose quality depends on the period in which they’re harvested. The resin will typically be sorted by hand in order to determine its quality.
Frankincense is one of the oldest resins to be used by man, dating back thousands of years. It was especially popular in the Near East, being used by Arabs and the peoples of Northern Africa. It is mentioned multiple times in the Bible in reference to Jesus and thus is closely associated with Christmas.
Eucalyptus Oil
This oil is best diffused prior to parties and other social events. This is because it has a clean, crisp aroma that refreshes the air around you and as such will produce an atmosphere which is both ambient and charming, which is precisely the effect you want for the holidays. It can also be applied to a shower or bath to help you relax after a busy day of shopping.
Eucalyptus is distilled oil which is extracted from Eucalyptus leaves, which are native to Australia. In terms of application, it is one of the most diverse oil in existence, as it is used for flavoring, medicine, perfume and industrial purposes. As with pine oil, it can act as an insecticide, and has a wonderful flavor which makes it excellent for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. It can be added to baked foods, dishes containing meat and even some beverages. It has antimicrobial characteristics, which means that it will eliminate any pathogens which are food borne or which result from spoilage. It has a very fresh aroma which makes it prized in soaps and lotions.