By Erin Hunter with commentary from Jennifer Langsdale

After a hot, busy summer, the bugs are finally simmering down, the air is crisp, and nature is getting ready to rest. Take care of yourself and feel good this season with some options on how to use aromatherapy for your fall wellness.

Fall is a time of transition, and as spiritual beings, we are part of it. Aromatherapy can support us in wonderful ways this season, such as warding off sniffles, keeping our skin in top condition, giving us focus, and helping us relax.

Here are some important areas that aromatherapy can give us therapeutic benefits.

1. Immune Support and Aromatherapy

The fall season is notorious for colds and flu, so it’s important to ensure our immune system is in top shape. Have an aromatic experience while assisting your upper respiratory system to breathe freely, decrease inflammation, and soothe skin.

Here are four oils to start with:

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Eucalyptus essential oil is good for upper respiratory infections, decongestion, and respiratory pathogens. This oil is anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and an expectorant (it helps clear mucus in the airways). Simply diffuse 4-6 drops in 100 ml of water or bathe/rub on the chest at 2-3% dilution.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia)

Lavender essential oil is a very well-researched and documented oil, with benefits shown to help the body respond to infections, decrease stress and enhance immune function, and act as an anti-inflammatory making it great for skin care and topical first aid. It’s known as a topical pain reliever, for its calming and sedative properties.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Patchouli essential oil has many therapeutic benefits including aiding with inflammation, tension, skincare, reducing stress and anxiety, and even helping stomach cramps. A great oil for fall, diffuse for stress or dilute and use topically for skin healing or cramping.

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Rosemary essential oil aids in many areas, such as muscle and joint pain, stress, memory, and mental tension. If you caught too many rays of sun this summer, use it for healing sun damage to the skin. This oil also helps with acne, acts as a decongestant, and can be used for better focus. It can be diffused or diluted for topical use.

2. Yoga and Aromatherapy

Yoga can help to tone your body and challenge yourself, but ultimately, it will provide you with a deep relaxation that so many of us are craving. Incorporating aromatherapy with yoga can help you relax, focus, and set your mood.

“Aromatherapy and yoga can form an ideal climate for managing our central nervous system”, says Jennifer Langsdale, owner of Heaven & Earth Aromatherapy and the Wild Nurturer.

Jennifer explains, “Yoga therapists integrate a protocol of effective breathing techniques paired with a successful sequence of asanas (yoga postures), with a goal in mind, such as to reduce muscle tension, reduce mental tension, or build strength and stamina.

“When I wear my aromatherapist hat, I think the same way, deciding on what kind of goal I have for my students or clients. I can take a standard well-rounded yoga class and build in an aromatherapy protocol as well.

“This can mean I choose one oil, or a synergistic blend to achieve an experience I want my students to have. If you want a relaxing ambiance, choosing an essential oil, like the ever-popular lavender or anxiety-relieving patchouli paired with a soothing citrus, we can combine two holistic integrative health experiences to enhance your healing experience, safely and naturally.”

3. Skincare and Aromatherapy

Now that the hot summer days are gone, it’s time to give our skin attention and provide some much-needed nourishment.

Prepare for the cooler climate with face washes, body lotions, and moisturizers that will give you healthy and vibrant skin.

While many skincare products promise to protect, nourish, and even give anti-aging results for our skin, they are often full of harmful chemicals and used without truly knowing what’s in them and how effective they really are.

Remember, it doesn’t need to be complicated. Using natural ingredients and organic essential oils, you can nourish your skin and uplift your senses without any harmful chemicals. Your skin will glow, and you will feel amazing.

There are many DIY skin care recipes online that are easy to create, cost-effective, and will give you results. It can be as simple as adding citrus and cedarwood essential oils to a homemade moisturizer recipe to give you all the fall feels.

4. Bathing and Aromatherapy

Creating a bathing ritual with aromatherapy can be part of a healthy routine and a wonderful form of stress relief.

Your ritual may include a bath at the end of the day with some candles, a good book, music, maybe a glass of wine, and most importantly, an essential oil blend to quiet the mind and soothe your nervous system.

Adding essential oils can provide healing properties to your bath water while helping you relax. You’ll enjoy tension relief, improved circulation, and being present with yourself.

Jennifer’s Easy Bath Recipe:

Carrier Oil:

1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil, preferably organic. Olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, or a combination of two work well.

Essential Oil Blends:

Up to 9 drops are plenty, or 2-3% dilution.

(2-3 drops maximum for children over 2 years.)

Conduct a skin patch test to be sure you are not allergic to the oils you choose.

Run the bath first, then swish in your blended carrier oils and essential oils. Never use essential oils in the bath without diluting them into your carrier oil first to avoid skin irritation. 

Choose one or all three of these combinations for a pleasant aromatic experience:

De-stress/Sleep Blend - Lavender (Lavendula agustifolia) /Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) /Bergamont (Citrus aurantium bergamia)  

Sore Muscle Blend - Peppermint (Mentha piperita)/ Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) /Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct cineole)

Lift Your Spirits - Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) /Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) /Thyme (Thymus vulgaris ct linalool)

Final Thoughts

Fall is a wonderful season of change that reminds us to slow down and take care of ourselves.

Aromatherapy is a great support when it comes to our immune system, practicing yoga, keeping our skin healthy, and enjoying a good soak in the bath.

Want some cozy or uplifting essential oils this fall? Here’s a collection of Autumn Favorites.

Safety First

Please note this is by no means a full or comprehensive guide to the use of these essential oils. The oils listed above do have research studies that have demonstrated the effects discussed. If you have a health concern consult your medical professional of choice, and when seeking aromatherapy advice seek out a well-educated professional. Always dilute your oils. Never ingest. Do not use on infants, small children, immune compromised, or if you’re pregnant, as many oils are considered unsafe for these groups.

Author bio:
Erin Hunter is a freelance health writer for hire, who lives on an acreage with her husband and son. With a passion for nature and wellness, she also has a natural living blog. When she’s not working on her latest project, you can find her outdoors with her son, feeding their little flock of chickens.

October 06, 2022 — Jennifer Langsdale

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