We’ve been devoted to aromatherapy for as long as we can remember through the wisdom of practitioners including Robert Tisserand, now one of the world’s leading experts in this fragrant art. We have always kept our own store cupboard of essential oils so we were delighted when this list of must-have oils for winter plopped into our in-box.

You can use them in different ways, as the text explains, and you’ll see several mentions of putting oils in a diffuser. Just to let you know that you can buy an Aroma Spa Diffuser, which has several extras including soft colour changing lighting and air humidification, for £36 at tisserand.com – where, of course, you can buy all the essential oils.

Sandalwood for pesky coughs and colds or to reduce stress and anxiety.

Great for winter months, sandalwood has a wonderful soft grounding aroma. It can soothe coughs and colds when used in a diffuser [as above]. Vetiver can also help calm anxiety and reduce stress, particularly when that’s having an effect on the respiratory system. Sandalwood also has skin nourishing properties and is suitable for all skin types; add it to a pure blending oil; Tisserand offers a choice of Wheatgerm, Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Peach Kernel or Grapeseed Pure Blending Oils/£3.95 for 100ml.  There have been issues with sustainability in some countries and Tisserand Sandalwood Ethically Harvested Pure Essential Oil is grown in Australia from a sustainable and ethical source.  

Ginger for supporting the digestive system, achy muscles and stomach cramps. Steam-distilled from the fleshy roots of the plant, ginger has traditionally been used to support the digestive system. Even a quick breath of this spicy sweet smelling oil can bring relief from nausea. Add it to a blending oil [see above] and rub in to ease achy muscles or massage over the abdomen to relieve stomach cramps. Or add to a diffuser to bring a burst of energy to your day. Ginger Organic Pure Essential Oil/£12.25 for 9ml.

Vetiver to ease anxiety, and help with a restful night’s sleep. Vetiver contains grounding properties that provide a sedative effect. Locally it is known as the ‘oil of tranquillity’, as it can be very helpful in easing states of anxiety. Steam-distilled from the roots of tropical vetiver grass from Sri Lanka (which has traditionally been used for many practical purposes including mat making and weaving), this nourishing oil can be added to a base oil [see above] to enrich dry skin or added into a diffuser to help aid sleep. Vetiver Ethically Harvested Pure Essential Oil/£13 for 9ml.

Lemon boosts the immune system to keep winter bugs at bay, also boosts concentration. The bright refreshing aroma of lemon is a wonderful immune-boosting essential oil. This classic essential oil is expressed from the fruit rind and research shows it helps keep winter bugs at bay and help focus so it’s ideal when sitting at your desk. Lemon Organic Pure Essential Oil/£5.55 for 9ml.

Lime to lift a low mood. The sweet refreshing scent of lime provides an instant mood enhancing effect when used in a diffuser. It’s extracted from the rind of the fruit in a process called ‘expression’. [This is a good one to have around in the dark days of January when a leaden duvet covers the sky.] Lime Organic Pure Essential Oil/£7.95 for 9ml.

May chang boosts energy levels. May chang has a wonderful zingy, lemon sherbet aroma that immediately lifts the mood. May chang boosts energy and lifts any gloomy thoughts, making it the perfect antidote to long winter nights. Steam distilled from the fruit of the may chang tree it’s best used in a diffuser. May Chang Ethically Harvested Pure Essential Oil/£4.90 for 9ml.

Juniper berry to combat coughs, colds, low moods and energy. Also helps with feelings of indecision. Best used in a diffuser, the pungent pine-y aroma of juniper oil is effective in combatting coughs and colds thanks to its strong cleansing properties. It can also be used to help low mood, low energy or feeling of indecision. When added to a base oil and applied to the body, juniper berry will also invigorate and soothe tired, achy muscles. Add to a base oil and rub in to help soothe and invigorate tired achy muscles. Juniper Berry Organic Pure Essential Oil/£18.30 for 9ml.

Clary sage is perfect for bringing a sense of calm and joy. Clary sage, along with other sage plants, has a traditional use in herbal medicine as sages have long been considered a tonic for the whole body, including helping the symptoms of PMS. Steam distilled from the flowering tops of the herb, clary sage has a soft sweet hay-like aroma with a warm undertone. Add to a diffuser after a stressful day to restore a sense of calm and contentment. Clary Sage Ethically Harvested Essential Oil/£11.05 for 9ml.

Ylang ylang to calm emotions and bring a restful night’s sleep.Ylang ylang has an intensely potent, heady, floral aroma that acts as a natural sedative and is used to calm emotions. Steam-distilled from the delicate yellow flowers of this tropical tree, which grows in Madagascar, it’s also renowned as a natural aphrodisiac. To use, add a few drops to a diffuser at bedtime for a restful night’s sleep. Ylang-Ylang Organic Pure Essential Oil/£11.95 for 9ml.

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