A walk through the seasons” aromatherapy oils

We are fortunate in the United Kingdom to have such vast landscapes from beautiful coasts to magical forests, stunning lakes, and magnificent mountains. Due to the huge difference in terrains, we also have many species of plants and trees. 

One of the joyous things about living in the UK is the four distinctive seasons. Whilst sometimes our summers may not be exactly as we hoped, within the natural world you can clearly see the different seasons. 

Many of the plants and trees you may see whilst out enjoying walks or relaxing in parks can be used in aromatherapy.

Come with me on a walk through the seasons to discover the benefits of the healing plants and trees used in aromatherapy and what you may just see on your walks through the Great British countryside.

Spring

Beautiful spring is a season for hope and renewal with its promise of lighter nights and warmer days as we gradually watch nature beginning to awaken once more. 

One of the first flowers we may see nestled amongst the forest floor is the sweetest little flower known as Sweet Violet (Viola odorata). Whilst the vibrant purple flowers may stop you in your tracks, it’s the leaf which is used in aromatherapy. Violet Leaf absolute with its earthy and herbaceous scent can be used to help with a variety of skin problems. It’s a cooling oil which makes it wonderful to use on swellings and bruises. As you stand in the forest you may feel your stress ebb away and similarly, violet leaf can also be used to help with stress.

When spring arrives many of us start thinking about what we may do in our own gardens, or we head to our local parks to enjoy the warming sun and the spring flowers. Many gardens and parks within the UK often have hedging of the evergreen cypress trees. There is a wonderful mediterranean cypress tree which looks stunning in your garden and is also used in aromatherapy. Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) essential oil is one of my go-to oils when suffering with heavy and irregular periods. It has a calming aroma and can be used to support anxiety.

Summer

Summer with its hazy heat brings floral aromas drifting in the breeze, thanks to so many plants and trees in full bloom. I love walking in the countryside in summer as the farmers’ fields are full of wonderful flowers, such as the star shaped blue flower of borage. Borage (Borago officinalis) carrier oil is pressed from the seeds of the plant. It is suitable for all skin types but is wonderfully beneficial for skin which is affected by hormonal problems thanks to all the wonderful vitamins and Gamma Linolenic Acid found within this moisture-boosting oil.

Stumbling across a field of sunflowers is such a delight as they are perhaps the happiest looking plants. There is something so cheerful and upbeat about this huge flower and they certainly make me smile. Using Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Seed carrier oil will also make your skin happy as it is highly absorbent and gentle on the skin.

As we continue our walk through farm and grasslands you are sure to come across the tiny white or pink flowers of Yarrow. As a hiker, I first heard about the uses of yarrow to help stop bleeding. This is certainly true of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) essential oil which has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties which help to heal wounds, sores, and inflamed skin. Yarrow and Chamomile are both members of the aster family and are also used to help with insomnia and stress.

Autumn

As the leaves of the oak, sycamore and hazelnut trees turn orange and the sun gives a golden hue to all it touches we know autumn has arrived. Hazelnuts are not just beneficial to the animals which feed on them, we have also used Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) carrier oil for centuries on our skin and hair. Often found in haircare products it can help with dry scalps, while nourishing and strengthening the hair.

As we head along the coast you may see the beautiful juniper berry. The berry is probably best known for flavouring gin, but the purple berry is also a favourite to use in aromatherapy. Juniperberry (Juniperus communis) essential oil can be used to support digestive problems and strangely enough it can be used when you have overindulged in alcohol. It can also be used if you suffer with a nervous disposition.

As the leaves begin to flutter to the ground and the birds can be seen once more foraging the hedgerows to get their fill of the abundance of autumn berries, you are sure to spot the vitamin packed red Rosehips. Rosehip (Rosa canina) Seed oil is one of my favourite carrier oils to use as we approach the winter months. Extracted from the hips of the dogrose flower, it is extremely nourishing, hydrating and moisturising for the skin.

Winter

Winter with its biting winds and cold touch is perhaps not everyone’s favourite time to go out for a walk. Winter is when nature has slowed down and many of the trees are resting. However, you can always rely on the evergreens which stand tall and strong amongst the bare landscape to brighten your day. Pine and Fir needle are two evergreens which can be found throughout the UK. Bring the smell of the forest home with you by using Pine (Pinus sylvestris) needle essential oil to help ease mental fatigue. Pine and Fir Needle can also be used to support a plethora of respiratory problems, which unfortunately winter tends to bring us.  Fir (Abies sibirica) needle essential oil with its slightly fresher smell can also be used if suffering from fatigue.

Aromatherapy recipes using plants found on your walk

Ease Menstrual Cramps Oil

Add 3 drops of Cypress, 2 drops of Juniperberry and 1 drop of Yarrow essential oil to 5ml Borage oil and 10ml Sunflower oil. Mix and massage slowly and clockwise onto the abdominal area. 

Hand Moisturising Balm

Add 8g of Bees’ Wax, 60g Shea Butter, 10ml of Hazelnut carrier oil and 5ml of Rosehip Seed oil to a bain-marie on a low heat. Once the beeswax has melted turn off the heat and add 3 drops of Violet Leaf essential oil, 6 drops of Lavender, and 4 drops of German Chamomile. Stir and pour the liquid into a 60ml jar. Leave to cool and apply when your hands are feeling dry and need of a helping hand.

Perk Me Up Diffuser Blend

Diffuse 2 drops of Lemon, 2 drops of Pine Needle and 2 drops of Fir Needle essential oil, in water, in either an electrical aromatherapy diffuser or candle burner into your chosen room for a maximum of 20 minutes. Due to this blend being very stimulating do not use before bed.

There are many benefits to spending time outside from breathing in fresh air, to getting your heart pumping or taking a moment for you. Next time you are on your walk, and you see one of the plants or trees mentioned, take a moment to think how amazing the magic of that plant truly is.

Kirsty Summerbell

Consultant Aromatherapist

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