During Autumn some plants drop their leaves in order to conserve energy and the last fruits of the season produce seeds to ensure new life in spring. We, too, take time to prepare for dormant periods by dreaming about and nurturing the seeds of plans for the future. Autumn is a time for reflection on the year that has passed and examining elements in our life that may be lovingly let go. In times past, we prepared for Winter by ensuring we had enough resources to survive, gathering the last harvest, preserving fruits and vegetables and repairing our homes.
Preparing our defence systems
One of the most common health complaints during Autumn are respiratory infections; colds and influenza making Autumn the perfect time to prepare and support the immune system. Eating a wholesome diet, drinking lots of water, sleeping and relaxing will reduce the amount of stress in our lives. Amazingly, when we are in a relaxed state, our bodies use the time to repair tissue damage, detoxify, digest and, most importantly, our immune system begins works optimally.
Essential oils to support the immune system
Some essential oils have properties that stimulate our immune system and others help reduce the burden on our immune system through their anti-bacterial, fungal or viral activity.
- Frankincense and Vetiver are immune stimulants.
- Cinnamon and Tea Tree are powerful antiseptic oils.
- Black Pepper is warming and toning to muscles including those of the digestive and circulatory system.
- Melissa may help as a spot treatment for cold sores.
How to use essential oils to support your immune system
Essential oils can be used in a massage blend to promote relaxation and deliver the healing oils into the body. A 2.5% dilution (15 drops in 30mls of carrier oil) is suitable for a full body massage for adults.
Frankincense blends well with floral and citrus oils. Vetiver has a very heavy earthy scent and is best blended with stronger florals such as Ylang Ylang and Geranium or the spice derived oils such as Ginger and Black Pepper.
Anti-septic oils can be added to your existing cleaning products to enhance their fragrance and disinfectant properties. Best to avoid adding essential oils to dishwashing detergent to minimise the risk of ingesting oils and transferring their strong flavour to your meal.
Add 5 to 8 drops of essential oil to your cleaning products or add up to 40 drops of essential oils to a 250ml spray bottle, fill with equal parts water and vinegar and use for a homemade disinfectant spray.
You can also spend some time reflecting in a lovely aromatic bath. In a bath of warm water, add up to 6 drops of essential oil in a dispersant such as honey, full fat milk or coconut milk and dream away.
For those who like writing, a diffuser or specially blended perfume can help. Add up to 8 drops of essential oil blend in your diffuser. Or, add up to 10 drops of essential oil to a 10ml rollerball and fill with your favourite carrier oil. Apply to your wrist or across your sternum before beginning your journal time.
Essential oils can help us emotionally and physically. Let’s look at how the properties of essential oils support us on many levels during contemplation.
| Essential Oil | Emotional | Physical |
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Serenity, stills the mind, deepens the breath |
Immune stimulant, skin healing, respiratory system |
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Sedative, hypnotic, reconnecting |
Immune stimulant, digestive |
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Cleansing, refreshing, purifying |
Digestive system, circulatory system, anti- bacterial |
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Balancing emotions |
Balancing to bodily systems |
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Comforting, lifts mood, courage |
Anti-viral, digestive system, calms the nervous system |
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Author: Alissa Geddes
Aromatherapist
Alissa is a fully qualified Aromatherapist with further qualifications in Remedial Massage & Myotherapy. She qualified as an Aromatherapist in 2005 and has worked in hospitals, day spas and in clinical practice. Alissa contributes her extensive knowledge to ECO. and helps with detailed education to our ECO. community. Alissa is passionate about assisting and teaching others how to restore and maintain their health and wellbeing.
