October is here. A time for wandering through pumpkin patches, getting lost in hay mazes, tasting hot apple cider, and enjoying autumn’s spectacular, colorful array of fall foliage.

Besides “leaf crunching” and cider-sipping, this is the time of year when the warming, sweet scents of spices begin to fill the air and that will linger throughout the holiday season. You can almost feel the world begin to slow down. Families have started to cozy-in by their fireplaces on chilly nights sipping on tea and lavender hot cocoa.

The transition of seasons is a time of change that I honor. Part of my ritual is switching up my essential oils and diffuser blends. For the month of October, I have begun to rotate in some of my favorite immune-supporting necessities. These grounding and warming scents invoke comfort and pleasant emotions as they enhance wellness.

With this simple act of “fall season oil prep,” as my family lovingly calls it, gratitude bubbles inside me. As I inhale the essential oils’ vapors filling my home, the science geek within me smirks, and I smile. I never cease to be amazed at the genius of how their biochemical compounds combine with their aromatic properties for simultaneous physiological support and mood enhancement.

In this post, I will begin to share with you my essential oils “prep” for October. In this way you can fully take in the season with your family and loved ones and enjoy long outdoor walks with them without any excess sniffles.

The Essential Oil that “Reins” Supreme for All Seasons

One of my favorite essential oils for mind-body balance, frankincense, is appropriately deemed the “King of Essential Oils.” This is due to its powerful effects and multifaceted uses. There are various species and distinct chemotypes of frankincense oils. Although their benefits are similar, each one has distinct characteristics.

It is easy for one to get lost in the biochemical soup of different compounds when deciding which frankincense oil to choose. I discussed this topic in detail in an article series aimed to help clarify this form of  “Boswellia Bewilderment.” I also summarized the key points in this accompanying video.

A commonality among the most well-known frankincense oil species is that they are all loaded with health and mood promoting properties. I always say, “a good quality frankincense oil is better than no frankincense oil at all.” That being said, you may want to try different species and find what works best with your individual biochemistry.

I will now give you a very brief highlight of the differences among them and share with you my top frankincense oil choice.

The Many Names of Frankincense Oil

Boswellia sacra and B. carterii both share a high pinene content. Pinenes were recently popularized when they were attributed to the benefits received from the act of “forest bathing,” a traditional Japanese practice of immersing oneself in nature. These immune-enhancing and stress-relieving phytnocides are now not only being enjoyed by those strolling through the woods, but they are also present worldwide in the homes of those diffusing their beloved fir and frankincense oils.

Boswellia freeana is another popular frankincense oil species. For those who want the immune and additional wellness properties of a higher terpene content, you may want to try this type.

Boswellia carterii is my favorite among the Boswellia species. There are several chemotypes. Many are high in monoterpenes, contain various levels of sesquiterpenes, and some, like mine, may even contain the compound incensole acetate. This latter molecule has been studied in vitro and vivo for its anti-inflammatory, mood- enhancing, and neurological properties. Your trustworthy supplier will be able to tell you if their bottle of B. carterii has been sourced and distilled to contain incensole.

Regardless of which species you choose, all forms of this sacred essential oil can be used to build up one’s mind- body, and promote spiritual awareness as we head into the holidays.

How I Use Frankincense Oil

I rub one to two drops of frankincense oil, diluted in a TBSP carrier oil, on the bottom of my feet or apply it to my wrists and the back of my neck. I also inhale it directly from the bottle.

It is wonderful to diffuse with orange and cinnamon (2:5:2 drop ratio) for a sweet, spicy, immune supportive and uplifting blend.

The Solace of Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood oil is my favorite sleeper oil of autumn, literally. It is often overlooked by the “King of Oils,” but it is a fir oil, that is also grounding, stress-relieving, and my go-to for shut-eye, along with lavender. It contains one of the highest levels of sesquiterpenes. This compound has been shown to optimize nervous system and brain function, have anti-inflammatory properties, and may support cardiovascular health.

A small, preliminary study with children with ADHD demonstrated that inhaling cedarwood oil positively changed the brain patterns of these little ones. This makes it a wonderful oil to have on hand for youngsters who have a hard time focusing on schoolwork.

How to Use Cedarwood Oil

This is my go-to diffuser blend for feeling comforted and finding more solace on chilly fall nights. I mix it with lavender in a 4:4 ratio at bedtime.

After an especially stressful day, I may combine it with bergamot at a 3:4 ratio for winding-down and to aid with studying.

Sometimes I also dab a drop diluted in carrier oil on the bottom of my feet for enhanced effects.

There’s More to Come

In the next article, I will continue with my list of essential oils for fall “oil-prepping.”

I hope you have found benefit in my top two choices.

Stay tuned.

Be sure to comment on your favorite fall oils below!

*Safety reminder:

For additional safety and medical information, visit my essential oils database. It includes a full category on how to use essential oils safely and potential drug interactions that can occur.

Please be extra cautious and be sure to check with your doctor if you have a seizure disorder. The Epilepsy Society of the UK lists certain essential oils implicated for their antiseizure effect as well as those that have stimulating properties.

If you and/or your physician are interested in consulting with me to assist with supporting the integration of essential oils safely into a therapeutic protocol, essential oils consultations are available.