As we begin to celebrate the season, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a summary of my naturopathic medicine resources and tips for a happier, calmer, holiday. Whether you are traveling, celebrating quietly in solitude, or providing a space for your loved ones to gather, my desire for you is that you honor yourself and use this time as a rejuvenating pause.

Below are the top five suggestions for managing holiday stress that I give my clients in my naturopathic and functional medicine practice. Use them to help keep your spirits bright and your mind joyful.

Five Naturopathic Medicine Tips for Traveling and Gathering with Holiday Essential Oils

1. Stay grounded, Uplifted, and Soothed with Cedarwood and Frankincense Oil

I uphold the naturopathic medicine principle of “prevention is the best medicine.” This is why, starting in the fall, I discussed the benefits of staying grounded and soothed with the use of frankincense and cedarwood oils. These two oils make a “dynamic duo” for when one is feeling a bit scattered and overwhelmed. You can diffuse them in the home or dab on a drop or two before hitting the road.

Frankincense oil has been peppered throughout my holiday essential oils’ recommendations due to its versatility and symbolization of the spiritual aspect of the season. Cedarwood is an often-overlooked companion to this “Oil King,” but may be just as powerful for promoting solace.

You can learn more on how to use them here.

2. Welcome Abundance and Joy into Your Home with the Sweet Citrus Smells and Spices of Nutmeg and Cinnamon

The spice essential oils not only have potent immune properties, but also foster feelings of abundance. The citrus oils are uplifting to the mood and calm the nerves. They can be used alone, in combination, or blended with some additional essential oils to promote feelings of joy and abundance.

I like to wear a dab of the joy or abundance blend on my wrist and perfume points during this time of year. This way, I act like a 2-legged essential oils’ diffuser, infusing my surrounding fellow humans with scents of tidings and good cheer.

When I go to an oil lover’s home for the holidays, I offer a gift of the blend of abundance for them to diffuse.

The joy blend I find especially helpful for long car rides. I find it can transform frowns to smiles on the faces of cranky travelers.

3. Welcome Your Guests with Holiday Cheer, Connectedness, and Sweet Dreams

I provided several blends to inspire holiday cheer and promote connection during holiday gatherings. You can access them here and the four-step sequence to use them in your home.

4. Feel Hopeful for the Holidays During Trying Times

Not everyone will be celebrating as they desire, or, with who they desire this holiday season. During these times of transitions, it may be hard to not get stuck in negative patterns and thinking. For those struggling with loss, addictions, or grief this holiday season, I invite you to skim over my post on inspiring hope with essential oils. I also encourage you to reach out for support and know that you are not alone. You are part of this community, and we care!

5. Keep Your Belly Happy and Body Primed for Special Times

During the holidays, we may run ourselves down a bit with extra activities and additional yummy treats. Considering bringing your favorite digestive essential oil, such as peppermint, or a specialized blend, to keep the tummy happy during holiday feasts. I also suggest you keep your body and immune system strong with the thieves blend, which you can read about here.

Conclusion: Managing Holiday Stress with Essential Oils & My Wish for You

An understanding of the basis of emotions, and how the sense of smell and plant secondary metabolites impact the brain and body physiology, provides us with evidence that essential oils can change the mood with one sniff as they support our physical health.

My hope is that you use them as a tool to enjoy your holiday season even more.

My wish for you is that this time of year provides you with the power of love as medicine for your soul and the spirit of Santa Clause.

*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.