Last week I discussed some seasonal nut carrier oils used in aromatherapy. This week I am following up that post with the types of essential oils that you might find useful as Thanksgiving approaches. Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends, but it can sometimes lead to discord among guests, overeating, and grumpiness! Here are some suggestions for getting you through this seasonal celebration!

Essential Oils for Thanksgiving Parties

As discussed in my book, Authentic Aromatherapy, essential oils can be used at parties and social gatherings to encourage a certain mood. Diffusing essential oils is probably the best method for this purpose; always consult the diffuser manufacturer’s guidelines for use. Suggested essential oils for a social gathering such as Thanksgiving include:

• Lemon (Citrus x limon) and grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) – lemon and grapefruit essential oils can encourage conversations and mingling among friends and family

• frankincense (Boswellia carteri) and myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) – frankincense and myrrh essential oils can relax the mood and may curb any disagreements before they start

• cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)* and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) – a seasonal combination of spice and zest. Add in vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) for an extra twist.

*avoid in pregnancy.

You can “mix and match” these essential oils to your preference to encourage one of more of these moods or actions!

Essential Oils for Digestion

Family celebrations and gatherings such as Thanksgiving are often times when we over-indulge. To aid in digestion, diffuse some digestive-friendly essential oil blends such as:

• ginger (Zingiber officinale), cardamon (Elettaria cardamomum), and mandarin (Citrus reticulata)

• lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), dill (Anethum graveolens), and peppermint (Mentha x piperita)*

• bergamot (Citrus bergamia), neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara (flos), and celery seed (Apium graveolens).

*Do not diffuse around babies and children under 3 years of age, or in pregnancy.

After Your Thanksgiving Guests Leave

After your guests leave, you may find that your home is left with some lingering energies and/or emotions that can leave you feeling drained and tired. After many people have gathered in one space, this is quite normal. To restore calm and balance to your home, consider diffusing the following essential oil blends – or use a simple hydrosol spray (where suggested):

• geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

• cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)*, cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)

• vetiver (Vetivera zizanoides) and clary sage (Salvia sclarea)*

• rose (Rosa x damascena) hydrosol

• neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara (flos)) hydrosol.

*avoid in pregnancy.

Learn More About Essential Oils with Sedona Aromatherapie

If you would like to learn more about how to use essential oils safely and correctly, consider the Sedona Aromatherapie Linguistics of Aromatics^TM Program!

References:

• Author is a 20 year veteran in the health care and aromatherapy industry, a UK-certified aromatherapist, published author in aromatherapy, an approved education provider for the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), an aromatherapy business owner, a consultant, and Chief Editor for the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal.