By Jessica Shepherd

Holidays are here and spices fill the air!  Even if your not baking, or steeping teas, these spritzers are perfect for setting the ambiance of spicy holiday cheer!  I put together a few recipes to share with all of you my dear herb-loving friends.  These make lovely gifts, and I always like to spray entryways and my living room before holiday gatherings, having one in the bathroom is nice too!

Before you mix up these dazzling spritzers, I want to inform you a little bit about some of the essential oils in these blends before you start.  These spicy essential oils are quite frankly, termed “hot”—rightly so, as a little goes a very long way for generally speaking, most spicy essential oils.  If not properly diluted they can easily irritate the skin and mucous membranes—so be sure to dilute properly.  I prefer to start on the light side with very few drops at a time–  remember you can add another drop but you can’t take a drop too many back out!   They are however, very useful– when diluted properly, and are fantastic for use in aromatherapy formulas.  Enjoy the comfort and healing  from their aromas which gently invigorate and elevate the mind, senses, and your heart.  

Here are some brief aromatherapy profiles of common holiday-comfort, mood- enhancing essential oils:

(Note e.o. = essential oil)

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) essential oil:  This is true Cinnamon oil, not the Cinnamomum cassia that is actually the most mainstream—C. cassia is actually a less expensive substitute from an evergreen tree in China and Southeast Asia where it is used also for medicine, incense, perfumes, and seasoning.  The true Cinnamon zeylanicum essential oil is available distilled from either the leaf or the tree bark.  Described by Deborah Eidson “like a hot fireball of energy freeing and purifying everything in its path”, it is warm and spicy, with a distinct sweet edge. The smell of cinnamon is reputed to tame tension, balance or calm the nerves and invigorate the mind and senses to transform “stuck” ways of thinking.  It allows for new attitudes and responses to challenges, or patterns of handling pain from the past.  Some use in ritual for clearing malice or spite, as it is believed to release anger, rage, and frustration.  It helps one to claim their abundance, and healthy empowerment.  It has antibacterial, and antifungal properties as well as being an antioxidant.  Cinnamon lets energy flow freely through the physical and subtle bodies and is popularly used in topical pain liniments and massage oils.  It works to break through blockages and stagnation as it gets the blood invigorated. Cinnamon has a history of being put into aphrodisiac formulas–ooh,la,la.

Cardamom (Eletteria cardamomum) essential oil:  Distilled from the seed of cardamom pods it is distinctly sweet and exotically spicy, especially the high quality distillations—lower quality oils have a more predominant eucalyptus note to them.  It has been used for a wide variety of intestinal issues by trained practitioners, also too, for pain and spasms as an analgesic.  It very much supports stress that manifests in the digestive tract, massaging the stomach area with the oil (dilute 10-12 drops in 2 ounces of carrier oil like sunflower, or almond oil) will help calm worry and fear that tightens up and constricts the belly.  The scent is uplifting and one that fortifies and aids the emotions to maintain an open heart, and to communicate from a place of love. It allows one to feel the sweetness of life via expansion of the heart especially if one is used to “fear-based” reactions.  Recently cardamom has danced in my mind–calling at me to, “blend me with rose’s” she says–the combination is oh, so, lovely!  This is another one on the ole’ aphrodisiac list as well my friends!  This oil can be a bit pricy sometimes, especially high quality e.o. , but a little goes a long way, and it adds a new exotic edge to many aromatic blends–beyond just the holiday themed one’s.

Clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) essential oil: Distilled from the immature flower bud.  Clove is highly antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, and has been used (diluted!) on athlete’s foot, warts, and scabies, and of course toothache. Tiny amounts are stimulating and can help counter fatigue and nervousness, also used for memory. Emotionally “clove bud helps you reflect upon the root cause of pain, recognize how it once served you, and realize it is no longer needed” (Deborah Eidson).  Clove can help those who need to restore hope and belief in themselves so they can reclaim healthy control of their power and spirit.  It re-ignites passion for life and for desire to care for one’s self — helping to break free from self-judgement/criticism.  When blending clove can sometimes be over-powering so start with 1 drop per ounce of carrier (base oil or water) and to soften your blend add some lavender e.o. .

Orange (Citrus sinensis):  We are obviously no longer in the “hot” category anymore with this sweet essential oil.  Also known as “Sweet Orange” the essential oil is cold pressed from the peel of the citrus fruit (I prefer organically cultivated!).  It is important to note that citrus essential oils have a shorter shelf-life and it is best to use them within one year, they are high in terpene compounds which contributes to them “going-off” quickly.  The e.o. can be slightly photo-sensitizing so be mindful of direct sun exposure after application. Orange is used in massage blends not only for its relaxing qualities, but also to gently stimulate the lymph aiding in detoxification and therefore, also used to decrease cellulite when used in massage oils and body scrubs.  Has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Lively and awakening, perky-sweet citrus notes swirl the mind with delight.  Orange has a gentle sedating and calming effect and has been used for anxiety, depression, nervous tension, and even shock.  ”Like being thrown a life-saver after falling into a sea of emotion”(Deobrah Eidson) orange can aid in staying balanced through challenging times.  It can also be used to clear recent negative emotions “out of the air” or  a space–for instance after an argument or disruptive stress, you can mist the area (7 drops of e.o. or so per ounce of water) with a spritzer and it will work to transform and dissolve the tension left behind– and to restore a balanced and positive vibe.  Most of us are familiar with the scent of citrus to lift the mood and spirits—feeling lighter and brighter.  Children are particularly fond of this cheery scent as well.

Now to share some recipes with you—perfect for an aromatic holiday gift!  I put very simple names to these, so feel free to get even more creative and sassy with your titles!  If your the crafty type–go for it with labels and finishing touches–always be sure to note ingredients, remind to shake mists well before spraying, and to be careful it doesn’t go in the eyes.  

And now finally, the recipes!

Holiday Chai Spice Spritz

A wonderful spice blend rounded with a touch of deep-sweet vanilla, sure to put you in the mood of gratitude for the holidays!

2 oz. Amber glass atomizer bottle or plastic

Cardamom e.o. 4 drops

Cinnamon zeylanicum (true cinnamon bark) or C. cassia e.o.  7 drops

Clove e.o. 2 drops

Orange e.o. 14 drops

Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon (optional)

Put all drops of essential oils in the empty amber bottle, then add vanilla extract, and finally top off with purified or spring water.  Shake well before misting. What a wonderful sweet and warming air freshener this is.

Sugar N’ Spice Mist

Put warmth and cheer and a whole lotta’ love in the air with this aromatic mist!

Orange essential oil 15 drops

Cinnamon essential oil 5 drops

Clove bud essential oil 2 drop

Ginger essential oil 2 drop (optional)

Vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon

Rose Hydrosol 1 teaspoon

2oz. glass or plastic atomizer bottle

Put all drops of essential oils in the empty amber bottle, then add vanilla extract, and finally top off with purified or spring water.  Shake well before misting.

Woodsy Chai Spritz

A grounding holiday spice blend with a whisper of the forests song!

2 oz. glass or plastic atomizer bottle

Cedarwood Atlas e.o. (Cedrus atlantica) 10 drops

Cove bud e.o.  3 drops

Cinnamon e.o. 5 drops

Pine needle e.o. 4 drops

Orange e.o. 10 drops

Vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon 

Put all drops of essential oils in the empty amber bottle, then add vanilla extract, and finally top off with purified or spring water.  Shake well before misting.

Holiday Cheering Spice Mist

To cheer or to be cheered…a mist to “snap out of it” and celebrate good times!

4 oz. glass atomizer bottle

Cinnamon e.o. 7 drops

Clove e.o. 4 drops

Orange e.o. 15 drops

Cardamom e.o. 4 drops

Tangerine e.o. 10 drops

Pine needle e.o. 4 drops

Lavender e.o. 12 drops

Put all drops of essential oils in the empty amber bottle, then add vanilla extract, and finally top off with purified or spring water.  Shake well before misting.

Centered Heart Mist

If holidays overwhelm you–let this spritzer guide the way.  This mist will help you return to your heart’s center–where all you need is LOVE and that my friends is what the holidays to me are all about–spreading LOVE and HEALING!

2 ounce glass or plastic atomizer bottle

Vetiver e.o. 2 drops

Cinnamon e.o. 2 drops

Cardamom e.o. 3 drops

Lavender e.o. 10 drops

Vanilla extract 1/2 tsp.

Rose Hydrosol 1Tbsp.

Put all drops of essential oils in the empty amber bottle, then add vanilla extract and Rose hydrosol, and finally top off with purified or spring water.  Shake well before misting.

 

Source’s sited:

Vibrational Healing By Deborah Edison

Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art  By Kathi Keville and Mindy Green

WebSites I recommend that offer organic and therapeutic grade essential oils:

Simplers Botanicals–they carry exceptional essential oils and hydrosol’s their website also has lots of valuable information on Aromatherapy basics

Humboldt Herbals (they carry therapeutic grade and organic Simpler’s and Prima Vera essential oils; and also Wyndmere essential oils– a very high quality, clean, and economically priced line)

Stay Merry, Stay Bright,Give Thanks to the Plants, and May You Blend with Love!!!