HOW TO SCENT YOUR HOME IN WINTER
Don’t you just love the smell of Winter? From the aroma of woodsmoke whispering off a crackling fire, the tantalising twist of orange and spices mulling red wine on the stove, to the fresh, green outdoor indoor familiarity of a ‘proper’ Christmas tree, emitting its evocative alpine forest scent in the corner of the living room. Each element evokes the season.
Infusing pure essential oils into your home or workplace can have such a beneficial effect on the ambience and your mood, and there are now so many delivery methods from a diffuser to essential oil burners, candles and room sprays. So, whether you want something energising, sexy and spicy, or purely pine-scented to mimic a winter scene, here’s how to aromatically make a home more aromatic for the season.
Pine
The ultimate feel-good, wintergreen scent of fir is iconic in winter. Spruce, fir or pine, conifers produce phytochemicals called terpenes that give off their distinctive and refreshing aroma that as an essential oil helps relieve anxiety, stress and nervous exhaustion (from all that entertaining). Add a few drops of the cult classic Olverum Bath Oil, £35 for 125ml, to your bath or shower with its therapeutic blend of ten essential oils including Siberian Fir Needle Oil, Juniper and Eucalyptus. I also like to pour a little in an electric diffuser and use it as a room oil too before the tree goes up. Infuse the air with Peppermint Grove Crisp Pine Candle, £34.95.
Mandarin
Mouth-watering baby oranges, that first vibrant spray of citrus orange oil as you dig in your thumbnail is so uplifting, and as an essential oil, mandarin is referred to as ‘euphoric’ and ‘spiritually lifting’ at any time of the year. Why not create a spicy blend with two drops each of mandarin, juniper and cinnamon oil and add to a room vaporiser.
Cinnamon
The archetypal ‘comfort foody’ smell, cinnamon is also the welcoming warmth in sweetly spiced mulled wine Gluwein that makes it such a winter ski highlight and makes everything seem cosier and snug.
Frankincense
Synonymous with Christmas, this oil is actually a favourite aroma often used in therapy massage rooms as it has a sedative, harmonious effect on the mind and body. It’s a beautiful aroma in itself, but blends beautifully so is a great one to use in the home. My favourite incense to burn, especially in the bedroom, is Nitiraj Platinum Fair Trade Frankincense Masala Incense, £5.95 for 10 sticks at amazon.co.uk.
Ginger
From delicious gingerbread to spicy ginger ale, the flavour and aroma of ginger makes everything feel tasty any time of the year; plus this irresistible warming essential oil helps promote self-confidence and boost self-esteem. Try adding two drops to a clean tissue and inhale deeply, breathing in through your mouth and filling up your abdomen like a balloon for a deeper breath. One of my favourite winter must-haves in the home is to share the delicious, lingering ginger aroma of Origins Ginger Hand Cleanser, £18, with guests in the downstairs cloakroom.
Sandalwood
The seductive flickering of an open fire is all part of the cosy allure of winter (I do like them in summer too - it’s the snuggly smell), but when it comes to filling your home with a deep, woody aroma, nothing beats this ancient scent that’s been loved for over 4000 years. In aromatherapy, sandalwood is believed to be an emotional healer and a powerful aphrodisiac, find it in my own JOGB Sensual MOJO Candle, £65, at jogbliving.com, 100% pure essential oil blend with ambrette seed, rose and coriander. Alternatively, for a little festive calm, mix two drops each of sandalwood, lavender and chamomile essential oils in 10ml of avocado oil (or any pure grade kitchen oil). Keep in a small airtight container, then massage a little onto your pulse points (wrists, temples, collarbone) to swiftly reduce stress levels before the 24th.
Clove
The warming combo of cloves and oranges is as traditional an aroma as they come, and this warming spice is the secret ingredient in a cinnamon apple pie too. Have you tried mulled apple juice (simply swap the red wine for apple or pear juice to create a delicious, warming drink.)
SCENT YOUR SPACE
THE GUESTS ARE COMING!
JOGB MOJO Sensual Candle with Sandalwood, Rose, and Ambrette Seed
Quick Refresh I love to add a sneaky couple of ‘invisible’ aromatic drops of my favourite essential oils on the pillow inside a cushion, to curtain hems, scent an ornament, drop in a vase, or add a couple of drops to water and spray over logs and linen. "The scent at home is so important,” says Noella Gabriel, the creative CEO behind Elemis; “it can really rebalance your mind. Nothing feels more luxurious than taking time for you, especially around the festive season. As the evenings darken, make your home a sanctuary with an indulgent, restorative routine. Start by giving your eyes a rest with dimmed lights and mood-transforming scented candles before beginning to unwind with the perfect bath.”
JOGB SLOJO Relaxing Candle with Geranium, Lavender, Labdanum and Cedarwood
10 minutes to go… get aromatic
Light a candle The chicest way to create instant ambience and get your home smelling warm in winter is to fill your home with a memorable nostalgic scent. Choose natural wax candles made from soy and other sustainable ingredients (not palm oil) from MOJO, GOJO and SLOJO in our JOGB Harmony Collection, designed to all burn together should you wish, to make your hallway entrance smell divine. Or check out Aveda Rosemary Mint Vegan Soy Wax Candle, £30, vegan, 100% naturally derived soy wax candle, featuring organic rosemary, peppermint and spearmint oils.
Use essential oils Mix a blend of warming, uplifting essential oils, such as geranium, frankincense, mandarin, neroli and rosemary, into a diffuser for an instant emotional lift to your home environment, or sprinkle over a bowl of woodchips, pebbles or potpourri (if you like it - I don’t) that needs refreshing with a natural scent. Also, a great way to perk up the hallway.
Decorate with scented branches Make the most of any offcuts of deciduous branches in th garden by decorating a tall vase or table setting to help scent your space, by then sprinkling some favourite essential oils in the base of the vase with the water.