Scents of the Holidays

The last post was about making tea for  physical and emotional health. Drinking the beverage not only warms and stimulates the body systems but the flavors trigger chemical responses through the nervous system. The same thing happens from the aromas.  The affect aromas have on our nervous system is  part of why many scents or incenses are traditionally used in religious ceremonies.   Today is Dec. 21^st. Its is the winter solstice; the longest hours of darkness for the year.  The warming scents of frankincense and myrrh, rosemary and pine were an important part of the ancient rites of calling for the sun to return.



Frankincense is a resin. Its aroma is warm and dry. The affect it has on  the nervous system is  relaxing yet revitalizing. This makes it wonderful for both nervous tension and nervous exhaustion…sound like the Christmas shopping season? Whenever stress leads to depression, restlessness or insomnia look to frankincense to restore balance.

Myrrh is another resin or dry sap from a tree. It has a warm and dry effect. This is especially beneficial in the damp grey days of winter. Often times when a person has a lingering cold or congestion from a cold it is due to weakness in the spleen-pancreas. Myrrh helps the body move the congestion out.

Rosemary is actually an evergreen, one that can grow up to 6 foot tall. It is also one of the most widely used of the medicinal herbs. To the ancient Greeks and Romans the plant was sacred and used at every ceremony where solemn vows were made. It was considered a symbol of loyalty. Its action on the nervous system is to gently stimulate so it aids in concentration and memory.

Pine oil or just the fragrance is another warm dry scent. It  acts as an antiseptic which is why pine oil used to be a popular house cleaning product. The scent of Pine works as an expectorant and supports the body’s efforts to overcome respiratory infection. Many essential oil literature states that pine fragrance restores emotional positivity as well as the ability to process experiences.

Enjoy the scents of the holidays and whichever your belief, may your holiday be filled with beautiful memories.  Thanks for reading. ~ Malana

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