Weather sensitivity: how to combat it with essential oils

What is meteoropathy?

SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, is the name for what we commonly call "meteoropathy." Sudden mood swings, an increased perception of stress, insomnia, and the exacerbation of existing disorders are just some of the symptoms of meteoropathy, which appears to be linked to the functioning of the pituitary gland. This gland – which regulates its activity based on sunlight – produces a greater quantity of ACTH, "the stress hormone," as the external temperature drops. In parallel, endorphin production decreases, thus reducing pain tolerance and the action of the immune system.

A solution to meteoropathy

How can you protect yourself from the cold, bad moods, and support your immune system? In the vast world of essential oils, there are multiple answers to meteoropathy, but the most effective for keeping spirits high during the winter months is one: citrus fruits.

Sun-kissed fruits retain the energy of the rays they grew with and seem able to give it to us during periods when the sun is lacking. The essential oils of Orange (Citrus Sinesi), Lemon (Citrus Limonum), Mandarin (Citrus Reticolata), Green Mandarin (Citrus Deliciosa), Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) and Litsea (Litsea Cubeba) are a true ode to light and stimulate the pituitary gland, encouraging endorphin production and slowing down ACTH production. The action of citral – one of the active ingredients of the essential oils extracted from citrus fruits – rebalances the gland's activity, alleviating the symptoms of meteoropathy.

In aromatherapy, citrus fruits are used to provide support in cases of insomnia, recurring thoughts, stress, low self-esteem, appetite imbalance, indecision, and lack of concentration. Citrus fruits are also good antiseptics capable of cleaning environments and thus encouraging the functioning of the immune system.

How to use essential oils against meteoropathy

Environmental diffusion

Windows are closed, heating is turned on, and we spend more time at home. At this time of year, citrus essential oils can really help us make the atmosphere of our homes more pleasant and purify the air. A good aromatherapy practice also allows us to keep alive the beneficial contact with Nature, which we don't frequent much during the cold season.

Environmental diffusion is a simple way to accompany the activities of the whole family and naturally clean environments of microbes and bacteria. The support of plants can help us with slower awakenings, stimulate concentration during study and work hours, balance appetite, relax, and create a warm and cheerful atmosphere in the evening hours. Aromatherapy is therefore a pleasant and simple tool to counteract mood swings and symptoms of meteoropathy, starting from home or the office.

We can choose essential oils extracted from citrus fruits during the toughest moments of the day: in the morning when you don't want to wake up, in the evening to let go of tensions. To preserve all the properties of the active ingredients, it is recommended to use a cold essential oil diffuser, as excessive heat – like that of a classic candle in an oil burner – oxidizes the molecules of the essential oil.

Other uses:

• In an aromatic bath or nebulized in the warm vapors of the shower;
• Massaged onto the body (duly diluted in vegetable oils or butters), citrus fruits purify and encourage blood circulation and lymphatic drainage;
• On a handkerchief, to keep in your pocket;
• Between the sheets and on the pillow;
• Diffused in the car (discover Sniff, the car diffuser) to make journeys more pleasant.

Essential oil blends for meteoropathy

Citrus fruits are top notes and lend themselves to countless combinations, enhancing the properties and scent of the oils that accompany them. Here are some synergy blends from Olfattiva that contain them and can be used to warm up and chase away the winter gloom... in short, to say stop to meteoropathy!

• Good Mood: Orange, Mandarin and Cinnamon
• Winter Joy: Orange, Mandarin and Vanilla
• Evening: Orange, Atlantic Cedar
• Angel's Water: Mandarin, Lemon, Litsea, Bergamot, Myrtle, Eucalyptus
• Sweet Mafalda: Lemon and Vanilla
• Sherazade: Patchouli, Lemon, Cassia Cinnamon
• Winter Star: Lemon, Tonka, Cinnamon