The right time for self-care can be any time - it doesn’t need to be a particular season. In fact, you should try your best to take time out for yourself on a routine basis. It takes time and patience to build self-love rituals and practices but once you get there, it’s totally worth it.
But with frost gripping the UK, we specifically want to discuss self-care and winter season. Most of us live incredibly fast-paced lives. We are so busy that it is often difficult to tune everything out and focus on our own well-being.
Winter season is different though. Winter break is warm, merry and festive - and honestly, it’s the only break we secretly wait for all year around. By design or chance, winter holidays are also the perfect time to relax, unwind and take care of your mind, body and soul.
Here are 3 wonderful oils that you should include in your self-care kit this winter season:
Hair & Skin:
Cold and dry winter wind can rob our skin and hair of its natural moisture. Even if you do not go out as much, indoor heating can also have a drying effect. You must have noticed how your skin turns dry, flaky and itchy during the winters. The same goes for your locks which become rough and lackluster in the absence of moisturizing natural oils.
Thankfully, there is a way to replenish the moisture content of your hair and skin; organic oils. Organic oils contain a cocktail of essential compounds and fatty acids that nourish and moisturize our skin and hair.
Coconut Oil for Hair & Skin
Packed to the brim with regenerative compounds, fatty acids and antioxidants, organic coconut oil has cell-repairing properties that prevent damage and aging. Coconut oil is also beneficial for skin and scalp health because of its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
Lauric acid, an essential fatty acid present in coconut oil, is well known for its anti-microbial and moisturizing properties. Lauric acid, when applied topically, stimulates skin repair and boosts collagen production. Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E which plays a crucial role in protecting our skin from sun damage.
Organic coconut oil also helps your hair retain its moisture and protein content by combating common hair issues such as dryness, dandruff, and frizz.
Usage
Wondering how to incorporate coconut oil in your hair and skincare routine these winters? We’ve got guidelines:
For Skin:
Step 1:
Carefully measure1 tbsp of coconut oil, scoop it out and rub it gently between your palms to liquify it. If your coconut oil is in solid form, you can place the jar in warm water to melt it prior to application.
Step 2:
Dab the oil onto your face using your palms and fingers. Massage in a circular motion until the oil is absorbed into your skin.
Step 3:
Pat away excess oil using a piece of tissue paper. Leave a thin layer of coconut oil on your skin for the night and get ready to wake up with supple and radiant skin.
For Hair
Step 1:
Liquify your jar of coconut oil by immersing it in warm to hot water. Once the oil melts, pour a teaspoon of it onto your palm and rub it between your hands.
Step 2:
Divide your hair into smaller sections prior to application. Pick a section and begin applying oil to the tip of your hair.
Step 3:
Slowly work your way up to the mid-section and then the scalp. Remember to use more coconut oil on drier parts your hair first (e-g strands) and then move to the scalp area.
Overall health:
Winter season is also the cold and flu season. Viral infections and allergies seem to intensify during the winters. Nobody enjoys getting sick during holidays and that is why it is very important that you take steps to strengthen your immunity and become healthy.
Some natural oils are known for their health-boosting properties and nourishing content. These oils are available in many forms including food supplement pastes and capsules. Incorporating these oils into your diet can yield many health benefits.
Black Seed Oil for Overall Health
Black seed oil, also known as black cumin seed oil, is extracted from tiny seeds of the Nigella Sativa plant. With its miraculous properties and rich composition, black seed oil is nothing short of a gift from nature.
Black seed oil is considered a cure-all in some parts of the world because it contains a long list of essential nutrients and beneficial compounds including fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Fatty acids and minerals are required by our body to function properly while vitamins strengthen our immunity.
Black cumin oil is loaded with powerful compounds called phytochemicals, which give it its anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Black seed oil also contains an anti-histamine called Nigellone which provides relief during viral flu, cold and allergies.
Usage
Follow these steps to include black seed oil in your winter diet routine:
Step 1:
Warm a glass of water
Step 2:
Measure quarter to a half teaspoon of black cumin seed oil, pour it in water and stir properly.
Step 3:
Add honey for flavour and sip away.
Dosage: This black seed oil and honey drink can be taken twice a day.
Ambience
Whether you have invited your loved ones over these winters, or you are hoping to spend a little me-time, your surroundings matter a lot. The last oil we have on our list is an essential oil that will add to the ambiance of your place and get you in the winter spirit.
Pine Oil for Ambience
If winter season was a scent, it would be pine oil. If you want your house smelling of holiday festivities, simply diffuse some pine oil and wait for that delicious pine scent to spread.
Pine oil, with its woody, fresh and sweet aroma, does not just smell amazing, it also offers real health benefits. Initial studies have indicated that pine essential oil can bring down stress levels and provide relief against pain.
Usage
Here’s how you can benefit from the therapeutic properties of pine oil:
Step 1:
Put your diffuser in the middle of the room, lift its lid and fill it with room temperature water
Step 2:
Add 2-3 drops of pine oil in your diffuser
Step 3:
Replace the top and turn it on
Step 4:
Inhale and appreciate the enticing scent of winter pine.
About Nature’s Blends
Looking for oils to include in your winter self-care routine? Our wide range of organic, cold-pressed and raw oils is worth checking out.
At Nature’s Blends, we are committed to bringing you nature's finest. That is why our products are raw, natural and preservative-free. Explore our collection!
Stay Warm!