12 Days of Christmas 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

The 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Gift Guide to 2020

“What can we do to bring people together this Holiday Season?” was the question the Amrita experts kept being asked. Thus, with keeping traditions in mind, the exquisite oils that were selected provide a variety of physical, spiritual remedies, spiritual, and enhancements for your routines.

“On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

A partridge in a pear tree.”

The Atlas Cedarwood is closely related to the biblical Lebanon Cedar, which is why Atlas Cedarwood puts the “therapy” in “aromatherapy.” By adding a few drops of this oil in a diffuser or bath, you can relieve that emotional tension from the ghosts of holidays past. It’s the emotional support you've been searching for. Atlas Cedarwood also soothes and nurtures the uncomfortable symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism. Due to the anti-inflammatory properties, it calms and nourishes naturally igniting a release that will deepen each experience throughout the day.

“On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Two turtle doves.”

The two turtle doves represent old traditions versus new traditions. Today, many have traditions to preserve those who came before us by honoring the true meaning of Christmas. When you look into several holiday traditions or essential blends, you will see “Fir” being used frequently.

What is the difference between different “Firs”?

Let’s take a look at Balsam Fir, Silver Fir, and Siberian Fir.

Balsam Fir – rich and sweet aroma, uplifts and strengthens emotions and stabilizes anxiety by exchanging stale air and purifying the air with a pure-outdoor aroma making it the ultimate Christmas fragrance fit for any holiday celebration. More than the others, it nurtures the subtle aspect of breathing, known as prana. It is the best of the three for quiet time.

Silver Fir – intensely pine with a sharpened-edge aroma, it brings fresh and yet bright energy creating the natural feeling of empowerment. It will stabilize uneasy emotional tension, so you don’t have to stress!

Siberian Fir – light, airy-pine without the sharp edge, with the crisp and powerful aroma, you will expect to feel refreshed and grounded. While Fir oils naturally purify indoor spaces and help ward off airborne illnesses perfect for your morning rituals. Something coffee only wishes it could do!

“On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Three French hens.”

This gift was to represent the gifts given by the three wise men: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. You will feel you have gold when you diffuse Frankincense and Myrrh together because they bring an aura of calm and peace to your environment. You will feel you have the holiday spirit around with this blend!

For centuries, Frankincense has been used to promote meditation and spiritual elevation, including assisting in the transition of death. Thus, Frankincense is referenced often as an essential oil in the bible as being one of the cardinal ingredients of the “Holy Anointing Essential Oil”.

Frankincense is still used in the present day to calm the mind and aid attainment of a meditative state by slowing the breath rate (a sign of deep relaxation). It also helps relieve anxiety, stress, and tension. Its astringent properties help clear respiratory channels affected by cold or flu. Along with pain-relieving properties, Frankincense has regeneration capabilities.

Myrrh was the most referenced essential oil especially being mentioned in the bible. Known for its elevating attributes, the oil affects both emotional and spiritual. Myrrh has always been a popular base-note oil to help prolong fragrances in other oils. The resin was blended so often with other essential oils and carrier oils that some cultures would sometimes call it “ointment” instead of “Muron” (Myrrh).

Myrrh can be used for protection against infectious diseases and to elevate feelings of well-being. Diffused and inhaled, Myrrh can reduce anxiety & facilitate calmness. Its’ properties are antifungal, antiseptic, and antibacterial; this can help give balance to the thyroid and endocrine systems, and support the immune system. This powerful resin may aid problems such as coughs/colds, wounds, digestive issues, diarrhea, ulcers, dry/cracked skin, eczema, and athlete's foot.

“On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Four Calling Birds.”

Did you know that Cinnamon was used as a perfume in the past? Today, many people use cinnamon spice for cooking (drinks, pies, and other baked goods). Others will use cinnamon sticks in seasonal decorations like wreaths, candles, and centerpieces. However, many do not realize how strong Cinnamon Bark can be!

Cinnamon oil is known as one of the most powerful antibacterial and antifungal oils available. It can also be as effective as many antibiotics. Thus, please be cautious when handling this essential oil. Only apply it to the skin when strongly diluted in a carrier oil.

Confidently, Cinnamon Leaf and Cinnamon Bark oils share properties that help address nervous system disorders (stress-related problems, nervous tension, weakness, fatigue, and low self-esteem) to dental/oral concerns (such as laryngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, and sore throats).

Cinnamon Leaf Oil help further with issues such as lice, scabies, warts, and wasp stings. Cinnamon Leaf Oil can also help if you have poor circulation, rheumatism, indigestion, and even fight the common cold!

“On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Five golden rings.”

Sweet Orange is the secret ingredient to unveiling that smile and standing out during this stressful time. Its sweet aroma will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed. This means no more winter blues for you; you will be shining from the inside out. Sweet Orange naturally soothes those nasty symptoms of nervousness, seriousness, fear of the unknown, and treats insomnia disorders that stem from anxiety and other nervous disorders.

Stemmed from the orange tree and within its bitterly-blooming flowers, Neroli essential oil holds to one of this year’s top holiday gifts to give. Neroli Oil is used to treat specifically those who suffer from uncomfortable pains during menopause, seizures/compulsions, high blood pressure, extreme stresses, and even aids women during childbirth! It acts as an anti-anxiety allowing an individual the freedom of inflammation and bloating and a painless release from worry, stress, poor mood and even treating outbreaks on the skin! Neroli is also used in high-class perfumes. This essential oil is best applied by adding a few drops to your favorite oil for massage and massaging into the skin for the ultimate aromatherapy experience!

“On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Six geese a-laying.”

This is the oil that will not leave you just laying around! Undoubtedly, Nutmeg Oil is the little pick-me-up that you’ve tirelessly searched for all year long! Known for its warming, relaxing, and spicy aroma that can energize the mind and deeply soothe the senses.

Nutmeg works as a natural anti-inflammatory that can lighten rheumatic and muscular aches and pains. It is also an efficient decongestant. It can be very beneficial in decreasing tightness and pain in the chest. This oil consists of a dominant, potent fragrance that clears blockages in the nasal passage and can reduce symptoms of asthma, allergies, and wheezing.

The most popular and recommended uses for Nutmeg are in a diffuser, blended holiday food and drink (use only one drop at a time), and even a warm-oiled massage. Let Nutmeg help enhance the rich and powerful taste of Eggnog this holiday season!

“On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Seven swans a-swimming.”

Clove is one of the essential oils that you’ll want to be swimming in this year! Clove contains a scent that is distinctly warm, spicy and stands out among the rest. It stimulates memory and overall mental functioning and alertness, dismissing mental exhaustion. It is also an excellent stress reliever, helpful to patients suffering from insomnia. Therefore, Clove can aid you for the early hours packed with the exhilarating chaos of Christmas morning!

Is the stress of the holidays making your stomach upset? Used through the ages for stomach related problems such as indigestion or motion sickness. Clove is most commonly used to help immediately numb tooth pain. You only need to add a couple of drops onto a cotton swab, then apply on the gums where the pain is felt! An added benefit, Clove can freshen your breath. It even has appetite-boosting powers.

Clove’s impressive antiseptic properties can aid in many fungal infections like athlete's foot. Again, you only need to add a couple of drops to a cotton swab, then apply to the areas on the bottom of your feet. But please remember to dilute with a carrier oil. Clove is also well known for being highly beneficial for clearing respiratory problems; unblocking breathing passages. Add a couple of drops to a bowl with hot water to use for steam diffusion. Slowly inhale the aroma, allowing it the opportunity to open your nasal passages.

“On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Eight maids a-milking.”

Christian Theology refers to “the eight maids-a-milking” as to the eight beatitudes or eight blessings. The definition of beatitude defines “a state of supreme happiness.” The red-and-white whirls sweetly unite to make the most wonderful and happy combination of all, Peppermint Oil. This featured essential oil represents pure happiness by implementing blends an invigorating freshness to any indoor space.

Peppermint has remarkably immediate effects on mental functioning. It can help those sensitive to neurological disorders such as ADHD and even works as an acute first-aid-remedy to bring quick relief to a variety of ailments. Peppermint has been known as a remedy for acute dizzy spells, rapid heartbeat, tremors, shock, and general weakness. Use a few drops on a tissue to bring quick relief to headaches, nausea, fainting, and even vertigo.

Peppermint Oil can also help alleviate an occasional stomach upset when taken internally; remember only to use 1 to 2 drops at a time. Aiding digestion is just one prominent feature of Peppermint, and as the very essence of the venerable candy cane, indulge as needed throughout this happy holiday season!

“On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Nine ladies dancing.”

You’ll want to dance with this uplifting essential oil! Always synonymous with Christmas traditions, Black Spruce is the clean, fresh scent of the Christmas tree. Known to have an opening effect on the mind, body, and spirit. Black Spruce Oil is distilled and manufactured from the needles and twigs of the Black Spruce tree giving an uplifting feeling to help you feel grounded and renewed.

Black Spruce’s greatest benefit may be its help in dissolving blocked energy in the chest area. It aids in dissolving fogginess and clearing passages in the chest area, which can be associated with depression and chronic fatigue. Black Spruce also provides respiratory support, relieves congestion (including cough spasms), and clears mucus!

Black Spruce has so many wonderful uses! It can help with poor circulation, can calm inflammation, soothe sore muscles, and relieve muscle spasms. Its woodsy, fragrant aroma can help open and release emotional blocks, bringing about an experience of balance, strength, and peaceful serenity.

If used with Sweet Eucalyptus Oil in a diffuser, it can assist in warding off colds and flu. This is a wonderful way to give your immune system a bit of extra support while evoking precious memories and joys of Christmas past.

"On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Ten lords a-leaping.”

You’ll be jumping with joy when handed this essential gift for this holiday season! Sweet Ginger is perfect for helping you get over your holiday slumps. It boosts energy and promotes clear decision making. Did you know that Ginger is also a strong digestive? In case you overate during the holidays: use this essential oil only one drop at a time to help your stomach. Make sure you do this after your meal, as it also increases appetite and you do not want to overeat again!

The spicy root of Ginger has been used in many culinary delights. The spiciness increases heat in the body, which can create a sense of resolve or optimism in your life. Ginger is a spicy and warm top note that will remind you of a Latin dance: sultry and fiery!

Are you feeling a cough coming on? Ginger is known as a warming oil that can relax tight muscles and relieve aches and pains. It can be very useful in the treatment of colds and coughs. Add one drop with Lemon into hot water to help sore throats. Make sure you stir very thoroughly. It also improves digestion as it stimulates the gastric juices. This can decrease flatulence, morning sickness, and nausea. For motion sickness, use a few drops of Ginger Oil on a small bandage and place it behind the ear. Remember: dilute the oil in a carrier oil to avoid irritation. Ginger might not seem impressive on the outside, but it can get you moving in the right direction by pushing aside the confusion and giving you inner strength!

“On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Eleven pipers piping.”

You’ll want to honk your horn with you use this unknown gem in the World of Aromatherapy: Thyme Thujanol. Thyme was applied by the earliest civilizations as a form of medicine. In Ancient Greece, they chose thyme over incense to burn on altars for the gods. Middle Age sorcerers were known for making love potions using thyme. Lastly, the Egyptians would embalm their dead people with ointments featuring thyme.

Organic thyme comes from France and Spain. This thyme variant ( Thyme Thujanol) is well tolerated on the skin. Non-irritating and far milder than Red Thyme essential oil. Thyme Thujanol has an impressively long history of therapeutic and medicinal benefits. It is a potent essential oil with antiviral and anti-fungal characteristics. Lastly, it is well known for its disinfectant properties. But remember: Thyme Thujanol cannot be replaced by Red Thyme, as Red Thyme is much too irritating! While White Thyme is as irritating as Red Thyme, we do not recommend it at all, as it is almost always adulterated.

Thyme is not just a holiday garnish! Did you know Thyme is used in sauces, grilled meat dishes, and can be the key ingredient for some liqueurs? Christmas dinner would be greatly diminished without thyme to delicately embellish that stuffing. Thyme Thujanol is really a specialty in that it is extremely effective against all Covid viruses (cold, flu, Covid-19, etc.). Thus, it is really too expensive for the general stuff that is over-the-counter.

“On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

Twelve drummers drumming.”

Has the holiday stress made you feel like a drummer is in your head beat a drum? Well, don’t feel overwhelmed and try this essential oil: Spearmint. Spearmint is believed to be the oldest plant of the mint family. Spearmint is made from a steam distillation of the fresh, flowering tops of the Mentha Spicata plant. Also known as, “The Gentler Mint Oil”, as its scent is softer and milder than those of Peppermint. This oil undoubtedly and rightfully has earned its spot for the softness of the holiday spirit!

Spearmint, known for its aromatic and antiseptic properties, is traditionally used as an aid for digestive issues. Its most common use is as a flavoring in toothpaste, chewing gum, and candy. Having originated in the Mediterranean region, Spearmint was widely used in Greece as an aphrodisiac. Most people will notice "mint" being combined with chocolate. From soothing headaches, hiccups, along with common cold symptoms to mixing with chocolates, candies, toothpaste, and shaving cream: Spearmint is truly the gift to give this Christmas!

Amrita’s Holiday Wish to You!

At Amrita Aromatherapy, we wanted to wish you a happy holiday season! We understand how chaotic the holidays can be, but we want you to know that we are here for you. Please click “SUBSCRIBE” at the top of our website page to be included in wonderful articles like this one.

Going into the New Year of 2021, we are happy to announce that we have SO MUCH new content in store for each of our members! Amrita has completely updated staffing within our headquarters. Thus, expect to receive emails informing you about upcoming events: monthly newsletters about what’s going on here, the latest blog content with everything you can imagine in the world of aromatherapy, innovative premium essential oil bundles, the hottest new products, amazing blends, and recipes you can do at home, and so much more!

From a company you can put the purest faith into, Amrita Aromatherapy wishes you have a wonderful winter holiday. Remember: this is a time for mindfulness in the most beneficial, and pure way… through the practice of gratitude! Let 2021 be the year of gratitude!

Original Published: 2020-12-21 / Last Modified: 2021-10-11