Winter Essential Oils Beyond Frankincense

Frankincense may be the Star of Winter, but it’s not alone.

As we move through the darkest days of winter, I am reminded that across cultures, aromatic plants were used to support the body and spirit through darkness, cold, and long nights indoors. I like to think of it as "plant medicine".

For thousands of years, Frankincense was burned at the winter solstice - not just for ceremony, but for protection, breath, and inner stillness during the darkest days of the year.

Frankincense is grounding and calming, supportive for deep breathing, meditation, and quiet evenings when winter asks us to slow down. It’s the oil I reach for when I want to feel centered, held, and steady.

Here are a few simple winter companions to Frankincense:

• Peppermint - clears mental fog and brings gentle energy when daylight is scarce

• Eucalyptus - supports clear breathing during cold and flu season

• Lavender - soothes the nervous system and supports restful sleep

• Tea Tree - a natural purifier for skin, home, and immune support

These oils weren’t chosen by accident. Long before modern science, people understood that winter required extra care for breath, mood, and resilience.

Choose your favorites, add in a few of your own, you don’t need many oils - just a few well-chosen companions, used gently and intentionally, can make winter feel more supported and balanced.

Wishing you a calm and grounded winter. Stay well.