Each season has its ups and downs and we notice these most at the onset of each season. The fall is represented by transformation and harvest. It is a time we feel thankful for all of nature's bounty, whether this comes in the form of harvest feasts or simply the beauty of it all as we walk in the woods and appreciate the colour changes in the leaves.

Many people find that the change in season brings about its own unique physical and emotional quirks for people making its impact strongest at the onset. To help make sure that we're making the most of the fall season it's good to nip these things in the bud so to speak. Below are some health solutions using essential oils to help you manage issues related to seasonal change.

1. Low Immunity. While winter is widely regarded the "Cold & Flu" season, our immune systems often get caught off guard when while our bodies acclimatize to the change in temperature that comes with fall leaving us more vulnerable to illness. Try to maintain your activity levels and healthy eating habits as the season changes to help keep your immune system strong.  See our essential oil health solutions giving your immune system an extra boost. As the cooler temperatures make me feel like nesting inside, I find I am using my diffuser more and more, with our Pure Imunity Blend.  I also use this blend in my lotion as it's a great way to boost my immune system - my kids bring home so many germs from school!  If I do start feeling under the weather or just run down, I roll our Respiration Blend throughout the day, it always helps to make me breathe better. 

2. Allergies. Depending on where you live and what you're allergic too, the fall can be a bad season for allergies, oftentime worse than spring. If you suffer from fall allergies, let someone else do the raking, mowing, composting, etc and stay indoors. Avoid hanging clothing or bedding outdoors so you don't expose them to pollen and mold. One of our store Managers was telling me that she uses Niaouli in her Arometherapy Pendant (the ones that appeared on Dragon's Den!) as a great way to reduce affects of allergies.  I would also recommend burning Niaouli in a diffuser at bedtime or even adding it to your shower gel so the benefits can really get into your system. See our essential oil health solutions for allergies.

3. Fatigue. With the gradual decrease in daylight, people often find themselves more and more physically and mentally fatigued as fall sets in.  People also start to "hibernate" more, decreasing the physical activity that helps keep energy levels up. Of course, you should try to maintain your fitness regime, but aromatherapy can also help, so here are tips for dealing with fatigue using essential oils.  Most of our Escents staffers have a diffuser in their offices, and many of us use Rosemary in them to combat the mid-afternoon slump, or use it in a lotion or wash as a perfect way to increase energy. A quick trick I often use when I'm driving and needing to perk up is to roll Headache Relief on the back of my neck - honestly, there aren't many things that Headache Relief doesn't work on; there must be a reason it's been our best seller for nearly 20 years!

4. Depression. The decrease in daylight hours also tends to make depression worse if you're prone to it. As with fatigue and low immunity, maintaining activity levels helps, but also try these suggestions if you're are particularly prone to seasonal affective disorder (S.A.D.). Neroli is my "go-to" essential oil when I am feeling down; I use it in my lotion and I also rub a few drops on my wrists or under my nose. 

What essential oils do you find most useful or appealing in the fall? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Jacqui MacNeill