Yoga & Aromatherapy

The month of November sees us move ever closer towards the winter months. As the weather starts to get colder, we all need a little something to warm us up. A good essential oil to do this is cardamon oil (elettaria cardamomum). This is a lovely, warming and comforting oil made from the dried seeds of the tree. It has a sweet and spicy aroma that stimulates both body and mind and helps uplift us and take us through this month with its bright and woody aroma.

Try using a couple of drops in a diffuser in your home or yoga space and you will soon feel and experience the comforting aromas of cardamon oil. Just a little of this strong and powerful essential oil will soon pick you up and help you move through the month with ease as it has such a wonderful clearing and calming effect; as soon as you breathe in its powerful vibrations, it will bring joy to both heart and mind.

Add a couple of drops to a carrier oil and blend well before rubbing on to the body for a warming, refreshing massage. This will bring some much-needed heat into the body whilst stimulating and boosting body and mind. This same blend can also be rubbed into the chest and neck area to help fight off and clear any coughs and colds this month.

Safe to use for most but very powerful oil so use sparingly and best to avoid if pregnant.

Julia White is a London-based yoga teacher and aromatherapist (jwhitelondon.com)