We are lucky to have such vast landscapes in Britain, from beautiful coastlines to magical forests, beautiful lakes and beautiful mountains. Due to the large difference in terrain, we also have many types of plants and trees.
One of the joys of living in Britain is its four distinctive seasons. Although our summers sometimes aren’t exactly as we hoped, in the natural world you can clearly see the different seasons.
Many of the plants and trees you encounter while walking or relaxing in parks can be used for aromatherapy.
Join me for a walk through the seasons and discover the benefits of the medicinal plants and trees used in aromatherapy and what you might see on your walks through the British countryside.
Spring
Beautiful spring is a season for hope and renewal, with the promise of lighter nights and warmer days as we gradually see nature begin to awaken again.
One of the first flowers we can see among the forest floor is the sweetest flower known as Sweet Violet (Viola odorata). While the vibrant purple flowers may put you off, it is the foliage that is used in aromatherapy. Violet Leaf Absolute with its earthy and herbaceous scent can be used to help with a variety of skin concerns. It is a cooling oil, making it excellent for use on swelling and bruises. While standing in the woods you may feel your stress melt away and similarly, violet leaf can also be used to help with stress.
When spring arrives, many of us start thinking about what we can do in our own gardens, or head to our local parks to enjoy the warm sunshine and spring flowers. Many gardens and parks in Britain often have a hedge of evergreen cypress trees. There is a beautiful Mediterranean cypress that looks great in your garden and is also used in aromatherapy. Cypress essential oil (Cupressus sempervirens) is one of my favorite oils when I suffer from heavy and irregular periods. It has a calming scent and can be used to support anxiety.
Summer
Summer with its hazy heat brings floral aromas floating in the wind, thanks to the many plants and trees in full bloom. I love walking through the countryside in summer because the farmers’ fields are full of beautiful flowers, such as the star-shaped blue flower of the borage. Borage (Borago officinalis) carrier oil is pressed from the seeds of the plant. It is suitable for all skin types, but is extremely beneficial for skin affected by hormonal issues thanks to all the wonderful vitamins and gamma-linolenic acid found in this moisture-boosting oil.
It is a joy to stumble across a field of sunflowers, as they are perhaps the happiest of plants. There is something so bright and cheerful about this huge flower and they certainly make me smile. Using sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus) will also make your skin happy as it is very absorbent and gentle on the skin.
As we continue our walk through farms and grasslands, you are sure to come across the small white or pink flowers of Yarrow. As a hiker, I first heard about using yarrow to help stop bleeding. This is certainly true of yarrow essential oil (Achillea millefolium), which has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that help heal wounds, ulcers and inflamed skin. Yarrow and chamomile are both members of the aster family and are also used to help with insomnia and stress.
Autumn
As the leaves of the oak, plane tree and hazelnut turn orange and the sun gives a golden hue to everything it touches, we know that autumn has arrived. Not only are hazelnuts beneficial to the animals that feed on them, we have also been using Hazelnut (Corylus avellana) carrier oil on our skin and hair for centuries. It is commonly found in hair care products and can help with dry scalp while nourishing and strengthening the hair.
As we drive along the coast you may see the beautiful juniper. The berry is probably best known for flavoring gin, but the purple berry is also a favorite for use in aromatherapy. Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) essential oil can be used to support digestive problems and strangely enough it can also be used if you have drunk too much alcohol. It can also be used if you suffer from a nervous disposition.
As the leaves begin to flutter on the ground and you can see the birds once again foraging through the hedgerows to fill up on the bounty of autumn berries, you will be sure to spot the vitamin-rich red rose hips. Rosehip (Rosa canina) Seed Oil is one of my favorite carrier oils to use as the winter months approach. It is extracted from the hips of the dogrose flower and is extremely nourishing, moisturizing and hydrating to the skin.
Winter
Winter with its biting wind and cold touch may not be everyone’s favorite time to go hiking. Winter is when nature comes to a standstill and many trees rest. However, you can always rely on the evergreens that stand tall and strong in the barren landscape to brighten your day. Pine and pine needle are two evergreen plants found throughout Britain. Bring the scent of the forest home by using pine needle essential oil (Pinus sylvestris) to relieve mental fatigue. Pine and pine needles can also be used to support a plethora of respiratory problems that winter unfortunately often brings. Pine needle essential oil (Abies sibirica) with its slightly fresher scent can also be used for fatigue.
Recipes for aromatherapy with plants you encounter during your walk
Relieves Menstrual Cramps Oil
Add 3 drops of Cypress, 2 drops of Juniper Berry and 1 drop of Yarrow essential oil to 5 ml of Borage Oil and 10 ml of Sunflower Oil. Mix and massage slowly and clockwise on the abdominal area.
Hand moisturizing balm
Add 8 g beeswax, 60 g shea butter, 10 ml hazelnut oil and 5 ml rosehip seed oil in a bain-marie over low heat. Once the beeswax has melted, turn off the heat and add 3 drops of Violet Leaf essential oil, 6 drops of lavender, and 4 drops of German chamomile. Stir and pour the liquid into a 60 ml jar. Allow to cool and apply if your hands feel dry and need relief.
Perk Me Up diffuser mix
Diffuse 2 drops of lemon, 2 drops of pine needle, and 2 drops of pine needle essential oil in water, in an electric aromatherapy diffuser or in a candle burner in your chosen room for up to 20 minutes. Because this mixture is very stimulating, you should not use it before bedtime.
Spending time outside has many benefits, such as breathing fresh air, getting your heart pumping or taking a moment for yourself. The next time you see one of the plants or trees mentioned on your walk, take a moment to think about how amazing the magic of that plant really is.
Kirsty Zomerbel
Advisor Aromatherapist
Disclaimer and safety advice
Read other articles by Kirsty Summerbell