Hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is a Danish word, that translates to cosiness. It is all about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the simple things in life with good people.

The warm glow of a candlelight is hygge. Cooking comforting food for family and friends is hygge. Getting cosy in front of a log burner is hygge. Baking gingerbread men is hygge.

Hygge can be applied anywhere and anytime. You can enjoy summer hygge. Think gorgeous picnics, star gazing or sitting with friends enjoying a glass of elderberry cordial whilst watching the sunset.

I personally find that hygge comes into its own during the colder months as autumn and winter are the seasons when we can really get cosy and create a warming atmosphere. As the rainy British weather sets in, the nights get longer and the leaves are steadily falling from the trees, this is the perfect time to get your hygge on!

Below are some autumn and winter hygge ideas to get you started:

1. Relax with a good book and a cup of tea.
2. Take a long walk outside in nature.
3. Light a fire, get snuggly & watch your favourite movie.
4. Send a handwritten card to a loved one.
5. Bake cinnamon rolls or gingerbread
6. Cosy up with lots of blankets.
7. Light lots of candles and fairy lights.
8. Treat yourself to some new comfy pjs.
9. Have a bubble bath.
10. Use hygge inspired essential oils.

Hygge essential oils

One of the best ways to create the hygge atmosphere is through essential oils. So, as we head into the winter months, I wanted to share with you my top “hygge” inspired essential oils. These oils not only bring you beautiful aromas so you feel all warm, cosy and snuggly, but they can also support you with your mental and physical health.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oil is called the happy essential oil, due to its uplifting and mood enhancing actions. It is quite literally sunshine in a bottle, which is why it is perfect to use during the dark winter months and for people who suffer with seasonal affective disorder.

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) is a wonderful uplifting oil to use during the colder months thanks to its warming actions. As an aromatherapist I use it in my massages for clients who have muscle aches and pains. It’s also great for chilblains! 

Cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) essential oil with its spicy and sweet scent is great for those of us who feel the cold. Its plant power comes from supporting poor circulation. It will soon have you feeling warm and cosy. Cinnamon can also support your mental health, thanks to its invigorating and uplifting aroma.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) is another essential oil known to help lift your spirits. Its fresh, woody aroma has been used for centuries during meditation, as it can help to slow your breathing. Frankincense’s properties include anti-depressant, which can be beneficial during the dark and cold winter months.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) essential oil is another warming oil and is known as the oil of “empowerment” as it evokes a feeling of strength and confidence. It’s a gorgeous oil to use in the colder months, due to its soothing properties. Ginger essential oil is my favourite oil to use in winter, as it can stimulate circulation, help with muscular aches and pains and also support your mental health.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is a wonderful essential oil to add to my hygge list due to its ability to bring calm and comfort through its beautiful aroma. Its anti-rheumatic and anti-spasmodic properties also make it useful to use in blends to support painful joints and muscular aches and pains.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) has a warm and spicy aroma, so it’s a must for my list! Just like Frankincense, Myrrh is a wonderful oil to use during meditation, thanks to its ability to balance the emotions. 

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is one of my favourite oils due to its ability to balance, soothe and stabilise emotions, which makes it helpful for people who suffer with anxiety and depression. This grounding oil is like a big hug in a comfy blanket. 

Star Anise (Illicium verum) reminds me of warmth and comfort. Star Anise essential oil can be helpful in lifting emotions and helping with mental fatigue. It can also be helpful in supporting muscle aches and pains, which can worsen during the winter months.

Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) essential oil has a beautiful comforting and cheerful aroma, which makes it a great oil to support you during the British winter. It helps to balance emotions and it will help to bring warmth and joy. The perfect hygge oil!

Hygge Essential Oil Blends

Here are some of my favourite hygge blends to try:

Cosy and Comfy Diffuser Blend

Diffuse 2 drops Frankincense, 2 drops of Star Anise and 3 drops of Sweet Orange essential oil, in water, in either an electrical aromatherapy diffuser or candle burner in your chosen room for a maximum of 20 minutes.

Feeling Stressed Rollerball

You can take Hygge into the office or workplace to help you to feel grounded and to help with times of stress. Mix 2 drops of Patchouli and 2 drops of Bergamot essential oil with 10ml of carrier oil such as Apricot Kernel, Jojoba or Peach. Pour into a 10ml Rollette bottle and roll onto the pulse points on the wrists and temples when you need to take a moment for you!

Aches and Pains Hygge Bath Blend

Adding essential oils to your bath is another way to bring Hygge into your life and the following essential oils can also help with muscle aches and pains, which are more common during the winter months. Close the door, light some candles, run a warm bath and relax by adding 2 drops of Black Pepper, 2 drops of Bergamot and 1 drop of Nutmeg essential oil into 15ml of Base Formula Bath Oil. Mix into your bath and let the warming aroma soothe your aches and pains.

I hope that bringing a little hygge into your life will not only help you during the colder months but will also help to bring a sense of calm, cosiness, and warmth to your days.

Kirsty Summerbell
Consultant Aromatherapist

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