Stress is quickly becoming well known as one of the biggest health risks of our modern society. Because we are constantly running on high gear in a world full of stimulants, we are putting our bodies into states of stress that wreak havoc on our wellness. It has even been estimated that up to 90% of all doctors visits are due to stress-induced symptoms. What? One of my favorite ways to recharge myself is by using aromatherapy for stress relief.
Thankfully, aromatherapy is a safe and gentle treatment that has been proven effective in reducing stress levels. With no side effects, aromatherapy is able to stimulate sense of smell in order to boost moods and relieve stress.
Essential Oils for Stress Relief
- Lavender: Originating from the Mediterranean, Lavender is one of the most widely used oils for aromatherapy. When tested recently in a lab, lavender proved to be the most effective oil at relaxing the brain and reducing stress.
- Chamomile: Most commonly known for its use as a calming bedtime tea, the fragrance of chamomile also has tranquil effect. Uses of chamomile flowers for their relaxing properties have been dated back to medieval times.
- Rose: A long-time favorite of perfumes and oils, rose essential oil is made by distilling the blossoms of the flower alone. The result is a sweetly floral fragrance, which is said to calm nervous tension.
- Jasmine: These small white flowers, which originate from Iran, have an exotic and floral scent. Jasmine is used to not only relax nerves, but muscles as well.
- Sandalwood: The essential oils of sandalwood are soft and woody, and are cultivated by distilling the roots and heart of the sandalwood tree. It has been used as a calming scent in India for ages.
- Vanilla: Used in a multitude of ways from baking to perfume, vanilla is a fragrance that has been proven to improve moods. It also has been said to have a pheromone-like quality, so consider trying it out around your special someone.
- Bergamot: This more unknown scent is the extract of a citrus tree, and the special ingredient that makes Earl Grey tea unique. Bergamot is said to be a powerful antidepressant.
- Ylang Ylang: This flower named “the flower of all flowers” in the Philippines where it hails from, has been proven to curb depression, anger, and fear. Some studies suggest that a simple sniff of ylang ylang can even lower blood pressure.
How to Use Aromatherapy for Stress Relief
- Diffuser: Diffusers generally have a small amount of the fragrance in the base, with sticks of wood sitting in it and sticking out of the top. The fragrance gently steeps through the wood, and the result is a wonderfully scented room.
- In a Bath: When you need to unwind, try putting a few drops of your favorite essential oil (or a blend) into a sudsy tub with you. The heat of the water will allow the scent to gently rise with the steam. Light a few candles, and you have a total sensory affect.
- Steam: Drop a few oils into a humidifier, and the scent will gently permeate the whole house. Don’t have a humidifier? Put a small pot of water on the stove on low with the essential oils added. The result is the same.
- Massage: One of the most luxurious ways to relax, add a few drops of essential oil to lotion for a nice self massage. If you really want to wind down, see if you can coax someone you love into giving you the massage.
Have you ever used aromatherapy for stress relief? What do you like to do to unwind?
Jaime
I totally have to pin this! I need to get some of these oils for those days when "two under two" is getting to me!
Laura Broach
I needed this article! I decided just last night that I want to put together a relaxation gift basket for my significant other. He's been very stressed due to a special project at work that won't end till June and he's also having trouble sleeping. This is just the info I needed to move forward! Thanks!
Krystyna @ Spring Mountain Living
What a great idea! And I think doing in ahead of time/anticipating it would really help too!
Darlene Josaphe
What wonderful article. I am a HUGE aromatherapy fan. I recently published a book for Amazon Kindle exactly on these two topics: 1) Aromatherapy for Stress relief and 2) Holiday stress management.
For those of you who have never tried Aromatherapy, you just do not know what you are missing. I've uses essential oils in four ways described above, and the therapeutic benefits are delightful. Lavender is by far my favorite essential oil.
If you are a beginner and do not know where to start, check out my beginner Aromatherapy For Stress Relief ebook on Kindle. You're gonna love it!
Sarah @ made in usa challenge
Lavender is my favorite essential oil as well. I find it to be very relaxing. I don't find the Holidays stressful, but work and other things in life can make me anxious. It's great to have some natural remedies to try for relief.
Ariel Wright
That's really amazing idea! I'm doing this.
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