Stress has become such a large part of our lives. It doesn’t matter who you are, what your threshold is or where you live, we all have stress in our lives. Through this post you will discover 7 essential oils to naturally alleviate stress. I will review these essential oils that can help you do that by telling you what they are and how to use them.
The reasons we get stressed vary by individual and are countless. The ramifications of too much consistent stress can be damaging to our health and well being. Read more about The Power of Stress here.
What Are the Essential Oils to Alleviate Stress
Using Essential Oils can be a natural, cost effective and easy way to assist you with the handling of your stresses. There are many Essential Oils that have positive effects on stress. I will only be going through 7 of my favorite Essential Oils to naturally alleviate stress here.
Lavender
The first essential oil that comes to everyone’s mind when talking about essential oils and aromatherapy is Lavender and with good reason. Lavender is a very versatile oil with many benefits and uses.
For stress purposes, Lavender promotes relaxation. Lavender can be used to treat neurological issues like migraines, stress, anxiety and depression. There is documented research that shows inhaling lavender essential oil vapor can help to prevent brain oxidative stress and improve cognitive impairment.
Since many people suffering from stress also have sleep disturbances which can enhance the effects of stress, Lavender can promote better sleep too.
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Jasmine
Jasmine is one of my favorite scents. It is a soothing, beautiful flower scent. I use it in almost all of the products I make for myself.
There have been numerous studies that found inhaling Jasmine can alleviate depression. It has been used for hundreds of years as a natural remedy for depression in Asia. Jasmine can improve your mood, help you overcome stress and balance your hormones.
Jasmine is also a natural aphrodisiac. It is said to increase sensuality and libido.
Bergamot
I call Bergamot the happy Essential Oil. It is in the citrus family. Just smelling this essential oil will put a smile on your face. This citrus scent has been long known to boost your mood.
While citrus essential oils are stimulating Bergamot has a calming, tranquil effect. Bergamot can ease tension. It can reduce your nervous tension which can also be accompanied by anxiety. Bergamot is also known to lower your blood pressure.
Vetiver
As you can see from the above image, Vetiver is a grass. It is very calming and grounding. Vetiver can clear the mind. It is very useful in relieving stress, tension and anxiety. It has even been successful in treating panic attacks.
Vetiver is also used to treat insomnia and promotes a more restful sleep. While not common to most, Vetiver addresses many common issues we have and does it well.
I started using Vetiver about a year ago and quickly became a fan. It’s scent is pleasant and not overpowering.
Ylang Ylang
I have been in love with Ylang Ylang for over 20 years. Ylang Ylang is a mood enhancer and uplifting. It also as aphrodisiac properties. It lowers the body’s stress response. That itself is a remarkable property but Ylang Ylang has a lot to offer.
Ylang Ylang promotes relaxation, balances emotions, controls cortisol production and assist in controlling your hypertension.
The scent of Ylang Ylang has a clean scent that is not over flowery. Just breathing it in brings a wave of calm.
Clary Sage
Clary Sage is excellent for calming the mind. It reduces the feelings of anxiety and promotes a peaceful state of mind. Clary Sage has tested successful as a natural treatment for depression.
It has a cooling, comforting effect on the body and relaxing and settling for the mind. The scent of Clary Sage has an outdoorsy, slight minty smell. For those that do not like floral scents will find Clary Sage very appealing.
Chamomile
You have heard of people suggesting Chamomile tea when you are having trouble sleeping. There is a good reason for that. Even more effective than the tea Chamomile Essential Oil has a soothing effect and promotes a restful sleep. Having restful sleep is an excellent weapon for your body to fight stress.
Chamomile is know to calm nerves which will lessen anxiety. It can lessen our feelings of tension. The smell of Chamomile has a fresh subtle scent, very gender neutral.
How to Use
Diffuser
To incorporate Essential Oils into your life simply run a diffuser while you are doing your normal activities. A diffuser is a relatively inexpensive investment that can have positive effects for you. Amazon has a wide range to chose from. You can get a decent one for under $20.00 if you are just starting out. There are many options to match your décor and needs.
Air Spray
Another way to incorporate without a diffuser would be to create an air spray. In a spray bottle, preferably glass, mix together the essential oil(s) of your choice with distilled water. Use the spray to fill the air with your desired scent. This method also works great for bedtime. Spray on your pillow, blanket and the air around your bed just before bedtime for a nice relaxing sleep.
Shower Steamers/Bath Bombs
Destress with a shower or bath. For a relaxing bath you can use a bath bomb made with essential oils or directly add a few drops of essential oil to your bath water. If you are more of a shower person, like me, Shower Steamers are a great way to experience the effects of Essential Oils. Just by placing a steamer on the floor of your shower and inhaling the essential oils scent, can make for a wonderful shower. Inviting Effects makes a great All Natural Essential Oil Shower Steamer. If you want to know more about shower steamers read this post.
Your Hands
You can use your hands. Place 1 – 2 drops of the oil into your palms. Rub your hands together then cup your hands over your nose and inhale. A couple things to keep in mind with this method are to thoroughly face your hands before and after. Also avoid your eye area.
Cotton Balls
The easiest for anyone to use without fuss would be the cotton ball method. Simply apply a few drops of essential oil to the cotton ball. Then you can place the cotton ball in a zip lock bag and inhale as needed. Or place the cotton ball on a saucer at your desk.
SERENE Body Wash & Lotion
Inviting Effects makes an all natural essential oil body wash and lotion. The SERENE blend is calming and relaxing. Use the body wash in the shower to help unwind or use the lotion anytime. The bonus with these products is not only will you alleviate your stress but your skin will feel amazing.
Blends
Here are a few of my favorite blends for Stress Relief:
Serene: Vetiver, Lavender, Ylang Ylang and Grapefruit.
Smile: Lavender, Bergamot and Lemon
Restful: Lavender, Clary Sage, Sandalwood
Ease: Frankincense, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot
If you would like more information about blends or a specific blend for a specific need you have – comment below and we can talk.
As you can see these 7 Essential Oils are essential to naturally alleviate stress. In a world where stress is everywhere we turn it’s nice to have a natural pleasant alternative to reducing our stress. We can’t avoid stress but there is an enjoyable way to lessen it.
When you invite the effects of essential oils into your life, you will see the wonderous effects nature has given us.
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