Utilizing aromatherapy for stress relief is a common and powerful tool that almost anyone can start today! In this article, we detail not only where to start, but how to get the most relief from some of the best products.
Why Aromatherapy for Stree Relief?
One of our strongest senses is that of smell. A simple smell can trigger memories of grandma’s house and her freshly baked cookies or the smell of fresh cut grass can remind us of dad, mowing the lawn on cool summer mornings.
Scents are powerful! The olfactory nerve gives us our sense of smell. It starts from our nose and enters the skull through tiny holes to connect directly to the brain. This nerve sends signals almost instantaneously to many parts of the brain, which is in charge of emotions, mood, and memory.
These systems are also in charge of regulating our nervous system, which can either trigger a fight-or-flight response or can soothe us, relaxing our bodies. This theory explains that scents quickly trigger physical reactions in our bodies, and contribute to lasting effects on the body after the scents are gone. This is where aromatherapy comes in!
Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative medicine practice that taps into the healing power of scents via essential oils extracted from plants in order to balance your mind, body, and spirit. Studies have shown that specific essential oils used in aromatherapy for stress relief, relax the body, and promote better sleep. On to how to help soothe our souls!
What Oils are best for Stress Relief?
Here are 4 essential oils that can help relieve stress and promote deeper sleep.
- Lavender
Treasured for thousands of years, and across many cultures, Lavender is cultivated for its desired aroma and multitude of therapeutic benefits. Lavender has many calming and soothing properties. It can be diffused, applied topically, or used around the home to balance everyday tension and stress. It can also relax the mind and body, and promote restful sleep. Prized for its calming and soothing properties, Lavender is a highly relaxing aroma that you can use in soaps, bath oils. - Bergamot
Bergamot FCF has long been used in potpourri, body lotions, and perfumes. Use the fruity oil in a diffuser to fill a room with the bright, uplifting aroma. You can also add a few drops to distilled water to clean your home, or apply a few drops to a dryer sheet for fresh-smelling laundry. When applied topically, dilute with a carrier oil. As an astringent, Bergamot FCF helps unleash your skin’s inner glow. Recent studies have found that bergamot can relieve stress, reduce chronic pain, and even change brain wave patterns on EEG. - Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang, also known as “poor man’s Jasmine”, is a staple essential oil that all essential oil users should have in their collection. It is a multifaceted essential oil with a great variety of uses. Use Ylang Ylang to relieve everyday tension and stress, stimulate and balance circulation, and even promote self-confidence. This oil offers a floral, sweet, herbaceous, and slightly spicy aroma. Diffuse the oil alone or in a blend to help bring harmony to your life, along with feelings of peace. - Jasmine
Jasmine has a sweet aroma and can be a relaxing fragrance. Although Jasmine essential oil is less well-studied, one study does suggest that the odor of jasmine tea can be calming. The sultry aroma, often used in perfumes, may promote aphrodisiac qualities. When diffused or applied topically, Jasmine Essential Oil may reach the emotional part of a person, and thus promote self-confidence and optimism while diminishing fear.
Where to go next…
There are many more therapeutic essential oils to explore, including earthy vetiver, Valerian root, or Roman chamomile. While most essential oil aromatherapies have not yet been rigorously studied, many can still have calming effects.
If your soul is in need of soothing, why not try one or all of these essential oils? A relaxing evening and good night sleep may be just a few drops away.
Curious to Learn More? Here’s a Link to Learn How to Use Essential Oils
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