I began using essential oils 2 1/2 years ago for seasonal support, but I discovered early on that essential oils also help my reaction to stress, and there are certain essential oil blends I use every day, sometimes more than once a day. A couple of things conspired over the course of the last few weeks to inspire a post about using essential oils for stress relief.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak to a nonprofit agency about essential oils and relaxation. Their work is very stressful, and some of the staff were already using essential oils. As I always do when asked a question about essential oils, I did some research on stress and essential oils in preparation of my talk and learned some new things I want to share with you.
About a week and a half ago, I lost a loved one. My family is heartbroken. Grief may be one of the most intense types of stress. I’ve kept with my daily routine of using essential oils for stress during this time. Using essential oils doesn’t lessen the pain of such a loss or eradicate the stress of the aftermath. As they do every day, essential oils keep me on a more even keel and help to lessen my reaction to stress, which is especially important when dealing with difficult situations.
The Impact of Stress
Stress causes your body to increase production of adrenaline, which keeps your body in a state of alertness. Stress can also cause a host of other physical and emotional issues: hypertension, nervous fatigue, digestive disorders, nervous anxiety, depression, headaches, insomnia, weakened immune system, muscular tension, excitability, lack of concentration, raised heart rate and mental disorders.
Aromatherapy and Stress
Aromatherapy can help relieve stress, but it needs to also be accompanied by changing one’s approach to major problems, exercising outside, yoga, deep breathing, meditation and/or therapy. As I’ve mentioned before essential oils are part of a wholistic approach to improved health and well-being.
Essential Oils for Stress Relief
The following is a list of some essential oils that aid stress relief:
- Basil
- Bergamot
- Blue Tansy
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile
- Frankincense
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Mandarin
- Marjoram
- Neroli
- Melissa
- Petitgrain
- Rose
- Sandalwood
- Sweet Orange
- Valerian
- Ylang Ylang
Application
- Add some drops of essential oil(s) to a warm bath
- Rub some drops of Lavender or Chamomile , mixed with 5 ml of carrier oil on hands and soles of feet in the morning and at night before bed
- Diffuse some drops of Lavender and Frankincense; add Ylang Ylang, Neroli or Rose
- Mix Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang and Lavender with carrier oil for a body massage
- Place 2-3 drops of essential oil(s) in the palm of your hand, rub them together, cup your hands over your nose, and inhale throughout the day as needed
- Place 8-10 drops on a cotton ball or tissue and put it in an air vent in your house, vehicle, hotel room, etc.
- Use bath salts daily
- Note: Some oils require dilution of up to 50:50 (50 percent essential oil and 50 percent carrier oil)
Sources
- Aromatherapy: The healing power of plants and flowers by Anne Huete (purchased at Barnes & Noble)
- Essential Oils: A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice by Jennifer Peace
- Essential Oils pocket reference, Seventh Edition, by Life Science Publishing
Young Living Essential Oil Blends for Stress Relief
Say hello to my little friends, all Young Living Essential Oil proprietary blends:
- Stress Away: A blend of Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Vanilla, Ocotea and Lavender essential oils. I use Stress Away when under a normal amount of daily stress. Added bonus is it smells so good, with notes of lime and vanilla, that it doubles as a natural perfume. Stress Relief Factor: Chill
- Tranquil: A blend of coconut oil (carrier oil) and Lavender, Cedarwood and Roman Chamomile essential oils. I use Tranquil when under a heightened amount of stress. I’m sorry to say that it smells like peas to me, but the effects outweigh the smell. Stress Relief Factor: More Chill
- Rutavala: A blend of coconut oil (carrier oil) and Ruta, Valerian and Lavender essential oils. I was so excited to get the Rutavala Roll-On as a promo (freebie) item in July that I slathered some on me mid-afternoon. Big mistake. It almost knocked me out. I’d recommend this blend for before-bed use, especially if stress is keeping you from sleeping. Stress Relief Factor: Knock You Out
I hope you find this post helpful. Please feel free to share your tips for using essential oils for stress relief. Until next time, be sure to try essential oils the next time you’re Under Pressure.
Oils & Spoils Updates
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