Aromatherapy can be beneficial for stress and anxiety relief, with the help of some well chosen plant extracts and essential oils.  It aims to positively influence and rebalance the physical, mental and emotional aspects of our bodies - including the reduction of stress and anxiety in individuals.  Stress and anxiety are on the rise in modern society, as lifestyles are increasingly time-pressured with an emphasis on performance in the workplace.  The incidence of work related stress is a significant factor in absenteeism, and if not addressed could have more serious health implications for the individual.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential plant and flower extracts to promote health and wellbeing.  Aromatic plant oils can stimulate, balance, uplift, soothe and calm.  These can be massaged into the body in a mixture with a neutral base or carrier oil, or they can be inhaled via the use of a room diffuser. They work by triggering the olfactory senses which in turn are connected to our brains – so offer a direct method of influencing the production of the so-called feel good hormones, such as endorphins. Aromatic plant oils have the ability, therefore to stimulate, balance, uplift and calm. Some essential oils which are commonly prescribed for stress and anxiety include:

• Lavender
• Geranium 
• Chamomile 
• Clary sage
• Bergamot
• Jasmine
• Sandalwood; and
• Sweet marjoram

Stress and Anxiety

A build up of stress or anxiety can have a number of detrimental side effects, including elevated heart and blood pressure rates.  If this is sustained over time this can have a cumulative effect which can result in more serious health implications.  If you manage stress effectively it can be very beneficial to your world view and interaction on a personal level.  The extended benefits include:

• Adapting to change more easily
• Increasing your energy levels
• Becoming more tolerant of challenging circumstances
• Being more open and relaxed; and
• Allowing you to enjoy improved sleep 

How can Aromatherapy Help Stress and Anxiety?

Aromatherapy is a potentially relaxing and therapeutic remedy, and has proven to be especially helpful in alleviating stress and anxiety.  It has been shown to lower heart and breathing rates, blood pressure and restore hormonal balance. Below are two blends to assist with stress.

Essential Oil Blends for Stress

This blend will help you to relax the mind and forget about things for a while. Add the following to 100ml of carrier oil (carrier oil is needed to dilute pure essential oils - you can use vegetable oil such as almond, olive or canola):

• 10 drops of bergamot oil (bergamot should not be used if you are going out into the sun, as it can cause photo-sensitivity which produced brown patches on the skin).
  
• 20 drops geranium oil
• 10 drops ylang ylang oil
• 5 drops frankincense oil
• 5 drops cedarwood oil

Alternatively, you can use the following mix in order to relax aches and pains that are caused by stress.

• 20 drops lavender oil
• 10 drops rosemary oil
• 10 drops black pepper oil
• 5 drops peppermint oil
• 5 drops cypress oil

Again, you need to add the essential oils to 100ml of carrier oil.

It is important to consult a qualified and trained aromatherapist as some essential oils are so concentrated that they have the potential to be harmful, and can burn the skin.  They may also be harmful if swallowed.

Find out about other effective natural treatments for stress and anxiety.