Stress can manifest itself in many forms – disrupting your physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Despite our hectic modern lives, it is possible to reduce our stress levels and live with less anxiety. Essential oils are one antidote to try.
How Essential Oils Relieve Stress
Essential oils are an essential part of everyone's daily life. They not only promote health and wellness by reducing stress, but they also reduce anxiety levels, which translates to positive physical reactions such as increased energy, reduced pain and a happier disposition. It's fascinating to discover that essential oils change their constitution based on what you need; they either energise or calm you. That's why aromatherapists call essential oils adaptogens, since they adapt to what you need.
Different Types of Essential Oils for Stress Relief
There are many kinds of essential oils that can be used for stress relief. The best ones for stress relief contain high levels of antioxidative compounds, which make essential oil compounds effective in protecting the body from oxidative stress with daily use. In addition, essential oils have been shown to modulate neuroendocrine function and neurotransmitter release, which play a role in how we respond to stressful stimuli.
If you're looking for essential oils for stress relief, it's worth noting that popular scents have floral and woodsy scents, such as the following:
Calming Cedarwood
This calming oil works by stimulating the pineal gland, which produces melatonin. When your melatonin is balanced, you're able to enjoy a lovely, long seep. Some studies have found cedarwood to also help children with ADD. Try applying a dab to the back of your neck.
Relaxing Rose
A pleasant floral scent, such as rose, appears to lull you, as you may have noticed. That's because rose oil has been found to reduce stress, depression, anxiety and menopausal symptoms. It's also a known stimulant, boosting wellness and restoring balance. Since it's quite a strong oil, you only need to use a small amount – or mix it with cedarwood, frankincense, pine or patchouli.
Chamomile for Stress
Sipping a warm mug of chamomile tea is a wonderful way to unwind at the end of a long day. And as an essential oil, chamomile oil is equally calming as it brings down the body's cortisol levels, relaxing the nerves and reducing anxiety and stress. German chamomile in particular is known to alleviate anger and balance emotions.
Frankincense for Rest
Frankincense has a lovely, exotic scent that is ideal for reducing stress. Numerous studies have found that the ingredient incensole acetate – found in frankincense – remarkably reduces anxiety symptoms and provides stress relief.
Aromatherapy with Lavender
Perhaps the most popular essential oil used in aromatherapy massages, lavender is a renowned relaxant. Numerous studies have found that inhaling a few drops of lavender oil in a tiny bottle with cotton balls can help us find focus, clarity and calmness. In this way, it works both as a stimulant and relaxant.
Source: Better Mind Body Soul
Calming Scents of Eucalyptus
There's a reason why eucalyptus is a primary ingredient in cough drops and lozenges; it's soothing and relaxing. By gently rubbing it on the forehead with gentle pressure, eucalyptus oil can be used to relieve pain and tension headaches. It can also be added to an essential oil diffuser to spread its calming fragrance throughout your home.
Sage It When Anxiety Strikes
Sage essential oil contains a chemical called sclareolide that has been shown in some cases to have mild sedative effects. Often used in aromatherapy massage, this essential oil reduces the reoccurrence of panic attacks, which results in less anxiety and stress build-up. Try adding a few drops of oil into a warm bath or diffuse it with lavender essential oil to boost the effectiveness of aromatherapy effect.
Manage Stress With Clary Sage
Clary sage oil can be a key element to managing symptoms of anxiety and stress. This essential oil is commonly used as a natural antidepressant and is a major ingredient in many essential oils for stress relief. The constituents found within clary sage essential oil have been shown to positively affect dopamine levels when inhaled through aromatherapy diffusers. It can also be mixed with body oils or lotions and applied to the skin topically. Clary sage essential oil has been traditionally used for menstruation issues, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause-related symptoms, which are all associated with hormonal imbalances that cause anxiety, depression and moodiness.
Bergamot Oils for Anxiety
Bergamot oil's sweet, spicy undertones provide calming effects whether used in aromatherapy or mixed into body lotions and massaged all over your body. It also has antibacterial properties that prevent skin irritation, as well as antidepressant effects on the nervous system.
There are many more calming essential oils for stress, including marjoram, vanilla, orange, sandalwood, valeria and ylang ylang. To discover more – or to find out how to use these oils – you might want to contact an aromatherapist in your area.
Originally published on Oct 08, 2014
