Among the many natural stress remedies I recommend, aromatherapy has got to be one of the easiest and most pleasant to use. It's all about using essential oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots and other plant parts for improved mental and physical health. These essential oils can be absorbed through the skin although I suggest inhaling their aromas to promote quick mood enhancement and natural stress relief.
Many studies have shown that aromatherapy may bring relief to those suffering from stress. Let me explain how in simple laymen terms. When you inhale essential oils, their scent links directly with the limbic system in the brain through the olfactory nerve. This triggers the production and release of neurotransmitters that relax the central nervous system and reduce stress.
Aromatherapy is a passive form of natural stress relief with few if any side effects. It's convenient because you can reduce stress as you go by inhaling an aromatherapeutic scent while doing something else. It's also complementary to other natural stress relievers like massage and meditation. Stress relief doesn't get much easier than this! That's why aromatherapy is one of my favorite stress remedies.
There are a wide number of essential oils available for effective stress management, each with its own therapeutic value. Here are some of the most popular:
Basil is one of the most commonly used essential oils for natural stress relief. It may help reduce mind fatigue and negative thoughts and improve concentration and enthusiasm levels.
Eucalyptus has a pleasant and soothing smell that's a powerful stress fighter! It can counter lethargy, restlessness and confusion while increasing your energy, creativity and ability to think clearly.
Cinnamon Essential Oil comes from cinnamon tree bark. It may help with mental anxiety and enhance optimism.
Rosemary reduces mental or physical strain and is helpful for increasing productivity.
Lavender's sweet floral scent invokes feelings of calmness when inhaled under stress. Add a few drops to a handkerchief that you can inhale a few times for instant stress relief. Lavender is also good for restoring balance, clearing the mind and general relaxation.
Cedarwood is good for chronic worriers. You may focus and concentrate better and be more productive.
Orange Essential Oil is very stimulating to the mind and is effective for anxiety, burnout and apathy.
Marjoram assists with anxiety and stress reduction and fights depression and fatigue.
In addition, the following list may help you select the best essential oils for you as stress remedies:
- For anxiety try Basil, Bergamot, Chamomile, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Juniper, Neroli, Lavender, Palma Rosa, Juniper, Neroli, Ylang Ylang
- For depression try Bergamot, Clary Save, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, Nutmeg, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang ylang, Vetiver
- For restlessness try Chamomile, Lemon, Marjoram, Rose, Sandalwood, Valerian, Vetiver, Valerian, Ylang ylang
- For nervous tension try Bergamot, Clary Sage, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Pettigraine, Ylang Ylan
Ideas for Using Aromatherapy
There are tons of ways to reap the natural stress relieving benefits of aromatherapy essential oils. Try these suggestions on for size:
- Add a few drops of oil to water in a spray bottle and use as an air freshener
- Add a few drops essential oil to a pan of water and simmer on stove or in potpourri pot
- To enjoy a scented candle, place a drop or two of oil into the hot melted wax as the candle burns
- Add a few drops of oil to your pillowcase before you sleep
- Use a nebulizer, diffuser or incense to unleash the stress relieving scents
- Inhale the scent directly from the bottle
Besides ease of use, essential oils and related aromatherapy products are widely available as remedies for stress. So if you're looking for an inexpensive, easy and convenient stress remedy, aromatherapy and essential oils may be your ticket to a less stressful existence.
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