Essential oils have been in use for centuries. Aromatherapy using these essential oils helps stimulate relaxation and reduce anxiety. Stress and anxiety are common conditions that affect people from all walks of life. Essentials oils can help calm your mind and soothe those mind. They can help you achieve holistic wellness and find balance.
Unlike medicines, essential oils have no negative side effects if used correctly. They are cost-effective and can relieve a variety of conditions, including anxiety. The elementary way to include and use essential oils in your daily life is by inhaling them directly from the bottle. You can also choose to buy a diffuser that will disperse the scent into the air or sprinkle a few drops on your pillow before you go to sleep at night. You can apply essential oils directly on the skin, use it in bathing water or mix it in creams and lotions.
If you want to give essential oils a chance to relieve stress and anxiety, find below few oils that will come handy. Prepare to feel invigorated and refreshed.
ROSE
Rose essential oil is distilled from rose petals. The enchanting fragrance of roses is well-known for relaxing the senses and relieving stress. According to a study by the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, rose aromatherapy can reduce anxiety and stress in pregnant women during labor. This essential oil also helps to soothe your nerves and provide comfort during panic attacks, shock, grief, and depression.
LAVENDER
Lavender essential oils have a fresh floral aroma. It is mainly due to their high content of linalool and linalyl acetate. According to studies, lavender oil is effective in easing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Lavender is the most popular essential oil and is a greate restorative of the nervous system. It helps to attain inner peace and sound sleep. Also, lavender oil settles restlessness, alleviates nervous breakdowns, and reduces irritability. Lavender aromatherapy can also calm the limbic system of the brain, which is responsible for controlling emotions.
CHAMOMILE
Chamomile oil is derived from an herb – widely known for its captivating scent and calming abilities. The sedative properties of this essential oil make it an effective antidepressant. The peaceful, tranquilizing smell of chamomile boosts inner harmony and decreases overthinking, irritability, and anxiety. A massage with chamomile essential oil can decrease anxiety and help people with cancer.
ORANGE
This essential oil is obtained from cold pressing the rind of oranges. It is an invigorating citrus fruit oil which has a strong scent and stress-relieving benefits. Various studies have concluded that orange essential oil relieves anxiety and mental turmoil. It also acts as an antidepressant and can be extremely useful. You can inhale it directly from the bottle or put it in your palms. It acts as an immediate fix for a sour mood and boosts energy levels. Orange essential oil is refreshing and can be used for full-body massages.
VETIVER
Another essential oil is vetiver that provides a soothing and grounding experience. It is a nervous system tonic as it decreases hypersensitivity and is highly useful during panic attacks. A study conducted by Natural Product Research confirmed that vetiver essential oil has a tremendous calming effects on the behavior of rats. This essential oil can help to achieve stabilization and reduce feelings of anxiety. A massage with diluted vetiver oil provides relaxation.
YLANG YLANG
Ylang-ylang essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree. The oil has a slightly fruity and floral scent. This essential oil is great as a blend of lavender and bergamot. It lowers stress and anxiety as well as reduce blood pressure. You can apply it directly to your skin, use it as a room diffuser, or inhale it directly from the bottle. A study by the Geochang Provincial College reveals that using a concoction of ylang-ylang oil with lavender and orange essential oil daily for four weeks balances the serum cortisol levels as well as reduces hypertension and anxiety.
FRANKINCENSE
This essential oil is distilled from the resin of the native Somalian Boswellia tree. It is a sweet-smelling oil and has a musky aroma. Frankincense oil contains sesquiterpenes which are molecules that can travel through the blood-brain barrier and decrease levels of anxiety. Frankincense oil can also help with the pain that patients with terminal cancer face. You can add a few drops of the oil in your bathwater. A blend of frankincense, lemon, and jasmine essential oils can relieve stress effectively.
JASMINE
It is extracted from the jasmine flower. Jasmine essential oil is used for years. For example as a natural remedy to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, and low libido. Research suggests that jasmine oil is equivalent to valium when it comes to calming anxiety levels. It reduces stress and uplifts the mood by producing feelings of confidence and positivity. According to a study, inhaling jasmine oil can improve your well-being and calm the nervous system without causing drowsiness.
CLARY SAGE
Clary sage is a medicinal herb which has a woody and herbal odor. It is used as an aphrodisiac and has a calming ability. The oil can also ease tension and helps control cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone, high levels of which may cause an increase in depression and anxiety. Inhaling sage oil directly from the bottle when you feel anxious can increase the dopamine levels in your brain and body, thereby boosting your mood. You can also use it in your bathwater by adding a few drops. A concoction of clary sage and orange essential oil is useful for massages. It will uplift your spirit when you feel low.
If you use these essential oils regularly, they can have a positive impact on your life. Essential oils and blends can have different reactions on different people. So, it is a good idea to experiment with these all-natural essential oils to find the right match for you.
Check out our blog post about Essential Oils that boost your Mood!
