The Best Essential Oils for Stress Relief – Safe and Effective Ways to Relieve Anxiety and Stress!
. Introduction to best essential oils and their benefits for stress relief. Why we’re always stressed out?
Work pressures, family obligations, a fast-paced, hectic life, technology or, reload, and social commitments – all contribute directly to the increased levels of stress we’re experiencing in our daily lives. Even if personal goals and agendas bring you some joy, it seems that they too are burdened with anxiety and tension.
This never-ending wave of stress after stress affects our abilities to think and function clearly. It puts relationships under strain and work starts being affected as well.
We have to think about our future and how we want to live it. We have to reduce stress in our lives. Exercise and eating a well-balanced diet must become daily habits; even if the transformation is slow, you’re better off for it.
However, for instant reduction of stress, opt for some of nature’s remedies, such as essential oils that have been around since almost the beginning of time when no one had medication and all they had were plants and herbs.
What Essential Oils Can Help.
One nerve that empowers us with the sense of smell is known as the olfactory nerve. It starts from the nose, enters the skull, and connects to the brain. Two major parts that receive signals from this nerve are the limbic system and the amygdala, which are in charge of memory, mood, and emotional response.
They’re also responsible for modulating the autonomic nervous system, better known as the fight-or-flight response. This can lead to either quickened heartbeats and raised blood pressure or soothe and calm our nerves. This is why smells have such a powerful effect on us even after the scent is long gone.
One study carried out by Ruhr University in Germany suggests, that “essential oils may affect several biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function.”
Another interesting find of this study is that essential oils are referred to as “adaptogens.” This means that each type of oil can have a different effect on different people depending on the needs of the individual.
Therefore, someone who’s agitated can use one type of oil to get a calming effect, while someone else who suffers from depression can use the same oil and get an uplifting effect. How amazing is that! Oils that adapt to your own individual needs!
This is why essential oils work so well to reduce anxiety because they have the unique capability to conform to various types of stress and all its levels experienced by different individuals.
This proves just how powerful essential oils are. To fully reap their results, they can be blended with vegetable-based oils, or carrier oils, such as almond, olive, coconut, or jojoba oil.
Lavender.
Lavender is known as the ‘universal oil’ because it’s one of the most useful oils available. The way lavender works is that it triggers brain pathways, which are directly connected to our memories and emotional responses.
It has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, tension, postpartum depression, and anxiety. A calming scent works wonders in relieving stress and lowering blood pressure. As both an herb and oil, it improves sleep quality and calms the nervous system.
Sage.
Sage essential oil comes from the leaves of the sage plant. It’s anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, but best of all, it’s known for its ability to uplift moods of anxiety and depression. It can also help create an alert state of mind and increased focus.
Chamomile.
We all know the calming effect chamomile tea has, and it has the same soothing effects as an essential oil. What most people don’t know however is that there are two types of chamomile essential oils, German and Roman.
The German type is used for soothing, while the Roman type is used for reducing anxiety and stress. Either way, it’s energizing, calming, and great at reducing stress and boosting your mood.
Vanilla.
The smell of vanilla reminds us of warm afternoons baking cookies and enjoying a family gathering. It’s known to send a relaxing, calming signal to your brain.
Rose.
One other smell that’s close to our hearts and very recognizable is that of the rose. Even though it’s one of the more costly essential oils, it’s still one of the most essential oils that make you feel good about yourself, send messages to the brain to calm down and relax, and lowers blood pressure. It promotes a sense of peace, tranquility, and calmness.
Lemon Balm.
Studies show that lemon balm is one of the most powerful scents ever to reduce anxiety for long periods. It’s also antiseptic, helps relieve abdominal spasms, and can reduce the build-up of a protein, which has been proven to have a direct link to Alzheimer’s disease. Lemon balm also increases attention span and improves memory.
Rosemary.
With all the many benefits of rosemary, it’s hard to pinpoint just one. However, when talking about its stress-reducing qualities, studies show that it decreases levels of the stress hormone, cortisol in the bloodstream. It also helps reduce cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure, and boosts the immune system.
Bergamot.
One of the most potent anti-anxiety essential oils around, bergamot calms the nervous system, lowers blood pressure, and quells those restless nights. It’s also been proven to boost happy mood neurotransmitters in the brain, dopamine, and serotonin.
It helps with digestion, which can be a factor when treating insomnia. Bergamot is also a disinfectant that hinders the growth of fungi and viruses. Bergamot comes from the citrus family and has a bright, citrus scent. The oil is derived from its rind. It’s safe for adults, children, and pregnant women. Bergamot can be inhaled or applied topically.
Make the Most of Your Essential Oil.
Topical Use: before topically applying any essential oil onto your skin, make sure to blend it with a carrier oil.
Dilute with.
• Carrier oils: Jojoba, coconut, olive, avocado, grapeseed, apricot kernel, argan, rosehip, or blackseed
• Massage oil
• Lotions
• Shampoo
• Aroma spray
Essential oil content
• No more than 1% to 2% of the total mixture
Examples.
• 1% Dilution = 6 drops of essential oil for each 1 ounce of carrier oil or other product
• 2% Dilution = 12 drops of essential oil for each 1 ounce of carrier oil or other product
• Add or divide as needed for smaller or larger portion mixtures
- Use on the go: for a quick, instant, and direct relief, you can place a few drops on a scarf, cotton pad, or handkerchief. You can inhale anytime you need a quick pick-me-up throughout the day.
- Add to your shower: usually, people associate aromatherapy and essential oils with long, leisurely baths. But even when you’re short on time, you can benefit from the aromatic soothing effects of essential oils. All you have to do is cover the drain just for a few seconds until the scent permeates your nostrils. Inhale deeply and you’re set to go. You can even add a couple of drops to the lower section of your shower curtain.
3. Use a diffuser: an aromatherapy diffuser benefits everyone at home without any negative side effects. It provides long-lasting benefits and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes.
While the benefits of essential oils have spanned centuries, it’d be wise to start slowing with all oils you intend to use.
Exposure to the sun makes some oils react negatively. Also, some might have adverse reactions when combined when certain medications. So, speak with your doctor to make sure you’re on the right path to reducing stress with essential oils.
