It’s the middle of the day. You have kids to drive to soccer practice, a dinner to make, and the dog needs to go for a walk. Let’s just say your stress level is high and you are feeling some major anxiety.
Using essential oils could be a great way for you to naturally reduce those stressed out, overly anxious feelings that you get from your daily tasks.
But what are essential oils?
Essential oils are organic compounds which are extracted from certain plants, flowers, fruits etc. using methods such as steam distillation. The finished product is a highly concentrated oil containing the aroma and many of the benefits of those plants, in the most compact way possible. For example, a 15ml bottle of lemon essential oil is the result of the rinds of about 50 lemons.
For years, personal testimonies and published studies have proved and disproved the effectiveness of essential oils for certain conditions. A reference guide can help to familiarize yourself with some of the common uses but today, we’re touching on some of the best ones for stress and anxiety.
1. Bergamot
Bergamot is a Southeast Asian fruit that is said to enhance your mood and build your confidence. However, this citrusy essential oil is also used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation by stimulating your serotonin and dopamine hormones.
2 .Valerian
Valerian, also known as Valerian root, is a plant that has been used for healing since ancient times. It is believed that this essential oil increases a chemical in the brain that aids in calming which is why it is said to help relieve stress, nervousness, and insomnia.
3. Patchouli
Patchouli is a fragrance that people typically attribute to incense and hippies, but maybe that is why hippies were so relaxed!
Patchouli is a bushy herb from the mint family that has anti-depressant properties. It is typically used in Ayurvedic medicine to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression. However, there is no current research to support Patchouli’s effectiveness.
4. Lavender
Last, but certainly not least, is lavender.
In fact, lavender is the first essential oil that most people think of when it comes to relaxation. It is used to reduce anxiety and stress, and promote relaxation. It can even can be used as a mild sedative.
This versatility is probably why it is the most popular and widely studied essential oil available. One study actually found that the inhalation of lavender essential oil by women in the postpartum period of motherhood can reduce stress, anxiety and depression symptoms.
There are several ways to get these essential oils to work for you. If you are in the office or at home, you can add a few drops of oil to a diffuser or Himalayan salt lamp.
If you are a mom on the go, you can add drops of essential oils to a lava bracelet or necklace, that way every time you feel a hint of stress you can take a quick sniff at your wrist or locket.
*Some essential oils can be ingested but that’s a tricky subject that should be discussed with a professional aromatherapist.
Trysh Sutton is a wife, mother, strategic leader and teacher. She runs a website called Pure Path , which is a naturopathic wellness site that promotes healthy living and healing through the use of essential oils and sustainable living.
Connect with her on social media to learn more about the benefits of essential oils, and healthy living practices.
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