When was the last time you took a moment to breathe, relax, and de-stress? For many of us who have busy schedules, it can be hard to find time for ourselves. But with the demands of our everyday lives, relaxation is crucial for mental and physical health.
One popular way to relax is through aromatherapy and essential oils for anxiety and stress. The essential oil market has seen a favorable shift in demand over the last five years. Due to a growing interest in natural remedies, essential oils have worked their way into skincare products, cosmetics, and more.
Have you ever participated in aromatherapy? Before you use these powerful, sweet-smelling oils, read on for helpful information and tips.
What Are Essential Oils?
Before you buy a starter pack of essential oils, rub them on your body, and begin using a diffuser, it’s important to know what they are.
Essential oils are potent liquids containing chemical compounds from plants. The oils contain essential parts of a plant’s scent and undergo extraction through distillation. Distillation refers to the process of heating or cooling an item to purify a liquid, and serves to derive the item’s most powerful properties.
While essential oils do have attractive, floral scents, they do not compare to perfumes. While perfumes often undergo chemical manipulation, essential oils are natural, pure, and powerful.
Common Essential Oil Scents
There is a wide range of essential oils on the market that work well on their own or in partnership with another. When using your essential oils, you should know each oil’s ingredients.
One of the most popular essential oils, lavender, has an herbal, yet subtle scent. Lavender is often used for its relaxing and calming effects.
Another common essential oil, peppermint, pairs well with lavender, as its herbal and menthol smell are also subtle. The peppermint oil is often used for invigorating, uplifting effects, and can also help with promoting an energy boost.
If you have a stuffy nose or congested chest, eucalyptus is an essential oil that may help. Its fresh, medicinal scent serves to clarify and purify the air. This essential oil often pairs well with tea tree oil.
Tea tree oil, another common essential oil, also has a crisp, medicinal scent. Tea tree oil often works well to calm acne breakouts and clean dirty surfaces.
While these are only a few popular essential oils, there are many others to choose from like patchouli, sandalwood, rose, and sweet orange. In the Young Living essential oils book, readers can find in-depth information on specific oils and their scent profiles.
How to Use Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress
If you experience anxiety and stress on a regular basis, you’re not alone. An estimated 31 percent of U.S adults have experienced some form of anxiety disorder during their lives. And an estimated 73 percent experience stress that impacts their mental health.
One common way to promote relaxation among those who suffer from anxiety and stress is through aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a form of holistic wellness that enlists the help of essential oils to benefit both physical and mental health.
Those who experience anxiety and stress may enjoy aromatherapy to relax and unwind. With essential oils, relaxation rituals are simple and convenient.
Some choose to apply essential oils to the skin in areas like the temples, wrists, neck, and under the nose. This can help disperse the oil into the bloodstream. When applying strong essential oils, at first you may want to use a carrier oil like olive or jojoba oil.
Others choose to apply drops of essential oil into a diffusing machine. Diffusing machines often come with a removable lid that contains a fillable container. After filling with water, add two to four drops of your favorite essential oil.
When using essential oils, remember that a little goes a long way. Before applying in large amounts to the skin or in a diffuser, be sure to test your reaction with small amounts of oil. Consider adding one to two drops to a small area of skin or in the diffuser.
Other Tips for Using Essential Oils
There are many methods for using essential oils for anxiety and stress. For first time users, consider experimenting with different application techniques.
If you have sensitive skin or are trying essential oils for the first time, you may enjoy making a subtle lotion. Add a few drops of a calming oil to a lightweight creme-like substance. You may choose a lotion that you already have in your cabinet, or another oil base like coconut or argan oil.
This allows for a delicate, yet effective application. Consider applying this lotion every morning and evening for moisturizing, relaxing effects. Throughout your day and night, your essential oils will provide calming scents to enjoy.
Another way to use essential oils is to infuse in a tea. Oils like lavender, peppermint, and sweet orange are great for this method.
After boiling your tea water, add a few drops of your desired essential oils and stir. Some choose to add honey, milk, or sugar to the tea as well. Consider drinking your essential oil teas in the morning during breakfast or in the evening before bed.
Some herbal teas already come with essential oils in their ingredients, like chamomile or lemongrass tea. Above all, be sure that your essential oils are safe to ingest. Your product’s packaging should be clear with its approved usage and ingredients.
De-stress and Relax Today
The next time life has you feeling overwhelmed, consider using essential oils for anxiety and stress. With so many essential oil options and application methods, everyone can enjoy their calming powers.
The best part about de-stressing with essential oils is that you can take part from the comfort of your own home. Remember, we all deserve and need to relax and unwind on a daily basis. Not only can this help our mental and physical health, but it can improve our productivity as well.
Did you enjoy learning about the power of essential oils? Be sure to check out the rest of our site for more helpful articles.
