Stretching back to the beginning of time, essential oils have been used for stress relief. Yet, as time has progressed so has peoples’ stress levels. Along with our technologically advanced society, comes more severe challenges that cause stress and anxiety.
After you’ve had a long day filled with the pressures of life on the job, life with in-laws or just life in general, using essential oils for stress relief will lead you down a quick path to relaxation.
Essential oils are a popular and effective choice for stress relief for many reasons:
* All natural with no harmful side effects
* Quick acting
* Many methods of use: diffused, massaged, added to skin care products or a bath soak
TAKE NOTE: As a certified aromatherapist, I can help you choose what essential oils would be most beneficial for you. If you are like me before I did a lot of research and later attended aromatherapy school for study and certification, I had bottles of oils only because they “smelled nice” and I would look up recipes online. What I did not know was that medications I take, or allergies I have that could be impacted by these oils and potentially cause a serious reaction. I am currently a Level One Certified Aromatherapist and working on my Level Two. In my studies, I learned not only about blending techniques, but essential oil organic chemistry, scientific research, the body systems (respiratory, olfactory, lymphatic/immune, etc.) natural healing and of course working with clients in private consultations.
You can make your own aromatic blends, but there is some skill to it to know what oils to add together and in what quantities. I am happy to research any potential interactions you may have with the oils you use, your allergies and medications. If you want to work more directly with me in developing a product for your specific needs, I can do that also. Feel free to contact me to do so. Being safe with essential oil use is Number One for me.
NAHA – National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy is a professional organization for those of us who are certified aromatherapists. You have to be very careful when you buy essential oils. Remember expensive doesn’t mean better! Yet, you don’t want to buy cheap and unusable oils. Stay on the lookout for Multi-Level Marketing salespeople (i.e. so-called “Wellness Advocate” or “Consultant”) peddling outrageously priced essential oils. In these schemes, the prices are exorbitant so that they can pay all the people up the line to the top of the pyramid. Plus, they make you buy quantities you would never be able to use.
Another item that concerns me is people who are unqualified (i.e. salespeople above) who tell you to ingest oils when they are only sharing their company’s marketing materials. What??? No, no, no. Do not ingest essential oils unless advised to do so by a practitioner who is qualified/licensed to prescribe essential oils in this way. These “consultants” are not qualified unless they have been through a managed program of study and licensed to do so! If they have you put drops of essential oil in water, you cannot do that! Taking essential oils orally engages many areas of risk that other modes do not. Do not take essential oils either undiluted or in water, as there is a risk of mouth/stomach irritation.
Read more at NAHA.org about safety issues – Do not use essential oils internally unless directed by a qualified practitioner or using a professionally formulated blend labeled for internal use. Safety Guidelines for dilution and use must be followed. Any essential oils used must be pure and genuine. NAHA recommends purchasing from a reputable supplier who analyzes their oils by GC/MS.
The Tisserand Institute has also established safety guidelines with topical use and dilution for adults and children as well as for other uses.
Essential oils can be safely used to enhance wellbeing and as part of a healthy lifestyle. They are used by millions of people every day, most of them without incident. However, essential oils are powerful substances and can be harmful if not used with due care and diligence. The essential oil in a bottle is 50-100 times more concentrated than in the plant, and safety issues apply to essential oils that do may not apply to the whole plant or herbal extract.
Honestly, I have used and purchased oils from different companies and I still do. In professional aromatherapy, the focus should be on safety and effectively using the oils, not on which is the better company. It is up to you to find the company or companies that best align with your own philosophies.
So with that all said….I do use essential oils to help me with stress, pain, cleaning, or for scenting room, etc. Here are the only oils you’ll ever need for quick relief from stress. You may use these oils, but exercise caution and if you have questions, just ask.
Chamomile
Chamomile oil (both Roman and German) has powerfully calming properties that can also be used to treat PMS and other “female” problems.
Chamomile is even recommended by health practitioners to calm irritable children and colicky infants. It can be blended in massage oil or a few drops can be placed in a bath, vaporizer or diffuser. Chamomile is also effective for stress relief when combined with creams or lotions.
Jasmine
While Jasmine oil is pricier than most other essential oils, it is deserving of its price. The powerful therapeutic properties of Jasmine make it precious oil.
Jasmine is an aphrodisiac used to battle fatigue and calms your frazzled emotions all in one fell swoop. Jasmine is a multipurpose oil that can also be used to combat headaches, soothe coughs, improve skin tone and minimize menstrual cramps.
It can be blended with just about any skin care product: bath gel, massage oil, or. A few drops of Jasmine can also be added to a vaporizer.
Jasmine blends quite well with Bergamot, Rose, Sandalwood and an array of Citrus oils.
Marjoram
Marjoram works best steam distilled or diffused. When used accordingly, it begins to reduce feelings of stress right away with its sweet medicinal aroma.
Marjoram is used for nervous tension, anxiety, hypertension and insomnia. It can also be used to treat colds, muscle soreness and arthritis pain.
In high doses, Marjoram is so potent it becomes narcotic.
Rose
Rose is also a multipurpose oil. It is popularly blended with other essential oils like Patchouli, Bergamot, Chamomile, Cedarwood and Sandalwood. It acts as an anti-depressant to produce feelings of peace and calming. Rose is popularly known for being able to promote emotional healing following a trauma. It’s also used to treat conditions such as impotency, bronchitis, asthma and even wrinkles.
Rose oil for stress relief can be added to your favorite massage oil or bath product. You can also diffuse the oil in your room of choice to fill the atmosphere with a peaceful aroma.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for stress relief on the market. It is easily obtained and quite inexpensive. Lavender oil promotes relaxation, helps invoke sleep, and is helpful treating stress headaches and depression.
Like Chamomile, Lavender Oil can be combined in a number of personal care products such as bath salts, shower gels, soaps and more. It can be diffused or added directly to your bath water. One popular technique is to smooth a couple of drops across your pillow to help you fall asleep.
Combining any of the essential oils mentioned will create a powerfully therapeutic relaxation blend after a highly stressful day. Use any of these 5 oils to transform your home into a haven of peace.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michelle_H_Smith
You must log in to post a comment.