Aromatherapy & Essential Oils for Relaxation and Stress Relief

Aromatherapy comprises highly concentrated aromatic oils that are distilled from different plants, fruits, wood, and roots and then mixed with carrier oils which comprise pure vegetable oils such as almond or grapeseed oil. For centuries people have derived therapeutic benefits from aromatherapy for both their physical and psychological wellbeing. For maximum benefit, ensure that the essential oils you purchase contain no chemical or artificial ingredients.

Aromatherapy To Reduce Stress

Stress can be difficult to define, the stress in itself is not harmful, a small amount can even be good for us, helping to motivate us into action. It is only when stress overloads our system and gets out of control does it then begin to be dangerous to us. Recognizing when we are stressed is the key to recovery it is then that we can act in reducing our stress or changing our daily pattern to avoid it where possible.

There are many symptoms and one or two on their own do not necessarily mean we are stressed, you could find you are constantly on edge, feeling tearful often, find it hard to concentrate, tired even after sleeping well, poor appetite, unable to relax and even problems in your relationship amongst others. If you are getting to the point where you feel you cannot cope then we advise you to seek professional advice but you can always try the following remedy. Aromatherapy can be excellent for stress due to many of its relaxing effects.

Directions:

Either add 6 drops of one of the oils mentioned below to a bath or try massaging with a blend, made as described below. Massage can be very helpful for stress in itself, when combined with aromatherapy oils it can have even more effect. To make a massage oil mix 20 drops of one of the following oils with 100ml of vegetable oil such as Sweet Almond or Grapeseed. An uplifting feeling can be gained from Bergamot Oil or Geranium Oil, whilst Lavender Oil or Marjoram Oil can produce a relaxed feeling. Three very good oils to use are, Jasmine Oil which is excellent as it can have a near euphoric effect whilst Neroli Oil is an antidepressant and Rose Oil can be calming and relaxing.

There are many ways to use essential oils for their fragrance and balancing properties.

Aroma

The easiest and most effective method to use essential oils is to breathe the pure oil in deeply, straight from the bottle.

Diffuser

An aroma diffuser is a small container that is filled with water and heated usually by a candle. By adding a few drops of essential oil to the water in the bowl of an aroma diffuser the aromatic vapors of the essential oils are diffused as the water is heated. It is a great way to freshen the air in a room and definitely sets the mood you are trying to create.

Bath

Add several drops of essential oil to the bathtub water, stirring the water to mix the oils evenly. Baths are particularly good because it benefits the senses as the vapors are inhaled as well as the skin that absorbs the oils.

Massage

Create your own massage oil by adding 20 drops of essential oil to the carrier oil.

Poultice

Add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot or cold water. Soak a cloth in the water, wring out and apply the cloth to the affected area. Use hot poultices for muscular or joint pain such as arthritis and cold poultices for inflammation or fever.

Make a spray for perfume or air freshener

Add 20–30 drops of essential oil to 1 oz. (25 ml)water in a mist spray bottle and shake. Use as a perfume to freshen up or to freshen the air in a room.