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Aromatherapy for Stress

Smell is the only sense that can bypass the blood barrier to the central nervous system, giving aroma the ability to powerfully transform emotions. Aromatherapy is the use of one or more essential oils to treat ailments such as stress. While it is not uncommon for people to treat their own symptoms with homemade remedies, it is advisable to seek advice from an aromatherapist before beginning any treatments.

  1. Choosing Essential Oils

    • Essential oils are extracted from any part of a plant, most commonly the root, stem or flower. Different people respond in different ways to essential oils, but there are certain essential oils cited by many for their effectiveness in promoting relaxation and stress relief. Basil, bergamot, borneo camphor, cinnamon, clove, cypress, eucalyptus, garlic, geranium, ginger, hyssop, lavender, lemon, marjoram, neroli, nutmeg, onion, peppermint, pine, rose, rosemary and thyme are commonly used to treat stress, anxiety, tension and mental fatigue. It is a good idea to smell as many of the different types of essential oils as possible so you can find the combination that most appeals to you.

    Application of Essential Oils

    • Once you have chosen your essential oils, you will want to decide how to apply them. You can purchase products designed to diffuse, spray, steam or burn aroma into the air, or you may choose to apply it topically through massage, compress, skin cream, bath or sauna. If applied to the skin directly, essential oil can cause severe irritation or reaction in some individuals, so it always important to use it along with an organic cold-pressed carrier oil such as sweet almond, jojoba or olive. The ratio of essential oil to carrier oil depends on what you are using the blend for, the health condition of the person receiving the treatment, and the oils you are using.

    Tips for Stress Relief

    • When you have chosen a method and the essential oils you will use, it is time to make space and time to practice aromatherapy. Find a space that is warm and quiet with diffused light. If light music or candles help you to relax, include those things. Let the scents take you away from the world and nourish your soul so you can come back alert, revived, refreshed and ready to take on life's joys and challenges.

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