How to Use Scents to Relieve Stress

Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural scents to relieve stress. Although the term aromatherapy is relatively new, using natural scents for health is an old tradition. The Ancient Chinese people used incense and flowers to calm the nerves and soothe the body. The benefits of aromatherapy are thought to be produced when the olfactory receptors in the nose sends chemicals and information from the natural scents to the limbic system, which is the area of the brain that controls emotion. The chemicals in the scents are thought to have a calming effect on the brain. Aromatherapy uses natural essential oils that are extracted from plants, herbs and flowers. It does not use artificial fragrances and perfumes. Common scents used are bergamot, chamomile, lavender, jasmine, rose, sage, sandalwood and vanilla.

Things You'll Need

• Essential oils
• Cotton cloth
• Natural massage oil
• Dried flowers

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply three of your favorite essential oils to a cotton cloth. Lay the cloth on your forehead or on your pillow next to you. Rest on your bed while you inhale the pleasing essential oil scent. Close your eyes and let the essential oils relax your mind and body. You can use this essential oil cloth as often as you desire. When the scent wears off the cloth, apply three more drops of essential oil. Essential oils are strong and usually only need to be reapplied once every two or three days.

• 2

  Add 10 drops of essential oil to 8 ounces of lotion. You can use one or more types of essential oils at the same time, as long as you do not use more than 10 drops combined in 8 ounces of lotion. Essential oils are strong and can irritate the skin in larger dosages. Use the lotion on your face or body whenever you feel stressed.

• 3

  Carry a small bottle of diluted essential oil around with you wherever you, so that you always have access to a the calming effects of aromatherapy. To make diluted essential oil, add one drop of an essential oil to one ounce of body oil. Choose a natural massage oil, also known as a carrier oil, such as almond oil or jojoba oil. When you are in need of instant calming relief, apply a drop of oil directly under your nose.

• 4

  Soak in a relaxing aromatherapy bath to relieve stress at the end of the day. To make an aromatherapy bath, add 2 handfuls of dry flowers to your bathwater. Dried lavender flowers or dried roses work well. Soak in the bath for 15 minutes or more to enjoy the calming effects of the flowers.