A Beginner’s Guide To The Phenomenal Powers Of Essential Oils: Essential Oil Recipes For Weight Loss, Aromatherapy, Stress Relief And Anti-Aging (2016)
Chapter 3. Using Essential Oils for Stress Relief
Stress relief is also among the top benefits of using essential oils. These are convenient relief measures because you can carry them anywhere. They come in small containers yet packed in strength and effectiveness. Using them is quick and easy. Just a few drops on a handkerchief or clothes and you can smell the stress-relieving aroma all day. You can add a few drops to a diffuser and keep your workplace, car or home smelling nice and relaxing at the same time. You can also use some essential oils for a more relaxing massage or a calming bath.
The scent and the molecules of essential oils can trigger the areas of the brain that control emotions. They promote the release of chemicals in the body that promote relaxation, better mood and calming energy. Essential oils for stress relief are categorized into 3:
Essential oils influencing the emotional component of stress
These essential oils promote calmness and relaxation in the body. This includes:
Roman chamomile oil for restlessness; promotes calmness
To use for stress relief, apply 2-4 drops of oil on the wrists and ankles. This will promote better energy flow in the body to fight stress. Add a few drops to a handkerchief and breathe it throughout the day. Place about 2-4 drops in a diffuser and make the workplace or home smell relaxing and calming.
Geranium for release of negative memories; has uplifting, relaxing effect
To use, dilute it with preferred carrier oil (jojoba, almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, etc) at 50:50 ratio. Use 2 to 4 drops of the blend on the temples and abdomen. Add the same drops to a handkerchief or on your palms and inhale the invigorating scent. Add a few drops of this oil blend to a diffuser and make the home or workspace smell relaxing and uplifting.
Lavender for ease of stress, frustrations and anger
To use for stress relief, apply 2 to 4 drops to a handkerchief or diffuser to directly inhale its calming scent.
Marjoram, the “Happiness” herb; supportive function for healthy nervous system
Before using, dilute to a 50:50 concentration with preferred carrier oil. Then directly inhale by applying a few drops of the diluted oil blend to a diffuser or handkerchief.
Lemon balm for release of negative emotions from the heart
This is among the most expensive essential oils, next to rose essential oil. The cost of distillation is expensive because a lot of plant parts are used and only a tiny amount of essential oil can be obtained. About 3 tons of material from lemon balm plant only yields 1 pound of essential oil. The cost of the oil can reach to about $15,000 per pound of pure (therapeutic grade) lemon balm oil. Per 5ml bottle would usually fetch anywhere from $150-$250.
There are some that offer a much cheaper price, of about $10 per 5 ml. In the world of essential oils, high quality oils produce the most benefits and the great ones are really expensive.
To use lemon balm oil for stress relief, use neat or undiluted. Directly inhale the scent by [lacing a few drops on a diffuser or handkerchief.
Other essential oils under this category include the following. How to use these are the same as the previously discussed essential oils for this category.
Vetiver for grounding effect
Bergamot for calmness; uplifting
Jasmine for relaxation; uplifting
Tangerine for calmness
Orange for joy and pace; elevates mind and body
Essential oils supporting the physical component of stress
These oils support physical components, such as muscle tension and soreness, joint pains, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure and the like. Because of their effect on improving the physical aspect affected by stress, these essential oils are also considered as tonics. These essential oils are:
Thyme
Use in a 20:80 dilution, where 1 part thyme essential oil is diluted to 4 parts vegetable oil. Use over sore or tensed muscles or inhale its scent to invigorate tired and stressed muscles.
Valerian
This oil has a woody and musty scent. To use, apply the oil directly on sore or tense muscles. Inhale via a diffuser or simply adding a few drops to a handkerchief.
Lavender
Apply directly to tired and stressed muscles. Inhale its scent to promote overall relaxation.
Patchouli
Use it undiluted or neat. Apply small amount on sore, tired muscles. Inhale the invigorating scent through diffusers or on a handkerchief.
Black pepper
Use in a 50:50 dilution. Apply on stiff or sore muscles. Inhaling the scent also helps to relax stressed muscles.
Essential oils affecting fear
Essentials oils that affect fear are those that ground the body, bringing it back into proper alignment with the mind. This keeps a person present, more aware of the moment or of present reality. To use these oils, follow the same guidelines as the other essential oils previously mentioned. These oils include:
Lemon (use at 50:50 dilution)
Lemon balm (use undiluted)
Vetiver (use undiluted)
Rose (expensive; use undiluted)
Ylang ylang (use neat or undiluted)
There is also the mental component of stress, which can also be influenced by essential oils. These oils calm the mental chatter that adds to the daily stress. It also releases the negativities that weigh the mind and body down. It promotes mental clarity and helps in achieving greater mental focus. Essential oils for this component include:
Rosemary
Use at 50:50 dilution. Apply 2 to 4 drops to tense areas. Directly inhale by adding a small amount to diffusers or handkerchief.
Peppermint
Use in the same manner as rosemary essential oil.
Lemon
Use in the same manner as rosemary essential oil.
Cedar wood
Use it neat or undiluted. Apply to knotted, tense muscles, over the temples, wrists and/or ankles. Inhale by adding to diffusers or placing a few drops on a handkerchief.