Using Aromatherapy to Relieve Stress

Can Aromatherapy Help with Stress?

Juggling work, family and everything in-between can be stressful, and we can certainly all use a little help sometimes. Aromatherapy can be a great tool in coping with the stressors of your day because of the relaxing properties found in many essential oils.

When we smell something soothing our body sends a signal to our limbic system (which is in charge of moods and emotions) to relax. Some of the best nervines  (a plant remedy that has a beneficial effect on the nervous system) for relaxation include the essential oils of Bergamot, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, and Geranium.

Although there are many ways to use aromatherapy to reduce stress, one of the easiest and most effective ways is to utilize an essential oil diffuser in your home or work space. Below I will list a few of my favorite calming blends that can be used in a diffuser, room spray, or simply inhaled in a tissue.  With each of these blends, it's important to note that you should vary the amount of each part to coincide with what method you are using.

If you are using a diffuser:

you may want to measure your parts in milliliters. If you're making a blend for massage or bath, use drops. Feel free to experiment with different amounts but try to stay consistent with the ratios of parts between oils.

Essential Oil Recipes for Relieving Stress:

Relaxation blend

6 parts Lavender Essential Oil

5 parts Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

3 parts Sandalwood Essential Oil

3 parts Marjoram Essential Oil

Uplifting and Purifying Blend:

9 parts Lavender Essential Oil

3 parts Lemon Essential Oil

2 parts Geranium Essential Oil

2 parts Bergamot Essential Oil

Anti-Stress Blend

4 parts Lavender Essential Oil

2 parts Bergamot Essential Oil

1 part Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

*If you are about to take a test or have an upcoming job interview, try the anti-stress blend above.  Dab a few drops (diluted in a carrier oil first) on your wrists beforehand to relieve stress.