Stress Soothers

Therapeutic treatments using aromatic essential oils are both pleasurable and effective.  The oils draw on the healing properties of plants, and with regular use they can stimulate the immune system to strengthen the body against disease. 

One of today’s biggest health problems is too much stress.  Our bodies pump extra blood and the heart rate speeds up while the digestion slows down.  We all react to stress in different ways, but we can all benefit from the balancing and calming effects of essential oils.  

Essential oils, when inhaled, stimulate the limbic portion of the brain which is responsible for all of our feelings of well-being and discontent.  Aromatherapy can help reduce your levels of stress enabling you to lead a happier and more fulfilled life. 

- Anxiety can be reduced by using uplifting and calming essential oils such as: basil (uplifting), bergamot (uplifting), geranium (relaxing), lavender (soothing), neroli (sedative), and sandalwood (calming). 

- Mild shock is a temporary form of stress and needs a fast-acting remedy.  The following essential oils can help: chamomile (calming), Melissa (anti-depressant), neroli (relieves anxiety), peppermint (invigorating pain-reliever), and rosemary (stimulating).  (Please talk with your doctor first about this condition.) 

- Headaches are one of the first signs of stress.  Cold compresses of lavender or geranium across the forehead provide some relief.  Peppermint across the temples, forehead, and back of neck also provide some relief.

- Depression hits us all from time to time and if untreated, it can lead to lowering our immune system and worsening our mental and physical health.  These oils tend to lift our spirits: bergamot, cypress, lemongrass, and rosemary.  Oils that are soothing are chamomile, geranium, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, neroli, patchouli, rose, sandalwood, and ylang ylang.  Always consult a doctor.

- When you feel exhausted or can’t concentrate on one thing at a time, take time to unwind by taking a walk, deep-breathing exercises, or taking a bath.  Then, revive yourself with eucalyptus, peppermint, or rosemary.

- Sleeplessness is a common response to stress and learning how to relax can be difficult.  By getting into a more regular pattern by a healthy diet and regular exercise, will help.  Try drinking milk or tea with an essential oil in it like tangerine or lavender.  Taking a relaxing bath with any of the following oils that have sedative properties: cedarwood, chamomile, frankincense, hyssop, lavender, marjoram, Melissa, neroli, orange, patchouli, rose, sage, sandalwood, or ylang ylang.  Breathing the following essential oils will help to induce sleep: frankincense, lavender, marjoram, neroli, and peace & calming.

- Whenever you are under a lot of stress for any length of time, your body tenses up.  Your muscles ache, feel tired and are sluggish.  As you massage the aching muscles at the surface, the essential oils work at the deeper levels as they are absorbed.  Pepper and peppermint are good oils for aching muscles.  Clove is very anti-inflammatory.

Disclaimer:

- These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

- The information provided herein is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription for any disease or mental illness. The author, publisher, and distributors accept no responsibility for such use. Those who may be suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult with a physician.

- The names of the essential oil blends and nutritional supplements listed are trademarked by Young Living Essential Oils. Mention of Young Living products does not imply endorsement by Young Living. All content is the work of Young Living Independent Distributors.

Sources and resources: “The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy”

For more information: www.oilsforhealthyliving.net