2020 was stressful year for most of us and though things have calmed down a lot I know a lot of us are still struggling with stress as we are still to some extent on lockdown even if not mandatory. Essential oils can aid us in relieving some stress and one of my go to oil is Lavender and rose when I want to create a calmer stress free environment around my home.
Before we dive into essential oils that you can use but I will probably be reiterating some of the things that you know but what are essential oils? They are highly concentrated compounds of a plant, basically the plants essence, that’s extracted using steam distillation (the most popular form of extraction).
How to use essential oils?
Most people use essential oils in the form of aromatherapy, or essential oil therapy, which improved mental or physical health through your sensory receptors like smell and touching using your skin. These absorb the oils through your nervous system and aid you to mood improvements. The most effective way is by using a diffuser but oils can be used in candles, room sprays, bath salts and applying the oil to your skin, but make sure it’s diluted first. A little bit of oil goes along way so be careful not to over do it especially if applying your skin which the best thing to is a spot test first, to make sure you are not allergic.
Essential oil Benefits:
The benefit of each oil will depend on the plant you are using, a great example is lavender, which aids in reducing anxiety and helps you fall asleep. Essential oils are not the end all or be all cure for stress and anxiety however, seek your doctors consent if you are using it for a particular problem and it worsens.
Here are some oils that can aid you if you are having a stressful day:
Depression: rose, sandalwood, ylang ylang
Lack of energy: lemon, peppermint, sweet orange
Grief: rose, frankness, sage
Stress: lavender, chamomile, clary sage
Fatigue: peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary
Headache: peppermint, chamomile, lavender, ginger
Be mindful that some essential oils can be toxic and dangerous therefore use precaution by learning about the oils before purchasing and doing a skin test before using. Pure essential oils should never be applied topically or used orally. Pure essential oils are not diluted and are extremely potent or even toxic. Always read the directions and use the amount suggested and make sure the ratio of oil to water is good, therefore illuminating irritating, toxicity or harm to any one. Some oils are not to be used around pets or children and that should be kept in mind with any oil you will be using. Do not continuously use the same oils as it is best to take a break as the body will get used to it and also maybe it can become toxic to you. Some oils such as lemon or any citrus oil is best o use only in the home as they are photo toxic in sunlight and can cause the skin damage. But in general keep all oils out of sunlight.
How to shop for oils?
Of course I would recumbent our shop however we don't carry all oils and maybe at time you will need to choose another brand. Essential oils are not regulated by the food and drug administration therefore they don’t oversee the purity, quality and packaging of essential oils. When choosing essential oils it’s best to read the labels and choose non synthetic oils, brands that show transparency in their product sourcing and ingredients. You can typically find the grade o n the bottle but avoid words like “fragrance” and “perfume”.
Be sure to leave a comment on the essential oil you use when stressed in our comment
section and sign up for our app.