We all experience stress now and then, however experiencing stress too often quickly becomes problematic. Over time, stress can take its toll on our physical and mental health. It’s important to put workable coping strategies in place to ensure that we reduce the tension on our bodies and minds. Many praise hobbies like yoga and meditation as valuable in reducing stress. Others find solace in nature or writing their emotions in a journal.
Aromatherapy has long been praised for its ability to help one to relax and feel calm. You can inhale essential oils to reap the benefits, or dilute the oil and rub into the skin. If you prefer, the oils can easily be added to a bath. To gain the stress-reducing benefits of aromatherapy, these five oils work wonders.
1. Jasmine Oil
Jasmine oil is made from the flowers of the Jasmine plant, also referred to as Jasminun officinale. Jasmine oil has been reported to reduce the effects of anxiety, so it’s a great one to use when you are feeling tense. The oil also has antiseptic properties, which means it can be effective in fighting bacterial infections.
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is produced by the distillation of lavender flowers. It can be used to treat stress and anxiety, as well as wounds and fungal infections. It’s proven to be an effective way to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Some also like to use lavender as an insect repellent during the summer months. Lavender has a potent scent which many people love (and others hate)! If the scent isn’t for you, try Rose oil, which also has stress-reducing properties.
3. CBD Oil
CBD oil, also known as cannabidiol, is made from a compound in marijuana plants. It is not the same compound which creates an intoxicating effect; instead, CBD produces a feeling of calmness and relaxation. Due to these properties, CBD is fast gaining popularity to treat conditions of stress. Over the last few years, CBD has also been reported as effective in treating the symptoms associated with arthritis and Parkinson’s. CBD oil can be ingested as well as inhaled, or you can simply Buy CBD cookies if you prefer!
4. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil is derived from the flowers of the chamomile plant. It can ease stress and can help those who struggle to get to sleep at night. Drinking chamomile tea before going to bed is beneficial for those who have insomnia. As well as this, chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties so that it can be an effective source of pain relief.
When applying essential oils to the skin, you can use carrier oils like coconut oil or jojoba oil to dilute them. Over time, you should start to feel the benefits of aromatherapy for stress reduction. When stress becomes too much, it’s essential to seek help if you need it. Suffering from stress ongoing can put pressure on your heart health and your nervous system. Speak to a loved one or contact your GP to discuss your options for anxiety or stressed based health conditions.