5 Essential Oils for Stress
Stress. We all feel it, and it is a normal part of life. In small amounts, stress isn’t bad, and it can actually be helpful. It gives you energy and makes you more alert. However, if you are chronically stressed, it can lead to many physical and mental health problems like anxiety, headaches, a compromised immune system, and difficulty sleeping. That's why it is important to understand your stress, how it develops, and how you can use certain tools and techniques to relieve it, like essential oils and aromatherapy.
What Causes Stress
Stress is caused by situations or pressures that are known as stressors. These stressors can be anything that puts high demands on you like financial problems, a difficult job, or a new move. Your body reacts to stress by putting you in fight or flight mode. Being in constant survival mode can end up having negative effects on your overall wellbeing, as you will be constantly on the lookout for threats to fight or flee from.
Effects of Stress
- Irregular sleeping habits - sleeping too little or too much
- Digestive problems and nausea
- Increased feelings of anxiety and racing thoughts
- Increased risk of health problems - heart disease, autoimmune diseases, and reproductive issues
- Weakened immune system
- Memory and cognitive problems
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Mood swings, depression, and general unhappiness
Aromatherapy and Stress Relief
Learning how to manage your stress and finding ways to combat the effects of stress is incredibly important for your overall health and wellbeing. Some of the most effective ways to do this are mediation, exercise, talking to a mental health professional, and using the power of aromatherapy.
When you breathe in the scent of essential oils, the molecules hit your olfactory system, which sends messages to your limbic system. This part of the brain controls your emotions. This means that certain essential oils have the power to ease feelings of stress.
5 Essential Oils for Stress
Lavender
You have probably heard of using Lavender oil for stress, and there are good reasons for why. Lavender is known for its relaxing and soothing properties. Multiple studies have shown that Lavender essential oil can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Lavender can also improve symptoms such as restlessness, disturbed sleep, and mood swings. If you are dealing with high levels of stress, try diffusing 5 drops of Lavender or applying the oil topically to your wrists, temples, and back of the neck. Buy Lavender Essential Oil
Bergamot
Uplift your mood and repel negativity with Bergamot. This essential oil has a bright and citrus scent that is known to help enhance your mood as well as alleviate feelings of anxiety and racing thoughts. A 2009 study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Bergamot could be used to promote relaxation and help reduce stress by increasing activity in the parasympathetic nervous system -- this controls your heart rate and blood pressure. If you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, try diffusing Bergamot to improve your mood. For best results, diffuse with Lavender essential oil. Buy Bergamot Essential Oil
Clary Sage
Distilled from a flower that is native to the Mediterranean Basin, Clary Sage has been used since ancient times for its sedative and hormone balancing properties. Containing natural phytoestrogens, Clary Sage can be used to balance your hormones. A 2014 study by the Journal of Phytotherapy Research found that breathing in Clary Sage had the ability to reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone). These therapeutic benefits of Clary Sage induce feelings of relaxation and calmness, and help enhance your mood. When you are feeling mentally off balance, try diffusing Clary Sage to bring equilibrium to your emotions. Buy Clary Sage Essential Oil
Roman Chamomile
You have probably had a cup of chamomile tea when you feel stressed or have difficulty sleeping. One of the oldest ancient medicinal herbs, Roman Chamomile is known for its ability to relieve feelings of stress and anxiety while soothing the body and mind. The relaxing properties of Roman Chamomile promote healthy sleep cycles, improve sleep, and help you enter a restful state. Next time you experience stress and difficulty sleeping, diffuse 5 drops of Roman Chamomile before bed. For best results, pair with Lavender and Bergamot. Buy Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
RMO Essential Oil Blends
Find the right stress-relieving blend for you with our variety of mood-enhancing and relaxing signature blends. Using 100% pure essential oils, these blends work with your body to fight the symptoms of stress while soothing the body and mind. Here are some of our most popular blends for stress:
Tranquility — This blend features Orange, Tangerine, Patchouli, Lime, Blue Tansy, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, and Citronella essential oils for a warm, floral, and calming aroma. Diffuse to enhance your mediation practice, or to bring overall serenity to your day. If you are feeling anxious, apply Tranquility to your wrists, back of the neck, and pressure points to feel a wave of calm throughout your body. Buy Tranquility.
At Peace — A unique combination of Litsea Cubeba, Lime, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood, and Tangerine essential oils offers a bright and fresh aroma that eases feelings of frustration and uplifts the mood. Diffuse 5-10 drops to restore energy, center the mind, and bring feelings of peace. Buy At Peace.
Balance — A blend of Hyssop, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Geranium, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Myrrh, Sage, Spruce, Frankincense, Rose, German Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, and Neroli essential oils, the Balance blend has a floral, citrus, and soothing aroma. Apply Balance to your wrists and elbows at the beginning of your day to center yourself and generate feelings of wellbeing. Buy Balance.