If you are anxious or stressed, consider trying aromatherapy. Stress relief can be as simple as putting a scented cotton ball to your nose.
Aromatherapy stress relief is all about using your sense of smell to relieve your tension and boost your mood. There are many products that use aromatherapy, from candles, to incense to special soaps. But perhaps the simplest aromatherapy method involves soaking a cotton ball in an essential oil, holding it to your nose and breathing deeply. In just a few minutes you’ll feel better.
Of course, you need to use the right essential oils. Here are three that have been proven to relieve anxiety.
Lavender: This is one of the most used aromatherapy essential oils. It is made through steam distillation using only the flowers of the plant. When choosing lavender products look for Lavandula officinalis, the highest quality (and also unfortunately, the most expensive) variety. Lavandula angustifolia is also acceptable and is more commonly available because it is easier to grow. Do not use lavandin as it is a cheap, low-quality variety not suitable for aromatherapy stress relief. Lavender essential oils should be clear in color. It can be combined with other essential oils to make your own custom scent.
Geranium: Like lavender, geranium is one of the most commonly used essential oils and, like lavender, it is made through steam distillation. However, only geranium leaves and stalks are used, rather than the flower. Unfortunately, the household geraniums that many of us grow each year are not generally suitable for aromatherapy stress relief: only about 10 of the more than 700 varieties of geranium plant are suitable. The household variety doesn’t usually produce enough oil. Geranium essential oil is usually clear but perhaps with a greenish tinge.
Bergamot (or bergamot orange): This citrus-scented oil is excellent for stress relief. It is made by extracting the oils from the rind of the fruit of a variety of Southeast Asian tree. This oil ranges in color from green to yellow-green. Because the oil is somewhat acidic, if you apply it to your skin, you should stay out of the sun for a time because it can cause burns.
To mix your own aromatherapy stress relief combination, use a tablespoon of a carrier oil (olive, sesame or sunflower oil will do nicely) and add 1-2 drops of any of the essential oils listed above.
Dip a cotton ball into the solution and sniff. If you enjoy the scent, excellent: store it in a perfume sample bottle. (Be aware that the carrier oil can go rancid over time so it is best to make just a small amount.) If you like, you can experiment and add a few drops of one of the other essential oils. Be careful to only add one or two drops at a time, to save money and to avoid creating an overpowering scent.
Aromatherapy stress relief is quick and painless way to restore calm in your stressful life. Get some essential oils and use your nose to bring balance to your life.
Tags: aromatherapy, essential oils, stress, Stress relief
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