Stress Relief with Essential Oils

I have always been a proponent of using a multitude of modalities to find true wellness. As you are a multifaceted human being, you need many different techniques to stay well. Just like your nutrition is not balanced without consuming a wide variety of foods, you cannot be well in your body, mind, and soul, without a wide variety of modalities. Essential oils are one of the modalities I turn to often. I love having them in my diffusers (I currently have four diffusers in my home), use them in skin care remedies (like sunburn relief), or for inflammation from an injury.

EO's are also the only "pretty smells" allowed in my home. I do not use anything in my home with the word "fragrance" listed on the ingredient label. Did you know "fragrance" is a blanket term for many different chemicals in products? "Fragrance" is not regulated by the FDA so it becomes a default place to hide chemicals you wouldn't otherwise want in a product you use daily (like BPA, a known contributor to cancer). I admittedly am not living a perfectly "clean" lifestyle, but I do try to avoid as many chemicals in my products as possible. However, I do still appreciate a home and laundry that have a fresh or seasonal scent. 

There are a few things you need to be aware of before beginning to use essential oils in any way. 

As always, I ask that you do your own research and you never consume a supplement of any kind without making sure it is safe for YOU. Essential oils are best used as a preventative and maintenance treatment, rather than for crisis management, however, they can be a great supplement to a more robust treatment plan in crisis. A couple of notes:  

1. It takes about 30-50 roses to get one drop of Rose essential oil. Consider this if you plan to consume an essential oil at all, or even put it on your skin. You would likely not consume 50, or 100, or 150 roses in one sitting, so you don't want to consume 3 drops of rose essential oil without proper dilution. Appropriate dilution matters in every way you chose to use an EO, please complete research from trusted sources and be wise in how you use them in, on, and around your body.
2. Due to the increasing popularity in recent years, there are many many companies boasting “oils.” Be mindful that you are purchasing a true essential oil and not a fragrance oil. Check the ingredient list first, if you see the word fragrance, it's not an essential oil. Secondly, look into how the company sources and produces its oils. You want to be sure the company ensures quality and sustainability remain intact. There are certainly times when quality matters and times when a less quality EO can do the trick. For me, a lesser quality EO is always sufficient for adding pleasant smells to my home, whether in a diffuser, my laundry, or when I clean. However, if it's going on or in my body, only the highest quality oils will do. 

I do appreciate Rocky Mountain Oils, as well as Aura Cacia. If you choose to support an MLM, Young Living and DoTerra are popular options. 

As with herbs and supplements, there are a million different essential oils a person could use and about as many ways to use them! Today we’ll just touch on a few that are great for stress. In this conversation, we are talking about using them as aromatherapy. So either in a diffuser or being able to smell them in some way (sprayed on your pillow, a drop on a necklace or bracelet, on your dryer balls etc). This post will not address dilution ratios or recipes for using on/in the body. 

1. Lavender: This oil is used for a wide variety of ailments, it’s kind of a one-stop shop! It’s great for gentle pain relief (sharp, sudden pain), relaxation and insomnia, depression, cold/flu viruses, decongestion, and a few other things! It is great at helping the body to balance emotions and normalize body functions. It is lovely when paired with citrus oils or other floral scents. 
2. Frankincense: This oil is great for stress as it helps to slow and deepen the breath. It is also great for skin care, digestion, congestion, and sore throats. It has been used traditionally in meditation and prayer and is great for stilling the mind. It pairs well with citrus, florals, woods, and spices. 
3. Roman Chamomile: This oil overlaps a lot with lavender. However, Roman Chamomile also has an affinity for treating PMS and skincare. It is also great for pain relief(dull persistent pain), insomnia, digestion, stress, and tension. It pairs well with other florals or herbs. 
4. Sandalwood: This oil is a great oil for releasing nervous tension, aids in easing depression, can help prevent tension headaches, helps to quiet the mind, and calms frustrations. It is also an aphrodisiac, especially if low libido is caused by stress or anxiety. It pairs well with most florals. 
5. Ylang Ylang: This oil is great for women in many different ways. Stress, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and can help you embrace your feminine energy, sensuality, and confidence. It is also useful when needing to express inner feelings. It pairs well with citrus (this is encouraged due to the heaviness of the scent), and sandalwood. 

Again, there are so many different oils out there! If you want to get started with some and ease into your EO collection, I highly suggest lavender, peppermint, and a citrus oil of some kind. They are the most versatile and pleasing to most people. Experiment with different combinations in your diffuser, explore the many different recipes available, and remember to always use them safely. 

If you are ready to embrace a more holistic approach, let's talk about how we can work together to address wellness in your body, mind, and soul. Hop on a call with me and let's explore your options! 

Source: The Aromatherapy Bible by Gill Farrer-Halls

https://www.endocrineweb.com/lifestyle-diet/hidden-endocrine-disruptors-beauty-products