During Covid especially many people have found their stress and anxiety levels have increased considerably – even those who have never experienced these types of emotions before. Essential oils and aromatherapy are fantastic tools which can calm the mind and promote a feeling of relaxation and relief.
In my role as a Clinical Aromatherapist I encounter many people who turn to aromatherapy for its soothing, revitalising effects and relaxation. Aromatherapy alone can have a calming and restorative effect – but it can also be combined with other holistic therapies such as massage and reiki to maximise its benefits.
These are my five favourite essential oils to use for stress and anxiety. Each have different properties and effects – from enhancing mood and promoting a feeling of calmness to energising and refreshing mind and body.
Lavender – Lavandula Augustifolia
Lavender is one of the most well-known essential oils and is used extensively in aromatherapy. It can reduce stress, harmonise and balance the mind and acts sedative where there is agitation. Lavender calms the mind of fears and irrational thoughts and freshens those who feel depleted of energy.
Ylang Ylang – Cananga Odorata
Useful for sleep disorders. This oil reduces cortisol levels, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. It slows rapid breathing, brings a balance where there is agitation and reduces stress and anxiety
Vetiver – Chrysopogon Zizanioides
Vetiver has refreshing properties which stimulate electrical brain activity and promotes alertness. It brings calm where there is stress. It dispels worry, excessive thinking, and brings strength where there is insecurity and feelings of being vulnerable
Sweet Orange – Citrus Sinensis
This sweet, uplifting scent smells like a freshly peeled satsuma – zesty, juicy and full of life. Sweet Orange soothes agitation and anger, eases frustration and aggression, promotes optimism, aids relaxation and radiates joy. Pop a few drops in an oil burner for an instantly uplifting mood-booster.
Grapefruit – Citrus Paradisi
Citrusy-sour Grapefruit has an instantly revitalising effect on the senses – helping to balance mood and reduce stress. This oil has antimicrobial and antibacterial effects. Grapefruit oil is energising and stimulates circulation.
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