Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to heal physical and emotion conditions and enhance one's overall wellness. Essential oils are made from different kinds of plants including flowers, branches, leaves, or fruits. Aromatherapy is believed to stimulate smell receptors in the nose. The smell receptors send messages through the nervous system to the part of the brain that controls emotions. Essential oils can trigger positive and calming emotions and associations.
There are nine essential oils that are considered the best for anxiety and stress.
1. Sandalwood
Sandalwood has a sweet, woodsy, outdoors type scent. There was a study conducted that found the sandalwood aroma helpful in cases of terminal illness. It reduced the overall anxiety of these patients. It is known to help with insomnia and overall improves the quality of sleep.
2. Lavender
Lavender is one of the most common aromas to help treat anxiety disorders. This essential oil is extracted via steam distillation of the lavender flowers. There are over 150 different components of lavender that produce a healing effect. When inhaled it slows down fast wave brain activity and replaces it with slower wave alpha brain wave activity.
3. Roman Chamomile
Roman Chamomile's scent is sweet and fruity. The oils are from Chamomile flowers and it is known to help with insomnia and muscle tension. In addition, it can help with vomiting, restlessness, and ADD.
4. Clary Sage
In the Korean Academy of Nursing, there was a study done that involved the inhalation of clary sage with lavender, peppermint, and rosemary – the combination of these oils resulted in less anxiety for the individuals taking a stress test. It provides a temporary soothing effect on your mind and body. Some specialists think it may have anti-depressant properties.
5. Bergamot
Bergamot oil is made from the rind of unripe citrus fruit from a bitter orange tree. Bergamot tends to restore the hypothalamus to a state of homeostasis and calmness. If you are experiencing a lot of stress and anxiety, this aroma could provide you with major relief.
6. Jasmine
Some say jasmine is as effective as the anti-anxiety drug Valium at calming the nerves. Jasmine increases the GABA activity in your brain. It regulates feelings of stress, anxiety, and over-excitement. Like Bergamot, it is one of the best bets to help with your anxiety.
7. Sweet Marjoram
Sweet marjoram is a bold fragrance that helps with menstrual cramps, circulation, insomnia and contributes to an overall state of relaxation. May people combine sweet marjoram with lavender, bergamot, and chamomile.
8. Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang is a tropical Asian plant. The essential oil comes from starfish shaped flowers on the cahanga tree. It is not as potent as other essential oils like jasmine but it can still really help with anxiety and stress. Many people like to combine it with bergamot oil.
9. Rose Geranium
Rose Geranium oil has a lovely flowery scent that most people enjoy. The oil relaxes your entire body-- soothes your central nervous system, boosts your mood, and balances hormonal levels.
Also, there are essential oil diffuser necklaces. Smell the necklace when you are having trouble calming your mind and body. They will help you come back to a centered and peaceful state of mind.
Don't let anxiety and stress consume you!
