| Our sense of smell is one of the most powerful of | | | | Bergamot, Vetiver, Rose, Cardamom. |
| the senses in its ability to influence our mind and | | | | Mental stress (caused by over-achievement, exams, |
| mood. Think how evocative certain scents are: the | | | | unemployment, financial stress, doing too much etc): |
| smell of new-mown grass, fresh coffee or Christmas | | | | Geranium, Lavender, Sandalwood, Basil, Bergamot, |
| trees, to give just a few examples, and how good | | | | Grapefruit, Cardamom, Patchouli |
| they can make you feel. This is why using | | | | Physical stress (caused by over-exertion, driving long |
| aromatherapy for stress relief is extremely effective. | | | | distances etc): Rosemary, Chamomile Roman, |
| The essential oils used in aromatherapy have the | | | | Marjoram, Lavender, Bergamot, Thyme, Geranium, |
| power to relieve stress, uplift us and also to revive | | | | Fennel |
| flagging energies. | | | | Chemical stress (caused by too much coffee, |
| It is a completely natural form of therapy, using the | | | | over-drinking, junk food, antibiotics, pollution, smokers |
| pure essential oils of plants to treat all kinds of | | | | etc): Lavender, Patchouli, Pettigraine, Geranium, |
| disease, both psychological and physiological. There | | | | Clary-sage, Grapefruit, Lemon, Rosemary |
| are various methods of using essential oils; you can | | | | Environmental stress (caused by bright lights, noise, |
| mix them with carrier oils for massaging, you can use | | | | cramped living or working space etc.): Cedarwood, |
| them in burners or infusers or you can put a few | | | | Coriander, Geranium, Cypress, Chamomile Roman, |
| drops into your bath. | | | | Basil, Bergamot |
| To use aromatherapy oils for stress, you should start | | | | Some aromatherapy companies will make up blends |
| with two or three of the recommended oils and | | | | for specific ailments, or you can make up your own |
| incorporate them into your life as much as you can. | | | | blends, using the oils of your choice, to treat |
| Add one or two more over time and you will | | | | particular symptoms. |
| eventually get to know which are of most benefit | | | | Aromatherapy is a lovely way to reduce stress, and |
| for you. Combining two or three oils together often | | | | it is easy to treat yourself, but it is very important |
| seems to make them more effective. | | | | that you read how to use essential oils before you |
| Different essential oils vary in price due to the | | | | start. Using the wrong strengths can be dangerous, |
| various processing methods for each plant, and the | | | | and can actually have a reverse effect, and if you |
| availability of the plant. Lavender, which is one of the | | | | are pregnant there are some oils that you should not |
| best oils for stress, is generally one of the cheapest, | | | | use. |
| whereas jasmine or rose tend to be the most | | | | Aromatherapy for stress relief can be extremely |
| expensive oils! | | | | effective, and it is relatively inexpensive if you stick |
| Choose from the following oils, depending on the kind | | | | to the cheaper oils. It also has a very quick effect, |
| of stress you are suffering: | | | | especially if you use something like an infuser or |
| Emotional stress (caused by grief, loss, relationship | | | | burner to relieve stress throughout the day. |
| problems etc): Geranium, Sandalwood, Palma rosa, | | | | |