Stress affects the body, lowers the immune system, slows body function and can lead to serious physical, mental or emotional imbalances.

Aromatherapy can help with stress management by a direct link to the limbic and autonomic system. The hypothalamus is the major control center of the autonomic nervous system. It controls the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions which activate the “fight or flight” adrenaline production. As we inhale the essential oils, there is a direct link to the limbic system of the brain via the olfactory nerve. This triggers the secretion of neurotransmitters such as seratonin or encephalins which relax or uplift the spirits.

Many plant essences can help to bring on a calm, relaxed state of mind. Aromatherapy is simple to do: just a dip cotton in the essences and inhale. A mixture of lavender, geranium, and patchouli relieves tension and anxiety; chamomile and melissa act as antispasmodics and nerve sedatives.

Essential Oils For Stress-Related Problems

Anger, Anxiety: Basil, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, cypress, frankincense, geranium, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, lavender, marjoram, melissa, neroli, ylang-ylang

Depression: Basil, clary sage, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, vetiver, ylang-ylang

Insomnia: Basil, chamomile, lavender, mandarin, marjoram, melissa, neroli, petitgrain, rose, sandalwood, thyme, ylang-ylang

Nervous Exhaustion: Basil, cinnamon, citronella, coriander, ginger, grapefruit, hyssop, jasmine, lavender, lemon grass, peppermint, nutmeg, rosemary, ylang-ylang

Nervous Tension: Basil, bergamot, cedarwood, chamomile, cinnamon, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, melissa, neroli, palmarosa, rosemary, vetiver, ylang-ylang

Bath or sauna - Put 5 drops of Chamomile, 3 drops of Geranium, 5 drops of Lavender, and 2 drops of Lemon into a warm bath or sauna, and soothe away the stress of the day.

Body splash - Put 3 drops of Chamomile, 2 drops of Geranium, 3 drops of Lavender, and 2 drops of Lemon into a cup of water. Put the blend into a spray bottle and occasionally spritz yourself during the day to calm yourself down and get back in control.

Diffuser – Put 5 drops EACH of Ylang Ylang, Orange, and Patchouli into a diffuser.

Essential Oil Blend For Stress

The following mix is useful for relaxing body aches and other pain associated with stress.

20 drops lavender oil10 drops rosemary oil10 drops black pepper oil5 drops peppermint oil

5 drops cypress oil

Add the ingredients to the entire bottle of Basic Massage Oil. Shake well to mix.When you are mentally exhausted and sick of thinking, the following blend will allow you to fade far away, relax your mind, and forget the world for a while.

10 drops bergamot oil20 drops geranium oil10 drops ylang-ylang oil5 drops frankincense oil

5 drops cedarwood oil

Add the ingredients to the entire bottle of Basic Massage Oil. Shake well to mix