Have you ever heard of essential oils? You probably have, and you may even have some of your own favorite oils at home to use on a regular basis. Many people and businesses are beginning to take a strong interest in the use of essential oils and aromatherapy in their lives and products, and it’s not surprising why. When used topically or through inhalation, different essential oils can have some pretty awesome effects on our health and in our lives. Some of the best oils to use are actually pretty inexpensive, and most of them are sold in bottles or rollers that are easily portable! One area of our life aromatherapy can be a huge help for is our stress.
What is aromatherapy? Aromatherapy, as defined by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, is "the therapeutic application or the medicinal use of aromatic substances (essential oils) for holistic healing" (Nordqvist, 2017). When inhaled, the molecules of the essential oil go through the body and stimulate our limbic system, which is linked to stress, and all the things it affects, like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, emotions, and hormone balancing. It is thought that when we breathe these molecules in, it can counteract our stress response by turning on the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes our bodies and helps to turn down our stress response (Wei), 2016. Benefits of aromatherapy Aromatherapy and the many different essential oils used in it have been shown to positively influence our health in an all natural way. In general, aromatherapy has been shown to reduce symptoms like aches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and headaches, all of which are major stress symptoms that we struggle with when we are under chronic stress (Nordqvist, 2017). Every essential oil has its own unique properties and healing effects due to the different plants they come from, so these benefits are just a generalization of what some of the most known and studied essential have been shown to do for our health. When we reduce our stress symptoms, our bodies take this as a cue to slow down the stress response, and we begin to see a lot of our pains and worries fade away. Plus, since they are so portable and easy to use, we can take them with us to class, work, or even out with friends to utilize their benefits whenever we need. Best essential oils for stress Luckily, some of the best essential oils for reducing stress are some of the most widely available and inexpensive ones. Lavender essential oil is often considered the best essential oil for stress due to its strong relaxation properties and its ability to relieve headaches, migraines, and insomnia (Nordqvist, 2017). One study also found that lavender oil can help to “improve the quality of life for people with dementia” (Bauer, 2017), which is very important for stress management since chronic stress can have a negative impact on our memory and mental health. Another popular essential oil for stress management is lemon! With it’s bright citrus smell, it has been shown to improve mood and “help relieve the symptoms of stress and depression” (Nordqvist, 2017). Essential oils can be inhaled or applied topically to the skin when diluted with a carrier oil or water. They should be used with caution! Some people may be allergic to different oils, so it is important to always test the oils on a small patch of skin before using on a regular basis. The oils can be found at any health foods store, and even stores like Walmart or Target have a few different types of oil available to choose from! Adding essential oils to your existing stress management routine can be a great way to receive a few more benefits in an cheap and convenient way. All you have to do it stop and smell the oils. :) References Bauer, B. (2017, May 24). What are the benefits of aromatherapy? Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/aromatherapy/faq-20058566. Nordqvist, C. (2017, March 20). Aromatherapy: What you need to know. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10884.php. Wei, M. (2016, April 28). Six Aromatherapy Essential Oils for Stress Relief and Sleep. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-survival/201604/six-aromatherapy-essential-oils-stress-relief-and-sleep
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorHannah Brewington Archives
November 2018
Categories |