While the essential oil industry has been experiencing a recent boom as of late, people have actually been enjoying the health benefits of aromatherapy since the 11th century. This alternative to Western medicine uses essential oils in lieu of processed chemicals to speed up the healing process, boost energy levels, and provide a multitude a multitude of other benefits. The increase in this holistic practice in the 21st century seems to be directly proportional to the levels of stress we experience in the digital age, with our bodies paying the price, and it manifests in all sorts of ways from sleeplessness and irritability to digestive distress and reproductive issues.
Anxiety can become the most crippling manifestation of stress of them all, threatening our outlook on life, causing many of us to wake up worrying and feel like we’re treading water throughout the day just to keep ourselves above the surface. People with anxiety may deal with panic attacks or withdraw from society to cope. Needless to say, something’s gotta give. One theory of why aromatherapy is so effective is simply because it stimulates the smell receptors in your nose, that send messages to your nervous system and has also thought to have a subtle effect on the body’s chemical and energy systems. Because of this, aromatherapy is often used as a natural remedy to relieve anxiety, depression, and stress.
Lavender
The effects of lavender are calming, soothing, and relaxing. It is considered to be a nervous system relaxant and helps with sleep, tension, restlessness, and irritability with numerous clinical trials have shown that lavender can reduce stress and tension.
Bergamot
Bergamot is often used to help treat depression by providing energy as well as improving relaxation, helping with insomnia and reducing agitation. It can also help with stress induced loss of appetite. It has neuroprotective, sedative and uplifting properties.
Camomile
Roman Chamomile offers soothing and calming benefits. It helps harmonize the mind and body and can reduce worry and overthinking.
Clary Sage
Clary sage is soothing, relaxing and grounding. It is also known to bring relief to women during their menstrual cycle and can help with PMS and stress relief.
Frankincense
This essential oil is known as a natural anti-depressant and for its sedative properties. It helps with focus and minimizes distractions as well as easing irritability, impatience and restlessness and is a great oil to use for meditation.
Peppermint
Peppermint can be useful for calming nerves and easing tension caused by stress, easing nervousness, promoting mental clarity and alleviating feelings of mental fatigue. It is energizing and uplifting and can help fight feelings of lethargy.
Rose
Rose essential oil can help with panic attacks, grieving and shock. It is emotionally uplifting and promotes feelings of relaxation. It can also balance hormones thus reducing anxiety.
Wild Orange
This essential oil is both uplifting and energizing. According to research it can also ease anxiety, lower hypertension, chronic fatigue, and improve low libido.
Ylang Ylang
Can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can help nervous palpitations and irritability and can also aid insomniacs due to its moderate sedative effects. It can help enhance your mood and encourage optimistic and positive feelings.
Vetiver
Vetiver has a grounding effect and helps with anxious, unnerved or stressed feelings. It is used as a nervous system tonic and can help with trauma, insomnia, and relaxation. It can also balance hormones that help to reduce anxiety.