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Disclaimer: The following information has not been approved by the FDA. This information should not be interpreted as medical advice and is not a substitute for a visit with a medical care professional. Always speak to your doctor about any health concerns. 

As we brainstormed topics for The Detox Lifestyle series stress kept popping up to the top of our list. The damaging effect stress has on your health is a continually hot topic. But if you’re like us you may find yourself avoiding those articles because it just seems impossible to conquer. Fabulous self help advice on how to avoid stress abounds, but do you find yourself…well stressed…at the thought of finding a way to implement another thing???

We did. We do. We have an answer to help you avoid the stress (and guilt) involved in reducing your stress – essential oils for stress and anxiety!

Essential oils aren’t going to take your stress away. They aren’t going to solve all the problems in your life. But essential oils can help your body cope with stress and release built up tension.

STRESS IS IMPORTANT

Stress is important?? You probably haven’t heard that before! In The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Salvatore Battaglia makes the point that “An environment totally devoid of stress would not be beneficial, as some stress appears to be necessary for growth and change to take place and for the person to develop successful coping strategies.”

So hang on to that thought for encouragement – you can use stress to become a stronger, better person. Also keeping in mind that making use of supplements and essential oils to support your body’s stress response is wise.

HOW WE REACT TO STRESS

The way we react to stress is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, and we have no direct control over it. It is this system that reacts to stressors in our world. Of course stress triggers are different for everyone. The things that knock me flat leave my husband shaking his head in wonder (and vice versa).

The autonomic nervous system has two parts:

• Sympathetic Nervous System:  This is also referred to as our “fight or flight” response, and is meant to be a short term response to extreme or intense physical or emotional activity. When you are in a heightened response state for long periods of time it is draining to the entire body, and may cause numerous health problems.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System:  This system is almost the exact opposite of the sympathetic nervous system. It works to relax the body and inhibits or slows many high energy functions that are a result of our “fight or flight” response.

Essential oils that work to regulate the work of the autonomic nervous system – calming, grounding, soothing – help the body to break out of the vicious cycle of emotions that elevated stress levels cause.

DO ESSENTIAL OILS REDUCE STRESS?

This PubMed report documents the effect of aromatherapy in stress reduction in high stress populations – for this study elementary school teachers in Taiwan. Administration of aromatherapy sprays reduced blood pressure and autonomic nervous system parameters. The researchers conclude their report by encouraging further research of aromatherapy as a valuable stress reducing tool.

OUR TOP SEVEN ESSENTIAL OILS FOR STRESS AND ANXIETY

Essential oils are primarily a sensory experience – the senses of scent and touch may be the most intimate of our senses. When a person comes in contact with oils through scent (diffusion) and touch (massage with oils) the oils immediately go to work in the body.

Here’s our favorite essential oils for stress:

CEDAR, HIMALAYAN

• • Botanical Name: Cedrus deodara
  • Scent:  Warm, sweet, wood
  • Actions:  Calming, sedating, has a regulating effect on the nervous system.
  • Safety:  Non-toxic, non-irritant, non-sensitizing. Avoid during pregnancy. Kid-safe.

CHAMOMILE, ROMAN

• • Botanical Name:  Anthemis nobili
  • Scent:  Sweet, herbaceous, fruity, somewhat reminiscent of apples
  • Actions:  Soothing, calming, and antidepressant. Particularly useful for alleviating anxiety and stress.
  • Safety:  Non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing. Kid-safe. Should not be used if allergies or sensitivities to other members of the compositae family exist.

FRANKINCENSE

• • Botanical Name: Boswellia ssp.
  • Scent:  Warm, woody, sweet & spicy
  • Actions:  Useful for relieving anxiety, nervous tension and stress-related conditions. Frankincense has the ability to deepen the breath, or slow down the rate of breathing (hence its use in meditation and religious practices).
  • Safety:  Non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing. Kid-safe.

LAVENDER

• • Botanical Name: Lavandula augustifolia
  • Scent:  Sweet, floral, herbaceous, refreshing
  • Actions:  Has a harmonizing effect on the nervous system, assisting our body’s response to unproductive stress. Calms emotional agitation and the mind. Uplifting, revives the spirits of emotionally drained or depressed individuals.
  • Safety:  Non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. Kid-safe.

SANDALWOOD, AUSTRALIAN

• • Botanical Name:  Santalum spicatum
  • Scent: Very soft and sweet, woody
  • Actions:  Sandalwood has a relaxing effect on the nervous system. May be used to relax hot, agitated emotional states.
  • Safety:  Non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. Kid-safe.

SWEET ORANGE

• • Botanical Name:  Citrus sinensis
  • Scent:  Sweet, fresh citrus odor that is particularly enjoyed by children
  • Actions:  Mildly sedative, with an antidepressant effect. Useful in the treatment of anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia. Blends well with lavender and sandalwood – other essential oils for stress reduction.
  • Safety:  Non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. Kid-safe. Sweet orange is not considered photo-toxic.

VETIVER

• • Botanical Name:  Vetiveria zizanoides
  • Scent:  Sweet, warm, earthy, sensual (may be overwhelming so use sparingly)
  • Actions:  Relaxing, beneficial for individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression.
  • Safety:  Non-toxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. Kid-safe.

STRESS REDUCING ESSENTIAL OIL BLENDS

You can see that there are numerous essential oils for stress and anxiety. These oils work great individually, but combining oils creates a synergistic effect. Here are a few blends you might enjoy making yourself.

You can use these stress reducing essential oil blends in a variety of ways:

• • Roller Bottles:  I keep a few roller bottles mixed up with my favorite oils or blends. They slip into a purse for use while you are out, and make anytime-application a breeze. You can learn more about roller bottles and how to mix and use them here. ] 
  • Diffusers:  There are a variety of diffusers to choose from. Keeping your favorite blends handy in your workspace, kitchen, bedroom – wherever you are working (or resting) in the house or office. You will enjoy the subtle scent and your body will respond to the therapeutic effect.
  • Diffuser Necklace:  These necklaces come in a variety of styles. You place a few drops of your favorite essential oil inside the mini diffuser or on a pad that fits inside the diffuser. No one else will notice the scent, but it will release its healing properties throughout the day for you alone.

NOTE:  Both of these blends may be mixed in larger amounts and stored in a reducer bottle for future use. Make sure to clearly label your blend – essential oils including amounts, and date.

blend recipes

Serenity Blend

• 3 drops cedar
• 2 drops lavender
• 1 drop vetiver

Rest and Relaxation Blend

• 4 drops sandalwood
• 2 drops sweet orange

The amazing ability of essential oils to work in the body seems almost too good to be true! If you, or someone you know, is dealing with stress and/or anxiety I encourage you to give essential oils a try. It may take a little experimentation to discover the oils that work best for you, but I encourage you to keep trying. It is a lovely feeling to discover something so simple and healing that eliminates or reduces your dependence on prescription drugs – or just makes your life more enjoyable!

You don’t need to purchase a large number of oils, or a lot of fancy equipment to give essential oils for stress a try. Start small. Have fun. Don’t stress.

All of our The Healthy Place locations carry organic essential oils that have been verified for purity and authenticity by gas chromatography (GC) testing. Stop in and talk to one of our Wellness Consultants. They can help you choose essential oils (and supplements) that support your specific health challenges! We want to help you find your healthy place!

Get your free download of our Essential Oil Dilution Guide

DISCLAIMER:  This is written as an informational guide. The treatments described are not meant to replace professional medical care. Nor are they intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care provider before using these products.

The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Battaglia, Salvatore. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia, 2002.

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*Disclaimer: All information and recommendations given on this site, in email correspondence, newsletters or other materials provided by The Healthy Place is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice nor be viewed as a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider. Consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before modifying, stopping, or starting the use of any medications, health programs, diets, and/or supplements, as well as regarding any health concerns you may have. Our statements and information have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. As with any health-related program, product, or service, your risks and results may vary. We expressly disclaim responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information provided to you here.”

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