We could all benefit from better stress management — that’s probably why it’s one of the most common New Year resolutions. When we don’t give ourselves a chance to unwind, that stress can build up and make us feel miserable. Extreme amounts of stress can even have serious health consequences, affecting the immune, cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and central nervous systems.
So if that’s something you’re aiming to improve this year, essential oils can be a wonderful complement to all of your self-care practices. Give these single oils and blends a try to help relieve stress:
Lavandin
Don’t worry — it’s not spelled wrong. LavandIN is a beautiful hybrid of true lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia). It is rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, just like Lavender, but also includes 1,8-cineole and camphor, making it a bit different aromatically and therapeutically. It is emotionally calming, helps to ease feelings of stress, and reduces symptoms of anxiety . If you love Lavender, you may find yourself feeling the same way about Lavandin. Its aroma is similar to Lavender but absolutely has its own unique personality.
Sandalwood (all kinds)
The beautifully soft and creamy aroma of this essential oil is well known to positively influence the mind. It has a cooling, calming, and toning effect on the nervous system, making it great for hot and agitational emotional states related to stress . It is excellent for encouraging relaxation when diffused or inhaled. Plus, it’s a perfect meditation companion to help clear the mind from everyday worries.
To learn more about Sandalwood (and to give this really relaxing bath salts DIY a try!) check out these blogs:
- Sandalwood Indian and Australian: Essential Oil Spotlight of the Week
- 8 Ideas for Using Sandalwood Essential Oil
Bergamot
This bright, uplifting, fresh-smelling oil is excellent for a mind and body feeling bogged down by stress. It promotes relaxation by increasing activity in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the branch of the central nervous system that helps balance heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Use it alongside other uplifting and comforting essential oils, such as Rose Absolute, Chamomile Roman, or Sandalwood to stabilize your mood and release pent-up stressed out feelings . If stress is also resulting in unproductive or addictive behaviors, Bergamot may help redirect that nervous energy to something more positive .
Check out The Five Benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil to learn more about this wonderful oil.
Copaiba Oleoresin
When stress puts a strain on your immune system, your whole body can feel the effects. Tension in the head and neck along with achy muscles can make the end of a stressful day feel even worse. Copaiba is widely known for its ability to help alleviate soreness in these areas, partly due to its large quantity of beta-caryophyllene. This unique chemical constituent may target parts of the brain that help minimize feelings of sadness and discouragement .
Try blending 2 drops each of Copaiba Oleoresin and Frankincense Serrata in a tablespoon of your favorite carrier oil and apply topically to help alleviate soreness. For an emotionally grounding blend, add 3 drops of Copaiba Oleoresin, 2 drops of Frankincense Carteri, and 4 drops of Orange Sweet to your diffuser.
To learn more about Copaiba Oleoresin, check out this blog:
Top 5 Amazing (and Surprising) Benefits of Copaiba Oil
Sage Dalmatian
The warm, spicy, and herbaceous aroma of Sage Dalmatian may not immediately come to mind when you think of essential oils for stress relief, but it should! Sage offers a wide variety of benefits. It helps support symptoms of stress, such as emotional exhaustion, nervousness, mental fatigue, and head and neck tension. However, keep in mind that Sage is rich in a powerful ketone called thujone. When applying topically, keep the dilution no higher than 0.4% and use with care.
Try this blend using several of the essential oils mentioned in this blog!
Chillax Bath Blend
What you’ll need:
- 2 tbsps unscented body wash
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 5 drops Lavender Fine
- 4 drops Bergamot
- 2 drops Patchouli
- 2 drops Copaiba Oleoresin
- Airtight container
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What you’ll do:
Mix all ingredients together thoroughly. Store in an airtight container. Makes enough for 2 baths; pour into warm, running bath water.
Sources:
Purchon, N., & Cantele, L. (2014). The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness Paperback. Pg. 39.
Mojay, G. (2000). Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils Paperback. Pg. 53.
Leaf Science. “β-Caryophyllene: A Terpene For Anxiety and Depression.”
