While there are numerous claims to the benefits of essential oils, one of the most prevalent and scientifically backed, is the positive effect many of them have on stress and anxiety. So let’s look at the top 5 essential oils to help you breathe a sigh of relief…
#1: Lavender
Lavender is perhaps the most well-known of the essential oils and for good reason. Lavender essential oil is renowned for its many beneficial properties, including promoting calm, relaxation, and being a nervous tension reliever. It can also be added to a carrier oil to help reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles and help soothe alterations in skin integrity, such as during sun exposure or a minor cooking burn. Lavender oil contains linalool, a compound known for its sedative effect.
#2: Clary Sage
This powerful oil has been shown to have a considerable effect on cortisol levels, the stress hormone, decreasing it by as much as 36% according to one study published in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research. This favorite amongst oil users is a go-to when it comes to women’s issues. To help relieve the issues brought on by a normal woman's menstrual cycle, Clary Sage can be used topically with a carrier oil at a 2-4% ratio, or diffused to create a balancing atmosphere. The wonderful aroma of Clary Sage is very earthy and has hints that are fruity, floral, nutty, and herbaceous. This very soothing aroma is the key blend that helps create an atmosphere that is balancing and calming.
#3: Jasmine
Beyond the gorgeous floral scent of Jasmine, it also contains compounds shown to calm the nervous system without causing sleepiness like some other relaxing essential oils. Jasmine Absolute is an incredible oil known for its distinctive, exotic floral aroma that is often used in perfumery. Its intoxicating smell is known as an aphrodisiac that increases feelings of love and romance. Additionally, it is uplifting to the senses and helps to create a positive atmosphere. Other popular uses include helping to rejuvenate and refresh the skin when added to skincare products and also soothing a sore throat when problems occur.
#4: Bergamot
Bergamot Essential Oil is a favorite amongst essential oil users for its citrusy, uniquely vibrant scent with a touch of floral, and for its many therapeutic properties. The lovely aroma of Bergamot Essential Oil is known to support mental health and clarity by providing a boost to the mind. It can also help ease feelings of anxiety, especially during times of sadness and grief. Bergamot Essential Oil is gentle for DIY skincare and helps support skin health for acne-prone or oily skin. This essential oil can also be added to massage blends to help reduce muscle tension and give relief from tightness caused by a hard workout. Coming from bergamot oranges, this floral scented oil has been shown to decrease anxiety and improve mood.
#5: Ylang Ylang
This oil, especially when used in conjunction with Lavender and Bergamot, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, decrease blood pressure and heart rate, and lower cortisol levels. Ylang Ylang Complete Oil is steam distilled from the beautiful blossoms of the ylang-ylang tree (a name given by the Malay people meaning "flower of flowers"). The warm, sweet floral scent of Ylang Ylang Complete Oil conjures fragrant warm breezes of the South Pacific. Ylang Ylang Complete Oil is well known as an aphrodisiac and can be wonderful in a romantic massage blend. It eases the mind, releases nervous tension and helps the whole body relax. Ylang Ylang is also used to help retain moisture in the skin and hair.
Our favorite way to enjoy essential oils is with an ultrasonic diffuser. Here are our top two favorites for a medium and large sized room:
PureMist Essential Oil Diffuser
3 Hours of Continuous Mist
Rotating Color, Freeze Color, or Off Light Modes
100mL / 3.38 fl oz Water Capacity
cETLus Certified AC Adapter
Automatic Safety Shut Off
TulipMist Essential Oil Diffuser + Essential Oil
Up to 8 Hours of Continuous Mist
Soft White or Off Light Modes
200mL / 6.76 fl oz Water Capacity
Includes cETLus certified AC adapter
Automatic Safety Shut Off
Stock up on your favorites right here at Proactive, and keep a few of these oils at hand so next time you’re feeling anxious or stressed, you can inhale some immediate stress relief.
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