Benefits of Good Smells

How Does Aromatherapy Stress Reduction Work?

Aromatherapy triggers a positive emotional and physical response by stimulating your body's limbic (emotional) and endocrine (hormonal) systems.

For example, when you smell Lavender essential oil, its microscopic chemicals immediately trigger your system to calm your nervous system and relax your muscles.

Stress impacts the human body and behavior in predictable ways. Chronic stress increases heart rate, elevates stress hormones, raises blood pressure, and causes a rash of affects that can include headaches, body pain, fatigue, nausea, sleep issues, emotional distress, etc., all of which, when left unchecked, contribute to serious health issues. We know that a healthy diet, plenty of exercise and rest, mindfulness, and relaxation are all key to long term stress-relief strategies. Together, they lower cortisol, increase endorphins, promote sleep, reduce negative effects of stress, and improve mood. Trying to carve out the time to exercise, cook a healthy meal, get more sleep, or do something we enjoy can be stressful. Sometimes we just have time for something small and meaningful. And that is the beauty of incorporating essential oils into our life; aromatherapy doesn’t require us to carve out extra time. Like firelight and relaxing music, these oils can gently boost contentment and relaxation while working quietly in the background of our days.

Research on Aromatherapy Stress Reduction...

Several studies over the past few years have found that Alzheimer's sufferers became less agitated when treated with lavender and melissa (lemon balm) essential oils.

... A study of depressed men showed that using citrus essential oils reduced their intake of antidepressants.

... Studies have found that marjoram essential oil increases production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood.

... Research has shown that ylang ylang essential oil boosts the body's production of endorphins (hormones that produce feelings of well-being and pain reduction.)

Aromatherapy is a proven natural remedy for stress relief. So... what are the best essential oils for aromatherapy stress reduction?

Best calming essential oils

1. Patchouli. This oil is strongly grounding and centering

2. Spearmint. This is such a stimulating scent, but it also helps relax the respiratory and nervous system

3. Neroli

4. Lavender

5. Rose

6. Bergamot

7. Ylang ylang

8. Lemon

Which essential oils can relieve anxiety?

• Bergamot orange.

• Chamomile.

• Clary sage.

• Lavender.

• Lemon.

• Neroli.

• Rose.

• Ylang-ylang.

Sleep-Inducing Essential Oils

• Lavender Oil. Lavender is known for its relaxing effects. ...

• Chamomile Oil. Chamomile alleviates insomnia by reducing anxiety and tackling depression. ...

• Sweet Marjoram Oil. ...

• Bergamot Oil. ...

• Clary Sage Oil. ...

• Valerian Oil. ...

• Sandalwood Oil. ...

• Ylang Ylang Oil.

A lavender sachet next to your bed or the smell of a scented candle can do wonders for relieving stress and help you unwind from your day.

Here are a few different ways to use oils.

• Diluted. Essential oils could be used as part of your bath. ...

• In your home. While at home, you can use an oil burner or diffuser. ...

• Inhaled. For portable use, put a few drops of the oil on a tissue to keep in your pocket or on an aromatherapy bracelet or necklace.

• Massage.