Essential oils to relieve stress, can you?

Instead of reducing it, stress becomes an excuse for living an unhealthy lifestyle. It is time for you to look for new and healthy ways to relieve stress naturally, one of which is by using essential oils. Research has shown that essential oils can help reduce stress, depression, and anxiety levels in humans. Your mind will become clearer and calmer.

Recognizing stress symptoms

Many people are not aware of the symptoms of stress so they cannot prevent and treat it properly. This is because stress is usually characterized by different symptoms for each person. So, it is important for you to pay attention and understand what kinds of stress patterns that usually arise. To help you find out what the symptoms are, pay attention to the following points. Usually when under stress, you will experience several signs at once.

• Easy to forget
• Difficulty concentrating
• Pessimistic and negative thinking
• Stricken with anxiety and restlessness
• Irritability and anger easily
• Difficulty sleeping despite fatigue and sleepiness
• Change in appetite (bigger or smaller)
• Procrastinating work and responsibilities
• Headache, dizziness, nausea, palpitations, and muscle tension
• Diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation
• Loss of sexual desire
• Feel tired faster

Types of essential oils to relieve stress

Essential oils are concentrated extracts or concentrates taken from various parts of plants such as flowers, leaves, fruits, roots, stems, and seeds. This concentrate is rich in various ingredients and compounds that can affect hormones, enzymes, blood pressure and heart rate. When you are under stress, your body will act as if you are in a precarious and threatened condition, so that you become tense. By using essential oils, your body will receive a signal that your situation is better and calmer. Here are the various types of essential oils that can relieve stress.

Lavender

There have been many studies conducted by experts around the world to test the effects of lavender essential oil on stress and sleeplessness, for both adults and children and babies. Researchers from Wesleyan University, United States, recorded the brain waves of research subjects who slept while inhaling lavender aromatherapy and the results of these studies showed better sleep quality. Another study conducted in Japan proved that people who inhaled the scent of lavender essential oil for twenty minutes showed a reduction in stress levels. This is because lavender has a calming effect on the nerves and mind. So, if you experience stress with symptoms of difficulty sleeping, lavender is the right essential oil choice.

Bergamot oranges

Oranges which are widely grown in Turkey, France and Italy have a characteristic taste that is slightly bitter. According to research published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, the oil extracted from this fruit can help improve mood, restore a healthy diet, relieve digestive problems, and other behavioral disorders caused by stress.

Ylang ylang (ylang ylang)

Extract from the flower of ylang ylang (also known as ylang ylang) can help lower blood pressure. In addition, a study in the scientific journal Phytotherapy Research proves that cananga flower extract can calm the nerves of the brain so that blood pressure decreases and the heart rate becomes stable. For those of you who have hypertension and are under stress, cananga essential oil can be the solution.

Chamomile

The aroma of chamomile flower essential oil can help you reduce anxiety and anxiety caused by stress. The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has studied the effects of chamomile flower essential oil on depression and anxiety levels in humans. Chamomile is proven to be able to relieve stress and clear your mind so that your concentration level increases. Another study published in the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also shows that chamomile essential oil can help you think more positively and optimistically.

Rose

The essential oil from rose flower extract has the power to reduce anxiety. In addition, rose essential oil can also send signals to the brain to make it more relaxed and calm. The findings of a study published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal also confirm that rose essential oil is good for relieving stress symptoms.

How to use essential oils to relieve stress

For maximum results, make sure that you use pure essential oils that are not mixed with chemicals. You can easily take advantage of the properties of essential oils at home in the following three ways.

Rubbing oil

Mix essential oil with coconut oil or olive oil, which doesn't smell too strong. Then apply and massage gently on the back of your neck or feet before going to bed to help relax your body. You can also use it as a full body massage oil to relax tense muscles.

Aroma therapy

For a strong aroma, drop essential oil in hot water and inhale the steam. You can also mix the essential oil with water in a spray bottle and use it as a natural air freshener or clothing fragrance. If you want to smell the essential oil while you sleep, you can use a small burner similar to a stove.

Mix with bath water

If you want to relieve stress while pampering yourself, mix a few drops of pure essential oil in your warm bath or bath water. You can also soak your feet in warm water that has been mixed with essential oils so that the aroma can calm the mind and help reduce fatigue.