Stress Relief with Aromatherapy

by Beth McHugh | More from this Blogger

12 Apr 2006 04:42 PM

Smell is one of our five basic senses and is strongly associated with mood. Often a brief whiff of a particular fragrance can carry us away to other times and other places. The smell of canvas may remind us of camping holidays in our childhood, the smell of moth balls can bring back memories of Grandma and Grandpa and long-ago visits to their home when we were small. The smell of a young baby can remind us of our own children when they were little. Because smell is governed by the limbic system of the brain, it bypasses the "thinking" system, and therefore aromatherapy oils can play a small but significant role in governing our moods. Here are a few essential oils that you may find useful in coping with the day-to-day stresses of life:

Basil Produces an uplifting and refreshing effect on mood. Enhances memory and mental clarity. Useful for periods of mild depression, insomnia, and stress. Helps to provide stamina and endurance. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Cedarwood Calming and relaxing, useful for anxiety states. Releives stress and nervous tension. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Clary Sage Warming and relaxing, used to lift mild depression and relieve anxiety. May cause drowsiness. Do not use if suffering from epilepsy.

Frankincense Relaxing and rejuvenating. Helps slow down the breath, particularly useful for meditative purposes. Excellent for the relief of mild anxiety, nervous tension, and stress.

Geranium Useful for tension, anxiety, and depression. Calming and uplifting.

Juniper Assists in reducing anxiety. Not to be used during pregnancy.

Lavender Perhaps the best-known essential oil. Promote relaxation, reduces irritability, and assists with sleeplessness. Lowers anxiety and blood pressure. Useful for mild anxiety, stress, and insomnia.

Mandarin Useful in the treatment of stress and stress-related insomnia.

Neroli Relaxing, calming, useful for anxiety states. Helps relieve insomnia, stress, and nervous tension.

Rose For the temporary relief of headaches, insomnia, nervous tension, and stress.

Rosewood Relieves stress and tension, particularly stress-induced headaches.

Rosemary Uplifting, aids mental clarity, reduces headaches associated with stress.

Sandalwood Relieves nervous tension and anxiety.

Ylang Ylang Slows and deepens the breath, lowering blood pressure. Helps relieve nervous tension, stress, mild anxiety, and insomnia.

Oils can be used in an oil burner or diluted with a carrier oil and rubbed into pulse points, back of neck, and temples. Simply follow the directions on the back of the bottle for each individual oil or consult a traditional medical practitioner. If symptoms persist, consult a health care professional.

Learn more about Beth McHugh

Beth McHugh began her career as a geologist and worked both in industry and as a university researcher.

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Aimee Amodio (11995) 13 Apr 2006 11:55 AM

You'll find a lot of great tips on using aromatherapy around the home and in your daily life at the Health Blog: http://health.families.com/blog/ (Just click on Natural Remedies!)

JohannaBartley (30) 08 Apr 2008 12:08 PM

Aromatherapy is being used for many other purposes as well. One is stress relief as you said. I have read an article about it being introduced into a hospital for people with mental problems. The doctors stated it really helps them stay calm and relaxed. Another thing is the eating disorder treatment and the beneficial effects of different aromas. Some scents can make one lose their appetite and some can restore it. Depending on the case.

sunflowersweetie75 (222) 15 Sep 2008 11:28 AM

This is a great guide - thanks!

Beth McHugh (13211) 15 Sep 2008 03:37 PM

No problem! The sense of smell is located in the hind or more primitive part of the brain, which also governs basic instincts such fear etc, therefore aromatherapy has the potential to enhance or change our mood for the better.