I thought I would do a bit about essential oils that help with relaxation in case anyone would be interested who has never thought about using oils before for this purpose. There are some essential oils that have consistently shown to be beneficial for relieving anxiety and stress and can aid sleep. The three examples below are some of the most common ones.
Note Important: Essential oils should not be used on their own they should be used with a carrier oil to dilute their strength. Essential oils are derived from plant extracts and these can cause severe skin irritations, and burns. Carrier oils help to evenly spread the essential oil out on the skin while providing nourishing moisturising. The carrier oils slow down the essential oil evaporation on the skin. Always follow the dilution ratio on the bottle. Stay safe using essential oils by following the instructions on the label. Essential oils should never be used on young children without professional guidance. Some essential oils are not suitable for pregnant women or nursing mothers, that certainly does not apply to me…
Lavender Essential Oil
Some Studies have suggested that lavender essential oil can help with mild to moderate stress and help to aid sleep. It is an old remedy but like many things not everything works for everybody. Saying that lavender has always been associated with calm and relaxation for many years, and I personally find this helpful for relaxing.
How to Use:
Inhaler – One drop on a cotton pad or aromatherapy inhaler and inhale slowly for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to let the oil come into skin contact, this is handy when out and about.
A diffuser – 3 -6 drops in a water diffuser before bed, run for 15 to 30 minutes.
Bath – 5-8 drops of oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil or unscented bath oil in warm water.
A pillow/bed/pyjama spray – mix some water with a little witch hazel and 5-6 drops of lavender oil. You can buy spray bottles for cosmetic purposes from pound stores etc.
Bergamot
There is some evidence to show that bergamot orange essential oil works better for stress reduction. It is used in hospitals and spar aromatherapy settings.
Please note some oils from Bergamot are phototoxic and it is better not to be out in the sun after applying this unless it is bergapten-free or FCF (furanocoumarin-free) and this should be on the label.
How to Use:
As an inhaler – one drop on a cotton wool pad or use an aromatherapy inhaler. Inhale slowly for 1 to 2 minutes when feeling stressed or anxious. If using on a cotton pad great when out and about but do not allow the oil to touch the skin as a precaution.
A diffuser – add 3-10 drops to a water diffuser and run for between 15 to 20 minutes, best before bed time.
In the bath – 4-6 drops of oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil or you could use unscented bath oil and add to warm water not overly hot water.
Chamomile
As an inhaler – one drop on a cotton wool pad or use an aromatherapy inhaler. Inhale slowly for 1 to 2 minutes when feeling stressed or anxious. If using on a cotton pad it is handy when out and about. Do not allow the oil to touch the skin as a precaution.
A diffuser – add 3-10 drops to a water diffuser and run for between 15 to 20 minutes, best before bed time.
In the bath – 4-6 drops of oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil or you could use unscented bath oil and add to warm water not overly hot water.
Carrier Oils – for Lavender – Bergamot and Chamomile
- Jojoba oil – the best all rounder and this oil absorbs without feeling greasy.
- Sweet Almond Oil – lavender + chamomile.
- Fractionated Coconut Oil – bergamot + lavender
- Apricot Kernel Oil – chamomile + lavender
Each carrier oil has its own goal such as:
- Jojoba for daily stress relief
- Sweet Almond oil massage and muscle tension
- Fractionated Coconut oil for fast absorption
- Apricot Kernel for sensitive skin
There are many varieties of oils. A good quality essential can be found in health shops etc or places such as Amazon and Ebay just check the quality of the oil. Ask the seller to provide the info if it is not clear, I do it all the time if I think there is important stuff in the description missing or unclear, especially if the oil is expensive.
I found this guide and a bit of history on essential oils free PDF online, anyone interested click here to get your free copy.