Stress – How Aromatherapy Can Help

In our world we are surrounded by stress - in our environment, the workplace, from family pressures, to name a few. Research is now showing that stress is a major contributor to many illnesses and "dis-ease". In fact, stress is recognized as the number one killer today. The American Medical Association has stated that stress was the cause of 80 to 85 percent of all human illness and disease or at the very least had a detrimental effect on our health. nnMore and more people are looking for natural remedies which can help us heal - using methods that do not add more problems or side-effects, as some traditional medicines can do. nnAromatherapy, or healing through the use of aromas or scents (i.e. inhalation of aromatherapy essential oils), is very popular and effective, as it takes a holistic approach to treating many illnesses and conditions, as well as strengthening the immune system, thereby also serving as a preventative approach to health. nnSome of the best treatments utilize pure aromatherapy essential oils which can be very beneficial in assisting people to heal in body, mind, and spirit. They are natural, holistic, and they really work! nnIt has been known that scents can be pleasantly soothing and can enhance a program of stress relief in your everyday life. This is especially true when using quality aromatherapy essential oils, to which no synthetic ingredients have been added. That is why it is very important to make sure you only use the purest organic aromatherapy essential oils. nnThere are many essential oils that generate an atmosphere of soothing calmness and I will list some of these below. They can be used by themselves, in combination with other essential oils, and in carrier oils.nnSome ways to use the oils are to inhale the scent by putting a few drops on a tissue or in a bowl of water or bathtub or by using an aromatherapy diffuser. Another way to have the benefit of aromatherapy oils is to add the essential oil to a carrier oil and use in therapeutic massage, allowing it to absorb directly into your body.nnThere are many oils that can help relieve stress, so this is not an exhaustive list. It certainly will get you started though.nnLavender essential oil is one of the most well-known, all-around oil. Relieving stress and anxiety is certainly one of the properties of it.nnBergamot, with its citrusy, almost floral aroma, is another oil that can be helpful in relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. nnClary Sage, with its bright, earthy scent, helps relieve exhaustion and stress.nnBright, floral Geranium can definitely pick the spirits up.nnExotic Jasmine relieves exhaustion and depression, while calming nnRoman Chamomile can help soothe and even aid sleep for insomnia sufferers.nnOther oils of note in the relief of stress are Frankincense, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, and Ylang Ylang.nnI encourage all who have considered using aromatherapy essential oils as a means to relieve stress and other ailments to go ahead and try them out. You’ll be glad you did.n