The Therapeutic
Benefits of
Essential Oils for Reducing Stress
There are many therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Aromatherapy is
so naturally suited to stress relief that it almost like it was
designed for it. The small molecules captured in essential oils have
benefits for all our organ systems--the same systems which are taxed
while under stress. And the oils have a natural "intelligence" to do
what your body needs. They tonify and balance, so while you may think
that you are putting wintergreen on your neck to relieve your sore
muscles, you may also receive some relief to your hypertension.
Therapeutic Benefits of Essential Oils:
Natural Physical Support for your Body
In their most pure form, essential oils are the distilled essence of a
plant, and if they are pure and well-made, they can be used herbally.
Because the life-blood of healing plants are captured, and because the
oils are very potent, they make ideal remedies for stress.
However, finding pure
essential oils can be difficult.
Most essential oils are
produced for the perfume industry and because
of this, are made with chemical fillers, additives and extenders. You
must be sure to use only the most pure, reliable oils if you want the
therapeutic benefits of essential oils. Even the oils at health food
stores should be carefully investigated before using them for your
health.
Just because something is
marked "100% pure" or "all natural" does not guarantee that these oils
are safe for therapeutic use.
Ways that Aromatherapy reduces our physical
symptoms of stress:
- Essential Oils balance and
tonify our organ
systems.
- They can increase blood flow to
muscles and
help them relax.
- They can help regulate blood
pressure and
restore normalcy.
- They can increase the oxygen
flow in our blood.
- They can remove and reduce
toxins in our system.
- They can reduce cortisol and
other hormones
released in acute stress situations.
- They can counteract and reverse
the wear and
tear of chronic stress on our bodies.
- They can reduce insomnia and
help get a more
restful sleep.
Recommended oils for Physical Stress Support:
My favorite essential oils for
physical stress relief include Lavender and Valerian,
both especially good for restoring the parasympathetic nervous system
and promoting a good night's sleep. I also find the blends "Valor"
and "Peace & Calming" bring quietness. Sandalwood
is high in sesquiterpenes which stimulate the pineal gland to release
melatonin, which is a hormone which regulates sleep, and stimulates the
immune system.
For sore, achy muscles, I like
to use Basil or Marjoram. Both
of these oils are muscle relaxants and can release the tension in your
muscles. Wintergreen
also brings pain relief to muscles with the hot-cold "Bengay"
sensation, but wintergreen is natural and will bring the other healing
benefits of the plant, which include anti-inflammation, vasodilation,
and hypertension regulation.
Peppermint
brings oxygen immediately to the brain and blood. This excellent
essential oils brings alertness but not hyperactivity.
Cortisol is a hormone that is
released during stress. If you have high
cortisol levels over a long period of time, there are many detrimental
effects including a weakened immune system, brittle bones, high blood
pressure, weight gain and mood disorders. Essential oils balance
hormones and so may help regulate cortisol. Some good oils to try
include lavender, valerian, frankincense and blue
tansy.
The therapeutic benefits of
essential oils are many. They are safe, natural, and balance
the body, and correct the cause of imbalances and not just the
symptoms. The next time you are stressed, try aromatherapy.
More about Relieveing Stress with Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy
for Stress Relief
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