Modern life takes its toll. The rush of work, family and even our social life generates strains and time pressures. These can leave even the most well balanced of us stressed out at times. Often there’s not much we can do about our immediate situation and the source of these stresses. They are after all a part of life. But there are tools to help us cope. One of the most ancient of these tools, and making a strong comeback is aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy uses the highly distilled and pure essential oils of plants. Over 500 such essential oils are used for various applications. A number of these are known to help calm and relax not only people but often our pets as well.
While science does not fully understand the processes of smell and how it works on our brain, hormones and psyche; thousands of years of observation have identified a number of calming agents that can be employed to reduce stress.
Among these are bergamot oil which is a restorative that can combat fatigue due to stress and illness. When combined with essential lime oil it can become a powerful energy booster as well.
An agitated puppy or grown dog can often be quieted by sniffing bergamot. Just a few drops of bergamot that has been diluted in carrier oil applied to the hand of an owner or trainer can gently quiet the fears of an animal when the animal smells the hand.
Frankincense is another calming essential oil. It was one the three king’s gifts for a reason. Frankincense possesses the unique ability to clear the mind of past hurts and fears. It has calming and relaxing properties that will help to ease the anxiety of a stressful situation. It works wonders for human adults and children as well as for animals.
Frankincense is believed to have a sedating effect on the central nervous system. It helps foster a sense of peace and helps to slow and deepen breathing. It works well in combination with lavender and sandalwood.
Juniper has a fresh scent that can help eliminate crankiness and irritability caused by tension. Combined with lavender oil and Clary-sage oil and heated on aromatherapy lamp juniper will wash away stress and anxiety.
Other essential oils that will help to restore calmness are chamomile, orange, lavender, basil, lemon and cypress.
Chamomile provides deep relaxation. Orange helps to promote self assurance. Lavender soothes frazzled nerves. Basil, lemon and cypress all help to provide focus which has a calming effect.
Stress and tension spread as negative energy through a household. When dad is stressed from work, it affects everyone. So too when mom is overwhelmed with multi-tasking or junior with homework or that just remember term paper due tomorrow.
These stresses can build and multiply within a household compounding one another. Adding an aroma to the background won’t directly change the circumstances of your life, but it can help each of the players in your life cope with them better. Just as stress can spread throughout a family, so too can calm and relaxation.
Gottlieb Smith is an advocate for aromatherapy and herbal medicines in general. The uses of Aromatherapy, more relaxing scents and other uses of essential oils are part of his new book recently released called Aromatherapy Scents
Tags: carrier oil, central nervous system, energy booster, human adults, lime oil, pure essential oils, stress and anxiety, stress and illness, stressful situation, time pressures