Your Guide to Essential Oils
So what exactly are essential oils? They are all-natural, highly-concentrated oils extracted from the most aromatic parts of various plants. There are over ninety commonly used essential oils each with unique components to help with different problems ranging from sleep deprivation to anxiety. The oils can be used topically, incorporated in a relaxing bath, put into a diffuser for aromatherapy or simply smelled directly for instant relief. Read below to find out what essential oils you should incorporate into your daily routine:
Feeling stressed and anxious?
Rosewater, chamomile, lavender, sandalwood and sweet orange are all great oils that can be diluted into an diffuser and used for instant relaxation. Although the oils can’t necessarily cure your anxiety, the aromas send an instant message to your brain that affects mood and emotion to help decrease stress. Also consider massaging the oils into your temples for thirty seconds to relieve tension and calm your mind.
Having trouble falling or staying asleep?
There are numerous studies that prove the effectiveness of aromatherapy in aiding sleep, thanks to certain essential oils and their effects. Lavender and chamomile in particular have been scientifically proven to decrease anxiety levels in the brain and support a deep sleep. Try putting some drops of lavender or chamomile oils on your pillow before going to bed or diluting the oils in a diffuser to leave on throughout the night.
Under the weather?
Tea-tree, rosemary and cinnamon oils all have incredible benefits to help reduce your cold symptoms. Tea-tree oil has been proven to be antiviral, anti-inflammatory and also capable of killing the flu virus! Rosemary oil has is shown to increase heart rate and blood pressure as well as stimulate brain activity. Cinnamon oil is commonly used to help cure chest congestion. It is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, thanks to its many antioxidants. Use these oils in your diffuser to help clear up your immune system and feel like your best self!
Feeling unmotivated and unproductive?
Peppermint oil is a great stimulant that helps with headaches and wakes up the brain to aid in concentration. Peppermint also helps soothe nausea. Basil, helichrysum and sweet orange oils similarly help with fatigue and help invigorate the brain. Sniff these oils when you hit your post-lunch wall to help you get back on the productive track!
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