Selecting the Most Effective Aromatherapy for Stress Relief

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Selecting the Most Effective Aromatherapy for Stress Relief Essential Oils Most Effective for Stress Relief There

are many different essential oils that are said to be effective in

stress relief. One important concept that I learned in my research is

that essential oils affect people in different ways. Although there are

many essential oils that are said to be effective in stress relief,

people have different preferences regarding scents and are affected

differently by these essential oils. People tend to associate scents

with certain memories. One essential oil that is said to reduce stress

in the majority might conjure up bad memories in another individual who

used the essential oil/smelled the certain scent under bad

circumstances. Ryman recommends the use of basil, lavender,

mandarin, marjoram, melissa, neroli, orange, petitgrain, clary sage, or

ylang-ylang for stress relief (353). Wolfe, in an article in Prevention

magazine, also find that chamomile, frankincense, geranium,

honeysuckle, jasmine, myrrh, sandalwood, and patchouli are calming and

relaxing scents (72). Mabey also adds rose to the list of essential

oils that are most effective for stress relief (151). He also states

that hops is used to treat nervous tension (Mabey 36). Another

way to use essential oils for stress relief is called inhalation, in

which essential oils are breathed in through the nose. There are

several methods of using inhalations using essential oils. Easy

inhalation involves placing three or four drops of essential oil on a

tissue (Aroma Web 11 March 1999). The tissue is placed near the nose so

that the essential oils can be inhaled. Steam inhalation can also be

used in which 4-7 drops of essential are added to boiling water in a

bowl (Aroma Web 11 March 1999). Your nose should stay about a foot away

from the bowl for safety purposes. An aromatherapy room diffuser can

also be used which diffuses essential oils into the surrounding room

for inhalation. Room fresheners containing essential oils can also be

purchased for stress relief and just to make rooms have a pleasant

odor. Through my research, I found that there are several

generally recommended essential oils for stress relief. Lavender is

probably the most universally recommended essential oil for stress

relief. Lavender is known for its relaxing properties as well as for

its ability to heal burns and wounds (Mabey 151). Safety Issues Regarding Use of Aromatherapy Although

essential oils can have many therapeutic benefits for use in stress

relief, there are also some safety issues that must be

observed/respected in use of these substances. It is important to read

and follow all label warnings and cautions found on aromatherapy

products. Certain groups of people are more vulnerable in general and

should especially be careful in use of aromatherapy/essential oils.

Ryman, in her book on aromatherapy, advises pregnant women to not use

essential oils during pregnancy (31). Certain essential oils containing

apiol and myristicine have abortive effects and cause miscarriage or

undesired complications in the womb (Ryman 31). Parsley was once used

in large quantities to cause abortions in women. The Aura Cacia

Aromatherapy homepage advises pregnant women to avoid using bitter

almond, basil, clary sage, clove bud, hyssop, sweet fennel, juniper

berry, marjoram, myrrh, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sage, thyme, and

wintergreen during pregnancy (20 April 1999). Other people are

advised to be cautious in their use of aromatherapy/essential oils.

People with epilepsy should avoid sweet fennel, hyssop, sage, and

rosemary (Aura Cacia Aromatherapy 20 April 1999). People with high

blood pressure should avoid hyssop, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Ryman

advises against the use of aromatherapy in very young children (under

the age of one) and very old people since these groups of people tend

to be physically more vulnerable (30). There are also several

safety precautions in use of aromatherapy. Essential oils should not be

used in too large quantities or undiluted. Use of essential oils

undiluted or in too large quantities can be very damaging to the skin

and to the body. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and therefor

must be used in very small quantities and in diluted form. In fact, it

is wise to skin test the oils before use. A small amount of essential

oil can be diluted and placed on the arm. If redness occurs, do not use

the product any further. Any redness, burning, itching, or irritation

that occurs with use of these products is a sign of allergy, and use of

the products should be stopped. Oils should be kept away from eyes and

mucous membranes. Finally, Ryman, in her book, extremely emphasizes

that essential oils should not be taken internally (30). When taken

internally, essential oils can be very dangerous. Essential oils are

types of drugs, and should be respected Recommendations I

recommend the use of the essential oils of lavender, chamomile, hops,

and bergamot for stress relief. These particular essential oils can be

extremely effective in reducing stress and as a help in relaxing. It

is recommend that each person try and experiment with many different

essential oils in order to discover which essential oils are most

effective for stress relief. Each person reacts differently to each

essential oil/scent. Part of the fun of using aromatherapy is being

able to experiment and decide for yourself which essential oils are

most effective for stress relief. Above all, It is recommend

that you always read and follow label warnings and cautions listed on

essential oil bottles and products. This is very important, treat

essential oils with respect since they are types of drugs. I recommend

that the concentration recommendations of essential oils for use be

followed so that using essential oils/aromatherapy will be a pleasant

and effective experience. Some Common Essential Oils and Their Uses Essential Oils Uses Lavender Relaxes, heals burns and wounds Chamomile Calms overstimulated nerves, natural antiseptic Bergamot Fights depression Geranium Relaxing in small quantities Fights depression