We live in a world that constantly bombards us with stress and chaos, it can be difficult to find time to relax. Whether it’s the demands of work, the worries of financial instability, or the rigors of being a parent, it can be overwhelming.
Making time for relaxation is important for your physical and mental health. One easy way to relaxation is through aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to promote well-being and evoke certain emotions. Different essential oils can have different effects, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.
Using essential oils for relaxation and stress relief is a natural, holistic approach to managing mental health concerns. With countless oil combinations and uses available, many people find that there are significant benefits to incorporating them into their daily routines.
In this blog post, find out some of the best essential oils for relaxation.
What Essential Oils are Good for Relaxation?
The aroma of essential oils work in the brain to decrease anxiety levels. Inhalation of aromatic oils can reduce stress, lessen anxiety symptoms, ease tension, and relax the nervous system.
There are a variety of essential oils that can be used for relaxation. Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are all popular essential oils that can help promote feelings of relaxation.
Other essential oils that can be used for relaxation include ylang-ylang, geranium, and rose. You may have noticed that these are all floral essential oils. Additionally, some citrusy scents such as orange or bergamot essential oil may be beneficial for reducing anxiety.
Top 10 Essential Oils for Relaxation
1. Lavender Essential Oil
2. Bergamot Essential Oil
3. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
4. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
5. Sandalwood Essential Oil
6. Patchouli Essential Oil
7. Vetiver Essential Oil
8. Marjoram Essential Oil
9. Clary Sage Essential Oil
10. Cedarwood Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil
When it comes to finding the best essential oils for relaxation, lavender is often at the very top of the list. It has a floral, sweet scent that is calming and relaxing.
- It is often used as a natural remedy for anxiety and stress.
- Lavender essential oil can be used in a diffuser, added to bathwater, or diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.
- The scent can be tolerated by most people due to its natural and subtle aroma.
Rose Essential Oil
Rose essential oil has a long history of being used for its calming and aromatic properties. It is said to have a variety of benefits, including promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and relieving stress.
- When used for relaxation, rose essential oil is often diffused into the air or added to a bath.
- The aromatic scent of rose essential oil is said to be calming and can help to promote a sense of well-being.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile has long been used as a natural form of relaxation and relief from stress.
- Chamomile essential oil has a sweet, floral scent with fruity notes that is relaxing.
- This oil is renowned for its calming effects, and is recommended for use in times of trouble or stress.
- It has been proven to have sedative properties, helping to reduce tension, anxiety and insomnia.
- Chamomile oil can be used in a diffuser or diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.
- It is often blended with other essential oils to create soothing fragrances.
Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang-ylang oil has a sweet, floral scent that is both calming and exhilarating. It's often used as an aphrodisiac, as well as assisting with anxiety and depression.
- This oil has a uplifting effect that can promote feelings of joy and happiness.
- Ylang-ylang essential oil can be used in a diffuser or diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.
Geranium Essential Oil
The floral scent of geranium oil is said to be balancing, making it ideal for use in times of stress. It is also thought to be helpful for easing anxiety and promoting a sense of well-being.
- To experience the relaxing benefits of geranium, add a few drops to a diffuser, or blend with a carrier oil for use in massage.
- You can also try adding a few drops to your bathtub for a relaxing soak.
Get more ideas for geranium essential oil recipes here.
Jasmine
Jasmine essential oil is known for promoting relaxation and providing a calming effect, making it an ideal choice for those looking to reduce stress.
- Its sweet, exotic aroma works to ease tension and anxiety while providing a sense of emotional balance.
- One of the primary benefits of jasmine oil is its ability to enhance one's mood and provide a soothing sensation that can be beneficial for relieving stress levels.
- Its unique scent can fill the room with positivity, softening discomfort or unease caused by depression, fear or fatigue.
How to Use Relaxing Essential Oils
When using essential oils for relaxation, it is important to use them in a diffuser or add them to a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. This will help to prevent any skin irritation and make applying them to the skin easier.
For best results, start with a small amount of essential oil and increase the amount gradually until you find the level that works best for you.
Relaxation Essential Oil Combinations
Using essential oils alone or in special blends can help to create a calming, relaxing atmosphere that contributes to relieving stress and tension. Relaxing blends of essential oils are created by combining several different essential oils together.
Lavender and Ylang Ylang
A popular rejuvenating blend for stress relief includes lavender and ylang-ylang essential oils combined with fractionated coconut oil as the carrier oil. When blended together, this combination creates an intensely calming effect which helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
This soothing combination has been known to reduce irritation in many forms. Some people even use this blend on the skin to help alleviate inflammation and soothe the senses at the same time.
More Essential Oil Combinations for Relaxing
Besides lavender and ylang ylang, here are some effective calming and stress relief combinations:
- Lavender and Rosemary for calming and uplifting
- Lemongrass and Orange for mental clarity and focus
- Eucalyptus and Peppermint for respiratory support
- Geranium and Ylang Ylang for balance and harmony
- Cedarwood and Marjoram for grounding and calming
- Bergamot and Jasmine for stress relief
- Clary Sage and Sandalwood for mental peace and clarity
- Frankincense and Myrrh for spiritual connection
- Lemon and Tea Tree for energizing and uplifting
- Vetiver and Patchouli for restful sleep and relaxation
Frequently Asked Questions About Relaxation
What other essential oils can be used for relaxation?
Here are some other relaxation essential oils: Bergamot, sweet marjoram, neroli, vetiver, valerian, clary sage, orange, lemon, cardamom, and frankincense.
Some people find that stimulating essential oils can be relaxing for them. Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, grapefruit, ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon. This is where personal experience will be required for you to determine what works best for you.
Are there any alternatives to using essential oils for relaxation?
Yes, there are many alternative methods for relaxation that don't involve essential oils.
- Exercise, yoga, and meditation can provide a sense of calm when practiced regularly.
- Additionally, listening to relaxing music or focusing on deep breathing can help bring on feelings of relaxation within minutes.
- Taking regular breaks during the day to practice mindfulness or stretching can also provide moments of relaxation and allow time to recharge before getting back to tasks at hand.
- Joining small groups or talking with friends or family can help release negative emotions and provide support when needed.
Finally, making sure to get adequate sleep, eating healthy foods, and engaging in other activities one enjoys can also contribute to overall feelings of relaxation.
Are there any safety precautions when using essential oils for relaxation?
Yes, there are important safety precautions to consider when using essential oils for relaxation and stress relief. Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can be hazardous if not used properly.
- It is important to always dilute essential oils before use, never applying them directly to the skin or eyes.
- Not all essential oils are safe for every type of skin, so doing a patch test before use is recommended to check for any allergic reactions.
- It is important to only buy high-quality essential oils from reliable sources to avoid any risk of impurities or contamination.
- Some essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy or if certain medical conditions are present, so consulting a healthcare professional before using any oil for relaxation is a must.
Taking these safety measures will help ensure an enjoyable, relaxing experience with essential oils.
How do essential oils promote relaxation?
Essential oils can promote relaxation in a number of ways. Aromatherapy is one of the most popular ways to make use of essential oils in promoting relaxation. Inhaling certain essential oils, such as lavender and sweet orange, have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
The healing properties of essential oils can also be used topically, either through direct application or through massage using an oil blend. For example, peppermint oil has been known to produce a calming effect when applied to the temples.
Additionally, some essential oils are thought to elicit physical relaxation through their sedative effects on the body and mind. Jasmine oil, in particular, is thought to slow down brainwave frequency which helps relax those who may be feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.
Final Thoughts on the Best Essential Oil Scents for Relaxation
There are many essential oils that can help you relax, but these are some of the best options available. Lavender oil is one of the most popular options, as it has a calming and soothing effect on the body. Chamomile oil is another good choice, it is well known to promote sleep.
At the end of the day, unlocking the power of essential oils for relaxation and stress relief can be a great way to embrace an all-natural method of self-care. Whichever essential oil you choose, make sure to use it safely and follow all directions for use.
