If the smell of beautiful flowers, coffee in the morning, or your favourite candle makes you feel good, you’re enjoying some of the wonderful, mood-boosting benefits of aromatherapy. Believe it or not, certain scents are scientifically proven to inspire feelings of positivity, relaxation, and more. And paired with your wellness routine, essential oils can help you find your Zen.
While they’ve recently become more trendy, essential oils have been used throughout history for their effects on the mind and body. But essential oils aren’t magic—they’re simply nature at work.
Aromatherapy Is All About Emotion
Smell is one of the least understood of your five senses. But by harnessing its powerful ability to trigger emotion, using scents derived from plant-based oils, aromatherapy is a deliberate way to enhance well-being. And this easy form of self-care certainly comes in handy!
Aromatherapy works by sending messages from your nose to the emotion centre of the brain (the amygdala and the limbic system). Triggering pleasant emotions through scent can reduce stress and give you a sense of calm with few, if any, side effects. Using aromatherapy with other techniques like meditation or breathing exercises is ideal—find time to slow down and let your mind and body relax.
It’s easy and relatively inexpensive to give aromatherapy a try. For inhalation, enjoy your essential oils in a room spray, diffuser, or steam bath. For topical application, carry lotion, body spray, or a balm stick.
(Be safe: natural oils are chemicals and can be hazardous if used the wrong way. Always consult licensed health-care professionals about your health).
Six Oils For Chillaxation
Make your chaotic world a little more relaxing with these essential oils known for their calming effects:
- Lavender—originating from the Mediterranean, this flowery and herbal aroma is one of the most popular essential oils, known for its relaxing benefits to help improve quality of sleep.
- Ylang ylang—hailing from rainforests in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, ylang ylang’s tropical and floral scent promotes a sense of harmony of body and mind.
- Bergamot—a spiny tree in South East Asia (and Southern Italy) produces bergamot, a citrusy aroma that provides a sense of well-being and calm.
- Patchouli—its deep, musky scent has been used in some of the oldest-known holistic healing, believed to promote calmness and relaxation.
- Lemon balm—known for its fresh, uplifting aroma, this oil is popular to add to a diffuser for a crisp, citrusy scent to bring a soothing, restorative effect.
- Ho Wood—a lovely floral scent, citrusy and light, offers anti-inflammatory properties while being great for the skin.
All six of these powerful calming oils can be found in USANA’s Calm Response, an essential oil balm stick that delights your senses to support a feeling of calm and well-being. Simply rub it on your neck and wrists to enjoy a centred, peaceful disposition during moments of stress.
Explore other soothing scents by trying orange, peppermint, chamomile, jasmine, eucalyptus, cinnamon, frankincense, or neroli.
Six Oils For Chillaxation
Before you send that sweet serenity to your amygdala, remember these common-sense guides:
- Don’t ingest essential oils. Some essential oils have adverse effects and can damage your body.
- Watch for allergies. Adults and children alike (even pets) can experience irritation or reactions to certain oils. Never put essential oils directly on your skin—always dilute them with a carrier oil. A patch test is a great way to test your sensitivity to any new aromatherapy product.
- Study up. Learn the properties, benefits, and risks of any oil. Each essential oil has its own chemical makeup and suggested use.
Avoid diffusion confusion. Always use your oil diffuser in a well-ventilated space. Intermittent diffusing is best—30 to 60 minutes on, then 30 to 60 minutes off.
- Be considerate. Aromatherapy relies on personal preference for scents. Check with those around you to make sure your favourite aroma isn’t driving them crazy.
- Steer clear from flames. Essential oils are highly flammable. Use and store them away from candles, gas stoves, fireplaces, etc.
- Splurge for the real deal. Ensure your essential oils are derived from plants and not synthetic fragrances. Avoid buying “fragrant” oils—they are likely imitations.
- Wash your hands. After touching essential oils clean your hands thoroughly to avoid contact with your eyes or ears.
- Seek professional advice. If you’re unsure about an oil you’d like to try, talk to a trained massage therapist, aromatherapist, physical therapist, or physician.
The pressures of everyday life can frazzle your nerves, but aromatherapy is a soothing way to relax and unwind. Paired with breathing techniques, a healthy diet, and exercise, you’ve got the perfect combination to help you stay calm and carry on.
