Take a Deep Breath and Relax -- Calming and Soothing Essential Oils

How are you doing? Things have been pretty chaotic lately to say the least as cornoavirus and COVID-19 concerns are a new normal for our nation and the world. But one thing is for sure worry and anxiety don't help solve problems. While it is important to be prudent and take precautions to protect yourself and your family, stress, fear, and anxiety running amuck aren't particularly helpful.

As we've all been told, hand washing, avoiding touching your face, social distancing, disinfecting surfaces often, and paying attention to government ordinances will help slow the spread of the virus. But listening to the news or surfing the internet can certainly make ones blood pressure and anxiety levels rise. And when you look at what's been going on with the world's economy...

We will get through this. For now we need to care for ourselves, our families, and vulnerable populations. As we work to make wise decisions

There are many essential oils and herbs that can help support the body during stressful times. Here are a few of my and my clients favorites.

1. Lavender: Most people are familiar with lavender, which calms and supports the body, mind, and spirit. It is rich in linalool and linalyl acetate. Lavender can help calm an overactive mind, ease muscle tension, support sleep, ease aches and headaches. It's wonderful in a diffuser blend, in a bath or foot soak, or in a topical. It supports vital energy and can be very helpful for situational feelings of stress.

2. Bergmot: Citrus bergamia is deeply relaxing and centering. It can ease digestive issues and muscle aches as well as support sleep. Bergamot is useful in helping to dispel feelings of anxiety and stress. Concerning safety, bergamot is highly phototoxic (unless it is furocoumarin free or FCF) and can significantly increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight if used topically at more than 1 drop per ounce of carrier (30ml). So it is NOT advised for use topically on any area that may be exposed to sunlight, so one must avoid the sun for up to 18 hours or apply to areas that will NOT be exposed to the sun.

3. Cedarwood: Woodsy and earthy, Juniperus virginiana can help usher in peacefulness and grounding in challenging situations. Cedarwood can promote peaceful feelings, support sleep, as well as help with aches and inflamation.

4. Vetiver: Vetiveria zizanoides is a thick, rich essential oil that is grounding and sedative. It can usher in feelings of restoration and assurance. It is a rather strong base note however, and not everyone enjoys its aroma.

5. Ylang-ylang: Cananga odorata is distilled from an exotic tropical flower and has a sweet and alluring scent. It's incredibly relaxing and can quiet the mind and has been shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Ylang-ylang supports sleep, can ease and relax muscles, and promote balance. Ylang-ylang is a strong floral, however, and a drop or two is all you need in a topical blend -- too much can lead to headache.

While there are many other relaxing essential oils, these are a few of my favorites for blending. If you have questions about essential oils, aromatherapy, or more suggestions for relaxing essential oils and herbs contact Tricia or sign up for a virtual aromatherapy consultation. In the meantime, give this relaxing recipe a try:

Relaxation Blend:

1-2 drops Lavender

1-2 drops Bergamot

1 drop Cedarwood

1 drop Ylang-ylang

1-2 drops Green mandarin

Add to a diffuser and enjoy some quiet. Double or triple the larger volumes for an inhaler blend.

What are your favorite relaxing essential oils? How do you use them?

Aromatic blessings,

Tricia