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September is filled with “perfect” days. The humidity dissipates, there is heat in the sun but chill in the shady spots. It’s comfortable pants weather, and light sleeves are a good thing to have ready just in case. Sitting outside is comfortable and a bit melancholy as the first real signs of autumn slowly creep across the landscape.
It is also a very busy month. Schedules change as people juggle work and kids. Deadlines begin to come back into our lives whether that be an assignment or the realization that this is the last quarter for your business to soar this year. We realize that summer holidays are over and more serious work begins. The weather is beginning that walk towards darker and colder days. Essential oils to the rescue!
Aromatherapy is a centuries-old practice that harnesses the calming properties of essential oils. By engaging your sense of smell, these oils can induce relaxation and alleviate anxiety. Here's how they work their magic:
Essential oils interact with the limbic system, which effects our emotions. Inhaling essential oils is a fast delivery system to the brain, assisting us in calming our reactions to stressful situations.
Chemical components in essential oils are small enough to penetrate into the skin and get into the bloodstream. When used topically, essential oils can target an area of concern.
Some essential oils encourage us to take a deeper breath. Deep breathing triggers the relaxation response in your nervous system.
Some chemical components in essential oils have been shown in testing to create an increased sense of wellbeing. They quiet the mind, allowing us to stop overthinking and focusing on what really matters.
Let’s get right to it.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Did you grow up with the soothing effects of Earl Grey tea? Bergamot is a key player. Bergamot is known to soothe stress and anxiety, and uplift the mood. While you can certainly add this to a diffuser to create a relaxing scent in your space, I love to keep bergamot close to me. Our Zen roller blend is a relaxing combination of bergamot and frankincense. Just add to your pulse points as needed throughout the day. Note that bergamot is extremely phototoxic. Do not apply it to areas that will be exposed to sunlight or UV rays of any kind. That includes tanning beds. Although you can now more easily find FCF bergamot on store shelves (with the phototoxic furanocoumarin removed), I still urge caution around bergamot and UV rays and would continue to not expose that area to sunlight, regardless of the bergamot purchased.
Cedarwood (Cedrus virginiana)
Great for your skin, respiratory system and a great way to relax! Cedarwood provides a sense of grounding and stability to your day. It is beneficial in helping to ease nervous tension. Use this cedarwood facial steam to provide a sense of calm. Place approximately one cup of boiled water into a small heatproof bowl. Add 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil. Place a towel over your head and gently breath in the relaxing aroma. Do not get too close to the bowl. Be careful to not burn yourself with the steam.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Definitely one of my favourite oils, clary sage can help to balance the mind and body. It is a deeply relaxing oil that can help to soothe stress and anxiety, and calm negative thoughts. Consider using clary sage with positive, healing affirmations to change your thought pattern. Clary sage can help tight muscles. Add 5 drops of clary sage essential oil to 30 ml of your favourite carrier oil and rub the oil on your shoulders after a long, taxing work day.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is known to ease muscle tension and can be beneficial in resolving tension headaches. So much has been said about the relaxing effects of lavender that today I wanted to give you a different sense of luxury from this powerhouse of an oil. After all, nothing says pampering quite like looking after your feet. In a 30ml dropper bottle, add 10 drops of lavender and 5 drops of peppermint oil to 30ml of jojoba oil, and gently shake. Place a small amount of the oil into the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together to create a bit of heat and proceed to give yourself a relaxing foot massage. Make sure to put socks on after you apply the oil to your feet to prevent slipping while walking after the massage.
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
German chamomile is a beautiful blue essential oil, thanks to the chamazulene chemical component. German chamomile is great for your skin, anti-inflammatory for your joints, and a cooling essential oil. Use it to soothe a hot temper. German chamomile will help to soothe you into sleep after a long day. Make an anti-stress body oil to use at night. Add 60 ml jojoba oil (or your favourite carrier oil) to a glass dropper bottle. Add 4 drops of German chamomile, 4 drops of lavender essential oil and 2 drops of neroli for a powerful stress reliever. Apply the body oil at night 30 minutes before bed, along with a healthy bedtime routine to help manage stress during a challenging season.
Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Sandalwood is an excellent grounding oil that has been used for centuries as incense. Step into the quiet luxury of sandalwood with the following recipe. Aromatic skincare is, of course, a favourite of mine, so we are going to make a face oil. Add 10ml each of avocado oil, black seed oil, and jojoba oil to a 30ml dropper bottle. Add 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil and 2 drops of rose essential oil. Gently shake. Use this face oil at night before bed. You can use this oil on its own or under your favourite facial moisturizer. Make sure that you are researching the source of your sandalwood essential oil. As a traditionally sought after oil, there is some concern that sandalwood oil might be adulterated. To ensure that you are buying your oils from a reputable source, ensure that the source of your sandalwood provides chemical reports. In this way, they are reporting, and advertising, what is in it.
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensus)
Nothing brings the sunshine in like the citrus oils. Orange oils are known to create a sense of calm and peace. Place two drops onto aromatic jewelry, or use one of our terra cotta essential oil diffusers. If you are working from home, diffusing a few drops of orange oil during the work day will help to lift the mood during the day. As with sandalwood oil, purchase your citrus oils from suppliers that provide chemical reporting as citrus trees can be heavily sprayed with pesticides and these oils come from cold pressing the rind.
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Known to be beneficial for reducing anxiety Ylang Ylang can compliment a blend that you would like to create or can be used on its own. Add one cup of Epsom salt to a glass measuring cup. Add one tablespoon of liquid soap and 1 tablespoon of black seed oil (or carrier oil of your choice). Add 5 drops of sweet orange essential oil and 2 drops ylang ylang essential oil. The carrier oil may make your bathtub more slippery than usual. Be careful coming out of the bathtub so as to not slip. It is recommended that you clean the tub afterwards to remove any leftover oil that may make the bathtub slippery for the next user.
The best essential oil for relaxation is the one you love the most. Once you choose your favourite you can decide on how you would like to incorporate it into your day. Here are more suggestions on how to use these oils for maximum stress relief.
By using your favourite essential oil effectively, you can navigate the busy days of fall with grace and tranquility. Explore these natural remedies and let the soothing scents guide you towards serenity as the autumn leaves fall around you.
https://www.verywellmind.com/best-online-therapy-4691206
Disclaimer
The information on our website is not intended to cure, diagnose or treat medical conditions, nor is it a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with a physician before beginning this or any other new health care program. The information contained on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be substituted for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional. If you rely upon any programs or techniques, or use any of the products and services made available by or through the use of our website for decision making, without obtaining the advice of a physician or other health care professional, you do so at your own risk. The views expressed on Standing Stone Wellness have not been evaluated or endorsed by any private or public entity. The information on our website is not legal advice. Please consult with a licensed legal professional for adherence to legal guidelines.
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