Calm the Mind with Essential Oils - Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is one of the finest treatments available for stress and the emotions. Just the touch of the massage and the smell of the essential oils can do wonders for our mind and our body. The properties of the essential oils release our inner feelings and open up our minds.

It is no wonder that so many of the essential oils regarded as anti depressants are the product of summer flowers. Warm sunny days have happy associations as they are filled with Lavender, Geranium and Rose.

Aromatherapy is a supportive therapy which can help you with any type of illness. It can help relieve the physical symptoms of stress. The touch of massage can ease tired muscles and with a pleasing blend of your favorite oils you will have feelings of being relaxed.

Make sure you like the smell of the oils you choose, otherwise you will not really gain any of the benefits from them.

Synergistic Blends

For massage essential oils are always blended in vegetable based carrier oils. Every essential oil has it’s own characteristic aroma, and it’s own emotional and physical effects. When a blend is combined, they work together in a synergistic manner, enhancing their effects.

Carrier Blends

For massage essential oils are always blended into the skin. The essential oils are very powerful concentrated substances that should never be applied directly to the skin because an adverse reaction may occur

The main ways of using essential oils are massage, bathing, inhalation and vaporizing.

Massage

Massage is an important part of aromatherapy treatment. Touching is very comforting part of human interaction. It can revitalize and relax a tired body. When you combine essential oils with massage you enter a world of of healing enhanced with the aroma of a healing fragrance.

Bathing

A very effective way to use essential oils. Run a bath,make it warm and add up to 4-6 drops of your favorite oil. You can use a single oil or a synergistic blend. Allow yourself to soak in the bath for a least 10 minutes. Let the oils penetrate your body and senses. Relax and let it soothe you.

When we push ourselves too hard for too long, the first sign is that we become tired. If we then continually work against our bodies need to rest we start to interfere with both our body and our mind. By ignoring the first sign o stress other symptoms such as anxiety, depression and muscular aches and pains may start to occur, Sooner or later we reach the stage where we can not cope with the excessive demands we put on ourselves.

Geranium(Pelargonium Graveolens)

This oil can help with mood swings. It is very balancing. It is good at revitalizing the body as it acts as a tonic to the nervous system.

Grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi)

With its uplifting qualities it is a refreshing way to balance depression. Making this fruit peel invaluable in times of stress. The essential oil is derived from distillation of the zest. It is antiseptic and softening. The water of the fruit is used for its toning and energizing properties.

Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare)

Gives strength and courage. Great for hangovers. It is also a great body cleanser. The sweet, earthy, licorice aroma is energizing.

SYNERGY BLEND

• 1 drop fennel
• 3 drops Geranium
• 2 drops Grapefruit

Massage Carrier Blend

• 15 ml Sunflower Oil
  

Mix Together in a Blender

• 5 Drops Fennel
• 15 drops Geranium
• 10 drops Grapefruit

Put the blend into a plastic blottle. Squirt he mixture into the bath whle the water is running to bring up the foam. Place unscented candles all around, turn of the lights and relax!

Other Essential Oils for Stress

Basil, Bay, Bergamt, Cadamom, Cinnamon Leaf, Citronella, Clary Sage, Lavender, Lemon Grass, Black Pepper, Peppermint, Rose Otto, Ylang Ylang, Rosemary

It is somewhat normal to feel a little anxious when lifes ups and downs get to us. Sometimes it is even usual to feel this way as it helps to motivate us to deal with the situation at hand. Knowing when anxiety and panic attacks is normal is very important. For example if your child is late coming home we worry, but it is not normal to feel anxious every time the child is out of your sight.

Anxiety becomes a problem when it is excessive. Is your response out of proportion and it leads to panic attacks. Abnormal anxiety can result in many physical symptoms, including fatigue, digestive problems, headaches, insomnia and a rapid heartbeat,

For Instant Help with An Anxiety Attack

Place one drop of Ylang Ylang onto a tissue, exhale. Place the tissue over your nose and inhale deeply. This should relax you and ease the attack. You can do this with any of the reccomended essential oils. It is important that you like the scent.

Essential Oils for Anxiety

Lavender

This is cleansing as it soothes the spirit, relieving anger and exhaustion, resulting in a calmer approach.

Rose Otto

Has a soothing effect on the emotions particularly depression. It lifts the the spirit and eases nervous tension and stress

True Melissa

This has a calming effect and is very uplifting. It is said to remove emotional blocks and is soothing in cases of hysteria and panic.

Anxiety Busters

• Massage
• Dry Inhalation
• Vaporizing
• Bathing
  

Other Useful Calming Essential Oils

Basil, Bergamot, Clary sage, Frankincense, Grapefruit, May Chang, Neroli, Pettigrain, Bitter Orange, Patchouli, and Ylang Ylang.

True Melissa (Melissa officinalis)

Also also known as Lemon Balm is one of the earliest recorded medicinal herbs. The word 'Melissa' is Greek for 'Honey Bee', True Melissa having been planted near bee hives to produce the most delicious honey. It was known as the "elixir of life" by Avincenna, the ancient Roman physician. This herb was associated particularly with nervous disorders, the heart, and emotions. Melissa was used for anxiety, melancholy, and to strengthen and revive the vital spirit.

Bends well with Lavender, Rose, Neroli, Chamomile Roman.

Sometimes it is so hard to focus on any one thing. The mind is constantly distracted by irrelevant thoughts when it should be concentrating on what needs to be done in front of you. Maybe you need to study for a test, or maybe you need to gather information for a new Hub. Essential Oils can be very helpful in these situations. Research has shown that some odors can enhance the metabolic activity in the brain. If this is so your concentration and alertness can and will be enhanced.

Essential Oils for Better Concentration

Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)

This sharpens the senses and encourages concentration. It is has mentally-uplifting characteristics. It can be blended with other essential oils such as lime, lavender, neroli and sandalwood. Basil’s essential oil is steam distilled using all of the plant. It is used for its antidepressant, stimulant and tonic properties. It has a peculiar Aniseed-like aroma and is fantastic at focusing the mind.

Black Pepper (Piper Nigrum)

A very stimulating, good to strengthen the mind and gives stamina where there is frustration. Its woody aroma aids alertness, and eases life changes

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Excellent for mental fatigue. As good for apathy, anxiousness, insomnia, shock, stress, or vertigo. Peppermint combines well with: chamomile, jasmine, lavender, lemon, orange, rosemary, sandalwood, spearmint, tangerine and ylang ylang.

HOW TO INCREASE CONCENTRATION

MAKE A SYNERGISTIC BLEND

• 3 drops Basil
• 3 drops Black Pepper
• 3 drops Peppermint

Ways to Use It

• Vaporizing the Synergistic Blend
• Use a diffuser
• Sprinkle the oils onto a tissue and place it behind a radiator. The heat from the radiator will diffuse the oils into the air
  

If you are studying for an exam, vaporize your room with a blend of oils in a diffuser. When you sit taking the exam, take a tissue sprinkled with the blend and keep it with you. Smell the tissue during the exam and the essential oils will help you stay calm and might even help you remember all that you studied.