Top 5 Essential Oils for Stress Relief

I thought I would give a few tips for what to do with the essential oils I mention in this hub.

• Aromatherapy Candles. Place a few drops in an unscented candle.
• Massage or body oil. Mix five drops of the essential oil of your choice and mix with 1/2 cup carrier oil like olive oil or almond oil.
• Room spray. Put a few drops in a spray bottle filled with water and a splash of vodka, shake, and spray as needed.
• Body lotion. Mix a few drops with your favorite unscented body lotion.
• Bath salt. Take one cup epsom salts and place in a mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and ten drops essential oil. Stir and store in an airtight container or plastic bag.

You can use these oils whenever you need them.

There are only two essential oils that can be applied directly to the skin: lavender and tea tree. Lavender is one of the oils that is mentioned in this hub.

The rest of the essential oils need to be mixed either with a carrier oil or another substance like lotion, water, or even epsom or dead sea salts. This is because they are highly concentrated and can actually irritate the skin,

Another thing you should do is research each oil for yourself to determine if you can use it. Some oils aren't safe, especially to those who are pregnant or nursing.

Do a patch test before you start using an essential oil. Mix one drop of the essential oil with a tablespoon of carrier oil. Dab a little bit of this mixture on the inside of your wrist and wait 24 hours. If a rash develops, you're allergic.

Finally, always consult with your doctor.

I always loved the idea of smelling salts. Perhaps it's because I've read so many novels where the Ladies carried the salts around with them? If I were to make my own salts, I would do it this way:

• Small jar. I would find a pretty small jar that I can keep in my purse.
• Fill the jar. I'd fill the jar with sea salt.
• Essential oil. Next, I'd add essential oil.

My smelling salt essential oil blend would be as follows. One drop each of:

• Chamomile
• Rose
• Peppermint
• Lavender

I find that these the essential oils blend well together. They are calming and soothing and the peppermint offers some energizing properties to the mix.