Aromatherapy harnesses the powers of smells to help us improve our well-being in different ways. As our brain’s emotion and memory centres are linked to our olfactory sense (sense of smell), certain scents can produce a significant effect in our body and mind.
One of the most common uses of essential oils is helping us to relax – in fact, many people report that the effects are almost instantaneous. Check out these six essential oils which are well-known for relaxing us in different ways – from reducing stress and anxiety to boosting moods and helping us fall asleep.
Lavender
This is a go-to essential oil if you want to relax right away. Soothing and generally easy on the nose, lavender has been shown to have anxiolytic or anxiety-reducing effects, which benefit those with depression. On top of this, lavender helps to improve sleep quality and can be used to alleviate insomnia. As lavender may cause estrogenic effects, it should be used carefully, especially for children.
Roman Chamomile
This is one of the popular oils used for relaxing the mind. Studies have proved that Roman Chamomile is effective in promoting restful sleep and calming anxious feelings. This oils also contain antidepressant effects, making it a good oil to lift your moods when you are feeling on the edge.
Rose
Essential oils that are extracted from this beautiful flower effectively increases a sense of well-being and promotes a feeling of peace and calm. It is a good oil to use when you are feeling down and need a pick-me-up. Used in the evenings or before bed, it slows down busy minds and helps you prepare for a good night’s sleep.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang is a floral-based scent that is known to bring down blood pressure and promote relaxation. This oil calms the nervous system and has mild sedative qualities. It also has a positive effect on our emotions and lessens feelings of stress and tension.
Frankincense Oil
With its warm, earthy aroma, frankincense optimizes oxygen supply that flows to the brain, thus stimulating the limbic system which helps to calm strong emotions. For a relaxing, mood-enhancing effect, you can take a bath with this oil to soothe your body and mind.
Bergamot
Derived from citrus fruit peels, bergamot essential oil brings down stress level and infuses us with a sense of joyful relaxation. A 2015 study found that bergamot reduces negative emotions and lower saliva cortisol levels (a hormone often called the body’s “stress hormone”). However, this is a strong oil, and should be used together with a carrier oil like sweet almond or jojoba.
