Essential oils to combat stress

Essential Oils The Healing Power of Essential Oils to Combat Stress

When you look at it as a symptom of conditions like heart disease, stroke and even cancer, stress is arguably the leading cause of death worldwide.

At the very least, it has a deep correlation to disease with a high mortality rate. Simply put: stress kills.

And while there seems to be a pill for everything these days, there’s no prescription for stress—at least, not without leaving you impaired or reliant on antidepressants or benzodiazepines.

For those who are already trying yoga, mindfulness, prayer and breathing exercises to cope with chronic stress, there’s one more remedy—one you won’t get from a pharmacist. Essential oils.

Soothe away Stress, Naturally

Nature gives us everything we need to shed stress and recuperate from the struggles of everyday life. Even stepping outside and breathing fresh air is scientifically proven to reduce stress levels!

Aromatherapy, a form of ‘nature therapy,’ increases the stress-relieving power of nature by activating oxytocin production in our bodies.

In other words, breathing in the smells of certain botanicals and essential oils triggers a de-stressing response.

It’s the same for topical applications— rubbing on an essential oil salve or cleansing ourselves with botanical extracts.

Combined with de-stressing exercises, aromatherapy and essential oil applications are a powerful duo in combatting stress levels— and keeping them low.

Which Essential Oils Should I Use?

You’ll find therapeutic benefits in a wide range of essential oils, derived from healthy botanicals.

Some of the most powerful include Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Bergamot, Orange (and Bitter Orange), Neroli, Thyme, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Patchouli and Rose.

Each of these essential oils (and the plants that yield them) have been extensively studied in conjunction with stress relief and reduction.

The next time you’re feeling pushed to your limit or at your wit’s end, consider aromatherapy using any of these essential oils—or even a gentle topical application. A few moments of deep breathing will show you just how powerful nature’s remedies are in combatting stress.

Dr. Eric Zielinski and Sabrina Ann Zielinski are the authors behind the national bestseller, The Healing Power of Essential Oils and The Essential Oils Diet. Dr. Z has pioneered natural living and biblical health education since 2003. Their website, NaturalLivingFamilycom shows people how to use natural remedies like essential oils safely and effectively. Their newest book, the highly-anticipated The Essential Oils Apothecary, will be published on September 7th,.