Finding moments of peace and quiet between work, family, friends and errands isn’t always easy. Even when you do have time to relax, your mind is racing and worries are plaguing you. While relaxing on the couch or taking a bath to enjoy some “me time” can be great, sometimes scents can help you truly relax. Essential oils are a proven way to help you relax. You can use them in a diffuser, inhale the scent directly or apply them directly to your skin.
“Every essential oil has its own unique properties. When you inhale an essential oil, you absorb the scent molecules through your olfactory system,” she says. Kelly Reptaesthetician, certified aromatherapist, and beauty educator at Katari. “This system is connected to the limbic system, which is responsible for regulating heart rate, blood pressure, stress levels, and breathing.”
Want to know which essential oils to diffuse at the end of a long day? Read on for aromatherapists’ top 12 recommendations.
Related: 10 science-backed ways to calm down instantly.
First on our list of relaxing essential oils is clary sage.
“It’s an earthy, grounding oil that helps calm the mind and body and has been shown to lower stress-related cortisol levels.” Tammy Mastrovat,author The universe is speaking to you and Higher support methods,tell The best life.
Kiran DintiallaMD, MPH, CEO and president of Stress Free Revolution, recommends ylang ylang essential oil.
“Ylang-ylang oil (YYO) is an essential oil commonly used for relaxation, depression, and anxiety disorders,” says Dintiara, also known as “Dr. Calm.” “Exposure to YYO has been shown to increase 5-HT levels in the hippocampus.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is another name for serotonin and plays an important role in mood, sleep, digestion, sex drive, and other functions.
Related: 7 Ways Breathing Exercises Can Reduce Stress and Improve Your Health.
Rose essential oil can help relieve tension, especially for those who have trouble sitting still.
“This highly popular essence is known for a variety of uses, particularly for restlessness,” says Lepta. “It has been proven to slow breathing and promote an atmosphere of calm. Rose has the highest vibrational frequency of any plant, the frequency closest to love.”
Mastroverte points out that rose also has the effect of relaxing the central nervous system, easing anxiety and panic.
Geranium is often recommended by aromatherapists for relaxation and is similar to rose in terms of uses, but geranium has its own “distinctive scent.” Betsy MillerAura Cacia has MSs, CNSs, certified aromatherapists, and American Herbalists Guild (AHG) registered herbalists on staff.
“Geranium has a fresh, green, and soft floral scent, with middle notes that promote a sense of calm and relaxation,” Miller points out. “You can easily reap the benefits of geranium essential oil by diffusing it, and it pairs well with other scents like lavender, rose, bergamot, and patchouli.”
Related: 4 Ways the Scent of Sage Can Boost Your Mood and Health.
If the smell of freshly peeled oranges gets you excited, orange essential oil may be the perfect choice for relaxing.
“This bright citrus scent is both uplifting and peaceful,” Repta explains. “It has this strange duality of being non-stimulating, calming and giving you positive energy. It can actually lower your pulse rate and promote a positive mental state.”
Monestrete BowdenThe ACC, a Certified Aromatherapist, recommends blue tansy as a unique oil with “cooling and calming properties.”
“Blue tansy has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce stress, transform emotions, reconnect with your core self, and help you forget the troubles of the day,” she says. “More than just its striking color, blue tansy acts as a cooling salve for the soul, soothing emotional turmoil and calming the mind.”
Bowden added that essential oils have “transformative properties” that can help relieve stress and confusion, effectively “bringing a sense of peace and clarity.”
This scent may be a little strong, but it is still relaxing.
“This beautiful citrus fruit is known to have a calming effect on the nerves and is excellent for reducing anxiety,” says Repta. “It also has an uplifting effect on the mood and leaves you feeling relaxed.”
When we feel stressed, our bodies release adrenaline followed by cortisol (that pesky “fight or flight” hormone), but research has shown that inhaling bergamot can actually counteract the rise in cortisol levels that’s caused by stress, Dintiaara points out.
Related: 6 Best Meditation Styles for People Over 50 to De-Stress.
Repta describes the scent as a calming, soothing scent, and thanks to its sedative properties, “it works wonders when you’re experiencing those feelings of being overwhelmed.”
“It’s often used in meditation and spiritual practices,” Mastroverte said. [frankincense] It has a calming effect on the mind and body, reducing stress and promoting a sense of relaxation.”
You may already be using chamomile tea as a stress reliever, but you should also incorporate its aroma. Annabelle DeGrazioChamomile, founder of the TAJA collection, helps relieve tension.
“Chamomile has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.” Caleb Buckaromatherapy expert at Maple Holistics. “The scent of chamomile relaxes the senses, relieves stress, and helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.”
Roman chamomile is especially known for its “gentle, non-irritating properties,” Bowden said.
“It has a more calming effect than lavender,” Bowden points out, “naturally aligning the mind, senses and body. Its gentle scent has an incredible ability to release external pressures and help you focus inward.”
She continues, “This oil is particularly effective for those who tend to worry, rush, overthink and become emotionally unstable. The oil’s gentle action restores balance to the most agitated minds and fosters a calm, balanced disposition.”
Lavender is one of the most well-known relaxing scents, and for good reason.
“When you inhale the scent of lavender, it stimulates the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which help regulate mood and have a relaxing effect,” Buck explains.
There is scientific evidence to back this up.
“Studies have also shown that the scent of lavender can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of the stress hormone cortisol – all physical signs that you’re relaxed,” Buck says. “What’s more, the scent of lavender has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.”
Bowden specifically recommends high altitude lavender from France, as other “inferior quality” lavender essential oils may not have the same relaxing effects.
“Raised in the pure highlands, [highland lavender] “Thanks to our pollution-free environment and clean air, the scents are sweeter in the air. Beyond its aromatic appeal, this oil has the incredible power to purify both emotions and moods, bringing balance and peace to life,” says Bowden. “It is an ally against panic, insomnia and stress, and it calms and restores the mind and body, making it a valuable essence for overall wellness.”
Related: 6 Mindfulness Tips to Feel Amazing Every Day in Retirement.
Neroli is a lesser known scent, but it’s a wonderful addition to your relaxation routine.
“This enchanting orange blossom reduces stress by calming the nervous system and lowering blood pressure,” says Repta. “Neroli has been shown to stimulate the release of serotonin, the happy hormone, in the brain.”
It’s similar to petitgrain, which Dintiara recommends for improved performance and relaxation in the workplace.
Sandalwood, a warm, earthy essential oil, helps to calm the mind.
“Sandalwood is well known for its woody scent and its power to soothe and calm,” says Miller. “Sandalwood is a deep, meditative base note that brings a sense of calm and peace. It pairs well with other scents like bergamot, patchouli, and jasmine.”
Incorporate sandalwood essential oil into your daily routine by placing it in a diffuser. Miller also suggests mixing a few drops of sandalwood oil with a teaspoon of argan oil for a “relaxing scalp massage,” or applying a mixture of the essential oil (4 drops) with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil to pulse areas.
