Summer is officially over and all the kids are back to school. It is important to think of ways to stress less and relax more this back to school season, especially with cold and flu season creeping right around the corner. Aromatherapy is a relaxing way to help improve your mental and physical health.
Essential oils are the concentrated liquid compounds that we find in plants, and have been found to improve a number of physical and psychological ailments. Inhalation of essential oils can be used to bring relief for conditions like insomnia, PTSD, asthma, depression, fatigue, nausea and more. They have been seen to significantly affect the central nervous system. You can inhale them through a nasal spray bottle, with a diffuser, or by steam inhalation.
Topical application of essential oils can also help to relieve bruising, burning, and sprains found on or underneath the skin’s surface, as well as act as an anti-fungal, antiviral, or antibacterial agent for a variety of skin infections.
If you’re looking for an even more relaxing way to de-stress, try a massage with essential oils on either the palms or feet.
Before use, dilute 2-5 drops of the essential oil with 1 tsp of carrier oil (a vegetable oil such as coconut, oil or grape seed). Apply to a bandage and put on your forearm for 12-24 hours and observe for irritation.
It is important to use therapeutic grade oils for healing, and always dilute before use. Keep the oils out of reach of small children and away from your own eyes and ears and out of the mouth.
Do some research, talk to your healthcare provider. Find out which oils have contraindications with which conditions. Also, keep in mind that if you’re applying essential oils to someone else, you will absorb them as well.
“Bear in mind that some very popular essential oils are toxic to animals. Please research your oils before diffusing near any pets,” says Patricia Dodd, NP, chronic pain management. “Enjoy, relax, and de-stress!”