Using Aromatherapy to Reduce Anxiety & Making Aromatherapy Oil Recipes yourself

In my previous hub about Alternative Medicine, I discussed several alternative remedies and treatments out there that everyone could use to heal in natural ways. I will be discussing a natural anxiety treatment using Aromatherapy.

Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety is a state of mind and consists of excessive worry and stress which could lead to depression and insomnia. Anxiety symptoms are present in individuals in varying degrees. heart palpitations is a sign of anxiety. other symptoms of anxiety disorders include shortness of breath and weak immune system.

Aromatherapy - cure for anxiety

Scientific studies have shown that the colours and scent of flowers have therapeutic effects on people. Surrounding yourself with these aromas may have significant positive effects on your well-being, happiness, creativity and life satisfaction.

Aromatherapy consists of plant oils or essential oils to promote psychological well-being. For this reason, Aromatherapy is recommended to people who have anxiety problems, as it calms the body and mind and soothes nerves. Scents such as lavender, chamomile and vanilla have several calming effects. Lavender, nutmeg and sandalwood may help reduce stress. Ylang-Ylang has euphoric effects. The most popular scent is Lavender and is used mostly for relaxation, to ease pains.

Aromatherapy can be used in baths, massage or air diffuser/oil burners in a relaxing and calm atmosphere. to enhance this atmosphere, people usually light candles and place them around the room, dim the lights and play soft and calm music.

Aromatherapy and the brain

Scent is directly linked to the brain. When oils are inhaled or massaged onto the skin, the limbic system is triggered. The limbic system is responsible for controlling emotions, stores learnt memories and relax the body. The pleasant scents can help reduce negative emotions and encorporates tranquility and peace.

Essential oils for anxiety symptoms

Essential oils calm the body. Lavender, frankincense, bergamot, chamomile, sandalwood all have these soothing effects on the body. Few drops can be added to a warm bath in which you could soak yourself for 20 minutes or so.

Aromatherapy blends for anxiety relief:

For relaxing hot baths

~Mix lavender, jasmine, ylang-ylang and bergamot. You could use 6 drops of this blend to take a hot bath.

~Add 10 drops of chamomile to the warm water

Massages

Usually aromatherapy carrier oils such as Almond oil are mixed with other essential oils to produce a blend.

~2 tbsps almond oil, 6 drops ylang-ylang, 12 drops Lavender oil, 4 drops Frankincense oil, 3 drops Clary Sage oil.

~10 drops of lavender oil, jasmine oil, ylang-ylang, bergamot oil blend.

~1 tbsp Apricot oil, 3 drops Ylang-Ylang, 2 drops Bergamot oil, 5 drops Lavender oil.

Oil diffuser

~A mixture of 2 drops Bergamot, 2 drops Lavender and 2 drops Chamomile

So remember, before a job interview or a difficult exam, try relax yourself in these ways and notice the difference in your state of mind. Please note that certain people with more severe forms of anxiety might want to seek the help of a psychologist as well. There is no reason why they can't enjoy relaxing with the help of Aromatherapy. It is actually beneficial to everyone.