Aromatherapy for Stress

Here are some ways to use essential oils at home to help when you’re stressed or feeling blue. Use only pure, high-quality oils. Ask your massage therapist for more information about sources to obtain quality oils.

Essential oils for stress or the blues

Geranium

Rose

Neroli (orange blossom)

Lavender

Lemongrass

Basil

Roman chamomile

For direct use on the skin, always dilute essential oils in a “base” oil. Base oils include almond, walnut, and grapeseed, but any good quality vegetable oil works fine.

Ways to use your oils

Self-massage. Make your own personalized oil, by blending neroli and geranium, or lavender and lemongrass, in a base oil (see above). It’s also nice to add a few drops of basil to either of these blends.

Baths. Add 10 drops of lavender, Roman chamomile or rose to a warm tub — and swish!

Diffusers. A diffuser is a special device to dispense essential oils into the air without altering their components. Use as directed. Alternatively, you can add oils to a ring designed to fit around a light bulb or add drops of oils to a bowl of water placed on a radiator. Try the blends listed above.

Note: Tell your massage therapist if there is an essential oil you particularly like. He or she may have it available to add to the oil used during your session.

Resources:
Renowned aromatherapist Francoise Rapp has e-books, a newsletter and other information: http://www.selfgrowth.com/print/538140
Aromatherapist and teacher Jeanne Rose is the author of The Aromatherapy Book: Applications and Inhalations (North Atlantic Books, 1995) and offers home-study courses.

*** Massage should not be considered as a replacement for professional medical treatment: a physician should be consulted in all matters relating to health and especially in relation to any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. In some cases, a primary physician’s approval/prescription is required before any bodywork is administered. Care should be taken during pregnancy, particularly in the use of essential oils and pressure points. Essential oils should not be ingested, and should be used for babies and children only on professional advice.