There are different types and levels of stress, so let’s look at these and the essential oils that can be of help;
Mental Stress is usually caused by financial, marital, work or exam worries and perfectionism.
Suggested oils are; Basil, Bergamot or Bergamot Mint, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Patchouli, Cardamom and Sandalwood.
Physical Stress occurs when the body is pushed to its limits, usually through excessive exercise, like fun runs, aerobics and sometimes through continual long distance driving.
Suggested oils are; Bergamot, Fennel Sweet, Geranium, Rosemary, Thyme, Lavender and Marjoram.
Emotional Stress can most often be seen as the inability to give or receive love. Grief, guilt, and relationship problems, are among the causes.
Suggested oils are; Bergamot Mint, Geranium, Cardamon, Palmarosa, Sandalwood, Vetiver and Rose.
Environmental Stress is a common occurence now. Some of the causes are fluorescent lighting, industrial and office noise, electromagnetic radiation from such things as bedside clock radios, televisions, computers, and overhead power lines.
Suggested oils are; Cedarwood, Cypress, Geranium, Tea Tree, Basil, Bergamot Mint and Roman Chamomile.
Chemical Stress is usually the result of a number of things together. Look at issues like air pollution, varnishes and paints, alcohol, pain killers and other drugs, cigarette smoke and bad diet.
Suggested oils are; Juniperberry, Rosemary, Lemon, Lavender, Geranium, Grapefruit, Fennel Sweet, Clary Sage, Pettigrain and Patchouli Clear.
Levels of Stress
In the symptoms of negative stress there are varying degrees of severity and if we break them up into four levels it might look like this;
Level One
* Lack of motivation. * Irritability.
* Headaches. * Insomnia.
These symptoms are usually considered to be of 'no consequence'. At this level, the essential oils known as Relaxants are the oils required.
Level Two
* Anxiety. *Apathy.
* Feelings of helplessness. * Persistent infections.
* Muscle pain.
At this level Stimulants are required to disperse negativity and to boost the immune system.
Level Three
* Despair. * Agoraphobia.
* Claustrophobia. * Persecution complex.
* Immune system goes down.
At this level symptoms are usually focussed at the mental level. Relaxants are required, and perhaps one of the Hypnotics could be used in the aromatherapy blend, so two relaxants and one hypnotic.
Level Four
* Heart problems. * High blood pressure.
* Ulcers. * Arthritis.
* Unexplained pain.
At this level the stress symptoms are serious, possibly even life threatening. The plant oils known as hypnotics would be used to provide support when this level of stress is being experienced.
Relaxants
* Sandalwood * Lavender * Marjoram
* Rose * Orange * Vetiver
* Geranium * Clary Sage * Neroli
* Roman Chamomile * German Chamomile * Lemon
* Nutmeg * Pettigrain * Rosewood
I tend to utilise the Relaxant Oils, mostly for Level 1 and Level 3 symptoms.
Hypnotics
* Rose * Jasmine * Valerian
* Carnation * Narcissus * Jonquil
* Spikenard * Vetiver * Tuberose
These oils can act as heavy sedatives and are used to treat Level 4 symptoms. It is often beneficial to use one of these in a blend when addressing symptoms at Levels 2 and 3.
Adaptogens
* Lavender * Geranium * Lemon
* Neroli
Used in moderation, these oils act as relaxants, in quantity they are stimulants.
Stimulants
*Rosemary *Basil * Grapefruit
* Ginger *Black Pepper * Coriander
* Cardamom * Lemon * Lime
* Nutmeg * Palmarosa * Thyme
There are numerous ways to bring the healing art of aromatherapy into your everyday life; common methods are bathing, vapourisers and diffusers, and through inclusion in personal care products.