AROMATHERAPY FOR THE STRESSED MAMA

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Submitted Date 01/31/2019
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Let's face it, parenting is no easy job and it's one we can never call in sick for! Stress is an extremely common issue amongst us mamas, and it's not surprising considering how many titles we hold. A mom is forced to be so many more things than just a mom! We just have to go with it and find a way to cope! The good news is, there is an all-natural way to relieve stress without seeing a doctor.

"How?", you ask.

Easy! The answer is Aromatherapy. There are so many ways to relieve stress using aromatherapy and so many oils to choose from that you could already have some of them in your closet. I'll go over which oils work miracles for stress and how to use them in this article.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses essential oils to naturally promote health and well-being through inhalation or other methods of use. You can use aromatherapy for many different reasons including; stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and so much more! Applying essential oils topically can relieve pain, reduce swelling, as well as clear skin, just to name a few.

Now let's get down to business!

Which essential oils help with this overwhelming stress that we face daily?

Here are the top 10 best oils for stress in no particular order.

1. Spearmint- I feel immediate relief just by opening the bottle and inhaling it from there. I always have to keep a bottle on hand! Now I get the 30oz bottle of Edens Garden instead of the 10oz because it wasn't lasting at all!

2. Eucalyptus Globulus- I mix this oil with Spearmint essential oil for my Melt Stress bath bombs. The two oils are lovely together. It is the perfect stress blend for mommies plus the smell is fresh & intriguing!

3. Grapefruit- This oil is good for so many things but one of the most awesome things about it is its ability to ease stress through its uplifting, citrusy aroma. Grapefruit is all around good for you! It also encourages a spiritual connection with yourself and improves your self- image.

4. Lavender- You knew it was coming! Lavender is a well-known essential oil that promotes sleep so it's no wonder it also relieves stress. It does this by relaxing your mind and body using its sedative-like properties. Sometimes our cause for stress is over-thinking. Lavender helps calm the mind so you are relaxed and peaceful instead of 2 shades from a nervous breakdown.

5. Lemon- Another oil with sedative-like effects as well as anti-anxiety properties is Lemon. It has long been used in medicine to relieve stress and depression, promote sleep, and to improve your mood due to its main chemical component which is Linalool. Linalool has been proven in multiple scientific studies to calm and relax the central nervous system.

6. Ylang Ylang- My favorite essential oil! Hands down. This oil doesn't get enough love in my opinion! It is a natural aphrodisiac (that actually works), stress reliever, and antiseptic. That doesn't even come close to covering it all! It's mysterious and lovely floral aroma calms the mind, relaxes the body, and makes you forget all about the stresses of the day! If you haven't tried Ylang-Ylang, you don't know what you're missing out on.

7. Clary Sage- Also a lifesaver when it comes to stress. Like Lemon, Linalool is the main component in Clary Sage, which means it relaxes the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord.)

8. Jasmine- A deeply floral aroma, this oil relieves stress by increasing GABA levels. Low GABA levels have been linked to depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

9. Chamomile- Both Roman and German Chamomile have been proven to reduce stress by their calming effects. It has been used for thousands of years for the purpose of calming the nervous system.

10. Jatamansi- also known as Spikenard. This little-known oil is said to be the most effective oil in the world against stress. It has been proven to increase GABA levels and also Monoamine levels which reduce depression symptoms.

How to receive these lovely benefits

There are many ways to enjoy the benefits of these oils. Most times, when we are feeling stressed, we need something right then that can ease our minds a little bit. Aromatherapy is a great way to get immediate relief!

Diffuse them- If you don't own an essential oil diffuser, you can find the perfect one at artnatural.com. That's where I've gotten all 3 of mine and I have no complaints! If buying one isn't an option, I have a post at Mintymixx.com called No Diffuser, No Problem; that shows you how to make your own homemade diffusers that work perfectly!

You can mix any of the above oils to double the effects. Put a few drops of one or two oils (sometimes three), turn your diffuser on, and voila!

Diffusers work miracles because they can be used for aromatherapy and as a humidifier making them perfect for those dry winter months!

Massage- Making the perfect massage oil is effortless and so beneficial. All you need is a carrier oil (Almond oil, Fractioned Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil) and your chosen essential oils.

Step 1: Get a small container. The smallest one you can find. I usually use roller bottles but a small condiment container works.

Step 2: Drop 15-22 drops of essential oil in your container and add a tbsp of carrier oil.

Step 3: Mix it well using a toothpick.

Step 4: Coax your significant other into giving you the best stress-relief massage imaginable!

We, as mothers, are not doomed for stress the rest of our days and we don't have to be on any medication that inhibits our personal growth but can still be happy and stress significantly less! If you use essential oil regularly, you will start to see all the benefits that come along with it. Then you will be a believer just as I am today!

I have 4 children between 1 and 6, a full-time job, plus a husband! If aromatherapy helps me this much in my day-to-day life, I know it will help you also!!

I sincerely hope this helps you! For more inspiration, visit the website in my profile!

 

 

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