The Best Relaxing Essential Oils

Relaxing essential oils will help you relax both physically and mentally. You can use them, for example, for massages or aromatic baths.

Also, if you want better results, you can combine aromatherapy with massage and other therapeutic techniques. Smell is one of the senses that excel in this technique. There are olfactory nerves in the nose that help to distinguish substances entering the mouth, as the taste sensations are derived from the smell.

Fragrance molecules penetrate the nasal area and stimulate the olfactory nerves, allowing us to sense the aroma. The nerve impulses are then sent to the limbic system, where they trigger emotional responses depending on the type of smell.

The benefits of aromatherapy

• Treatment of nervous system problems such as stress, anxiety or depression.
• Improving the functioning of the respiratory system.
• Relieving muscle aches and reducing inflammation.
• Fighting skin infections.
• Treatment of insomnia.
• Improving blood circulation.

Relaxing essential oils – application methods

• Inhalation:  This is a classic method used to harness the properties of essential oils. Relaxing essential oils can be inhaled directly or indirectly. The first method is to put a few drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale gently. The second way is to pour the essential oil into hot water and inhale the resulting vapors.

• Massage:  Relaxing essential oils are massaged directly into the skin.
• Aromatic  bath : bath in warm water containing relaxing essential oils.
• Cold or hot compresses:  used to treat skin problems and muscle aches.

Precautions

• Essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin  with the exception of lavender oil.
• Avoid sun exposure for up to 4 hours after an oil massage.
• Do not apply oils near the eyes or areas of the mucous membranes.
• Relaxing essential oils are not suitable for children under 9 months of age. If you want to use them, consult your pediatrician first.

• The oils must be kept away from any artificial light source.

Some of the relaxing essential oils are listed below:

Lavender

Lavender is one of the best essential oils for calming the nervous system, especially when it comes to lowering blood pressure and skin temperature. When the oil soaks into your skin, it seeps into your brain and makes you feel relaxed.

In addition, lavender oil also helps in the fight against insomnia, reduces anxiety and depression. The essence of this plant stimulates pathways in the brain, changing emotional responses to different situations. It is important to use it in moderation, especially in allergy sufferers, as it has an estrogen-like effect.

Yuzu Oil

Yuzu is a yellow citrus fruit native to East Asia. One of its main properties is that it calms the central nervous system. It has a relaxing, anxiolytic and sleep-inducing effect.

In order to obtain the essence of the Yuzu fruit, the peel of the fruit must be subjected to a steam distillation process. In this way, an oil rich in limonene, gamma-terpinene and felandren is obtained. During inhalation, our senses will experience a blend of aromas such as orange blossom, mandarin orange and bitter orange.

Vanilla oil

This substance is extracted directly from vanilla, which usually grows in various regions of the Americas, especially in the tropics. While it is often used to flavor dishes, it also has antioxidant, soothing and relaxing effects. In addition, it aids digestion and is used as an aphrodisiac.

It is used in aromatherapy to relieve depression and reduce anxiety as it has a particularly relaxing effect on the nervous system. On the other hand, it acts as an effective lotion that can be used to heal wounds and ulcers.

Jasmine oil

Jasmine is a yang plant that comes from China. The oil is extracted from sprouting white or light brown flowers. Jasmine usually grows in environments with tropical and temperate climates. There are currently 20 known varieties of jasmine.

Jasmine essence improves mood, relaxes and reduces stress. Inhaling this essential oil will make you feel calm and relaxed. In addition, it has astringent properties, which is why it is often used in creams. It also helps to relax muscles, reduce pain and cramps.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil comes from mint leaves, a plant that is a hybrid of water mint and peppermint. Thanks to its energizing properties, it controls stress, reduces nervous disorders and reduces mental fatigue.

In addition, the high menthol content in the oil makes it the best remedy for abdominal cramps. It also helps you cough up phlegm that builds up in your airways when they’re infected.

Besides, it reduces muscle pain. It is also often used in cosmetics because it has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help to improve the condition of the skin and hair.