Do you ever get those moments where you’re so exhausted with your job that it affects your eating habits or your emotions? Yup, I bet you have because stress does that to people. However, sometimes no matter how much we sleep it off or go on vacations to get rid of it, it doesn’t seem to go away.
But don’t lose hope just yet because there’s one more solution that you can try: essential oils.
According to Doterra wellness advocate Vicky Chang, there are different blends that can aid specific stress-related problems. (Also, news flash: lavender doesn’t always help.) “Stress is an important part of life, [so to speak],” she says. “There’s different types of it like emotional and when you’re being too anxious. So it’s important to know what your problem is [and how this type of stress is affecting you].”
Before we start enumerating what oils to use for particular problems, Vicky notes that these should not be applied abusively. “It’s important to remember that it’s about frequency not quantity. Just put one or two drops twice or thrice a day. That’s it,” she says, adding that putting too much may cause health problems like seizures and overheating.
Now that that’s settled, you can continue reading below.
#1 When you’re feeling down in the dumps: Citrus
Stress can get the best of us and it’s not the most pleasant feeling. Vicky suggests that inhaling and rubbing two drops of citrus oil on your nape can help you release your emotions better. “You know when you’re stressed out, you hold onto it? If you hold onto it for a long period, that where you get problems like emotional instability,” she says. “Oils like citrus can [send signals to your brain] and help you release emotions.”
#2 When you get short-tempered: Ylang-ylang and Bergamot
Combining oils like ylang-ylang and bergamot are ideal for when you’re getting grumpy because both have calming and soothing elements to help your nerves. Vicky calls ylang-ylang a “happy oil” because of its somewhat uplifting effect from its floral scent. Meanwhile, similar to the effect of citrus oils, bergamot has been found to effectively boost a person’s mood.
#3 When you can’t sleep because of anxiety: Frankincense and Spruce
Vicky explains that a person’s insomnia may be caused by waves of anxiety. With this, she recommends using warm grounding oils like Doterra’s Balance blend which has frankincense, spruce, ho wood, and blue tansy. It is found that these ingredients, particularly frankincense, can help you relax when you inhale it. “This can also help if you experience frequent panic attacks,” she adds.
#4 For tense muscles: Lavender, Peppermint, and Basil
If your job requires you to sit all day in front of a computer, having stiff shoulders and back pain are common occurrences. To remedy this, Vicky suggests a massage oil like Aroma Touch which contains a blend of basil, lavender, peppermint, grapefruit, cypress, and marjoram. “Specialists like chiropractors use this oil because they need you to get relaxed so it makes it easier for them to realign your spine,” she says. This blend can also be used for when you’re working out.
#5 For boosting your immune system: Wild orange, Cinnamon, and Clove buds
“In this fast-paced life, we tend to forget to take care of ourselves,” Vicky tells us. For cases like this, she says that putting a couple drops of On Guard, a blend made with wild orange, cinnamon, clove buds, eucalyptus, and rosemary, under your feet can keep your immune system in check. “It’s recommended to put it under your feet rather than your nape because it’s for a long-lasting effect and it’s for daily maintenance,” she explains.
#6 When you stress eat a lot: Ginger, Fennel, and Tarragon
If you’re starting to feel sick from indigestion, Vicky suggests using Digest Zen which has ginger, fennel, tarragon, and coriander seeds to help you. This blend can also aid those who often experience hyperacidity and other digestive problems.
Doterra Oils. Prices range from P850 to P6,000 per bottle. For inquiries, contact at (0917) 249-5165 or email at [email protected] For more information, visit their Facebook and Instagram.
Photo courtesy of Doterra Therapy’s Instagram