Our guest writer this month is holistic therapist and wellbeing expert Helen Buckley. Here she shares with us her expertise in aromatherapy and choosing oils to help you with stress.
What is stress and how does it affect us?
Generally, stress is deemed and stated by the mental health charity Mind to be additional pressure placed on us either through a situation or events. This can be a number of events or it can be a single situation.
Currently there is no medical definition of stress and no agreement if it is the stress that causes the problems or the other way round. All we know is that stress is part of 21st Century life and experienced by a large number of people. During this time, it is increasingly more difficult to cope with our stress related problems. Our normal tools may not be working or we may not know which ones to try.
Being under pressure is a normal part of life; it is when the pressures become too much that it can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Aromatherapy is one method among many that can help you to cope with the overwhelming pressures.
Aromatherapy for stress
Aromatherapy uses two valuable tools to reduce stress, these being touch and scent. Touch is one of the first senses developed and smell is one of the last senses to leave us when we die.
Specific essential oils such as Lavender, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang and Bergamot can help to reduce the symptoms and enable us to deal with the underlying issues creating the stress in the first place.
There have been numerous studies conducted using aromatherapy oils and massage, with patients under undue stress. Many demonstrate a reduction in stress symptoms and pain whilst creating an increased sense of calm.
6 essential oils for stress
For me my most often used essential oils for stress are:
1. Lavender: a widely accepted essential oil used in the treatment of stress and insomnia. It has a floral scent that is soothing to the mind, emotions and physically. Some people may dislike it as it may bring up negative memories or if used too much may create headaches. As with many essential oils using it less can give the desired effects. It is great to use with children although please use half the amount normally suggested
2. Bergamot: useful in the treatment of depression. I find this oil uplifting. It is slightly less cheerful than the citrus oils but it still is effective. Again it has a floral scent with a slight zestfulness of the citrus scents.
3. Ylang Ylang: helps with relaxation and insomnia. This is a popular scent among women and is great to bring balance and harmony. It pairs well with other floral and citrus scents and is a beautiful base oil to blend with.
4. Frankincense: useful in the treatment of anxiety and depression and for stilling the mind to enable sleep. I love this oil to bring a little grounding. I find the spicy woody scent a wonderful base for blends. It blends well with all the oils suggested here.
5. Lemon: the citrus oils are useful in uplifting emotions and treating depression. Lemon is my personal favourite. I find its cheerful, sharp scent perfect to come through any negative thoughts I may have.
6. Mandarin: a cheerful and balancing oil, often popular with children. If using with children please use half the percentage amount in a blend than normally suggested.
Most aromatherapists will be able to create a blend of aromatherapy oils specific to your needs. You will be able to use them in a variety of ways convenient to you, the most common being an aromatherapy massage, diffusers, bath oils and pulse point blends.
If you would like to speak to me about any of these methods or any of the oils mentioned here please contact me at www.reviveall.co.uk
Helen Buckley is a holistic therapist and wellbeing expert, passionate about helping women invest in their health naturally. With expertise in massage, nutrition, and mindfulness, she offers practical, step-by-step guidance to make lasting wellbeing achievable. Through Revive All, she provides treatments, workshops, and supportive spaces like Relax and Revive and Nurture and Revive. Helen is dedicated to empowering others with simple, effective ways to feel their best, one small step at a time.
