Do you want to feel better and improve your life? Then consider taking a holistic approach. There are many essential oil benefits to consider, including stress reduction and pain relief. These aromatic oils have the ability to make your day-to-day life easier with just a few well-placed drops. Though the practise of aromatherapy (a treatment that uses natural plant extracts) dates back thousands of years to cultures in China, Egypt, India, and later Germany and France, it is still being used today.

Essential oils (fragrant substances found in certain types of plants that are distilled and bottled) aid in everything from emotional healing to physical well being. There are no limits to the ways they can benefit your life! Here are just a few examples.

Essential Oil Benefits: Reduces Stress

Stress is on the rise in our society and it can wreak havoc on our bodies. Chronic stress has been linked to serious issues like heart disease, weight gain, depression, anxiety, headaches, and even difficulties with memory. With approximately 77% of people in the United States experiencing physical symptoms caused by stress, it is vital to achieve peace of mind. Thankfully, many essential oils have been found to decrease stress levels and increase feelings of calm.

Aromatherapy has been linked to lower levels of cortisol, which is often referred to as the stress hormone. It can also reduce your perception of a stressful situation and re-focus your mind on positive emotions. To combat the daily stresses and strains of everyday life, you can: incorporate aromatherapy in your meditation practise, use a massage oil that contains essential oils, or light a scented candle. Not only will you be taking better care of yourself but you will see firsthand that there are many essential oil benefits!

Best Essential Oils for Stress: Lavender, Rose, Lemon, Ylang Ylang, and Bergamot.

Increases Energy Levels

Have you been feeling tired lately? Not just tired, but flat out exhausted? You are not alone. One of the most common concerns and frustrations people have is a lack of energy. This can make it difficult to accomplish goals and complete daily tasks. One effective method is to use essential oils to boost energy. The right scent (or combination of scents) can make you feel lively, awake, and even help you be more productive.

There are many ways to use essential oils for increased energy levels. For instance, you can carry a small inhaler with a few drops of an essential oil to smell throughout the day. It will instantly perk you up! Or you could throw an essential oil rollerball in your purse for a quick fix whenever you need it. Simply roll the product onto your temples or the back of the neck.

Best Essential Oils for Increased Energy: Peppermint, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, and Rosemary.

Helps Tackle Depression and Anxiety

Anyone dealing with depression or anxiety may want to give essential oils a try. There are many serious signs of depression, including sadness, fatigue, low self-esteem, and isolation. Anxiety on the other hand can cause difficulty sleeping, uneasiness, panic, and even shortness of breath. (One way to tackle anxiety is with the Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT.) Essential oils can be used to calm strong emotions and create balance in the body and mind.

For best results, use essential oils and a diffuser to spread the scent all over your room. You can stick to just one type of oil or create a blend. One popular blended recipe includes: 1 drop of Rose, 3 drops of Sandalwood, and 1 drop of Orange. (For more, check out this list of recipes or come up with your own mixture.) Another option is to place a few drops of an essential oil along with a carrier oil into your shower or bath water.

Best Essential Oils for Depression and Anxiety: Bergamont, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, and Chamomile.

Improves Sleep Quality

There is nothing more frustrating than tossing and turning all night. Unfortunately, insomnia and difficulty sleeping is rather common. Many people struggle to get a full night of sleep on a consistent basis. The good news is that aromatherapy can help. Some essential oil benefits include improved quality of sleep and a more regulated sleep schedule. Certain scents instantly calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep. Additionally, adding essential oils to your evening routine trains your brain to associate certain scents with the act of falling asleep.

Though there are many ways to use essential oils for sleep, one of the best things to do is use a pillow spray. These sprays mix essential oils with water and can be applied directly to your pillow before you go to sleep. You can purchase a pre-made mixture or make your own at home. The choice is yours! Massaging a small amount of aromatherapy oil onto your wrists or forehead can also be effective.

Best Essential Oils for Improved Sleep: Jasmine, Lavender, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, and Rose.

Works as a Pain Reliever

There are many ways essential oils benefit the mind and spirit – but they also help with physical ailments. In addition to being used for colds and congestion (Eucalyptus, Lemon, and Peppermint work well for these purposes), essential oils can ease sore muscles and reduce swelling. Put them to use post-workout, if you have a headache, or if you are recovering from an injury. Pain relieving oils can be used on their own or blended together for a more effective result.

One of the main essential oil benefits is that the oils work well on pain. Start reducing symptoms with a cold or warm compress. (Cold water works well for swelling and hot water tackles pain.) Fill a bowl with water, add in fifteen drops of essential oil, and place your cloth in the water. Wring out excess moisture and place the oil-infused towel on the affected area. Leave for fifteen to twenty minutes. You can also use essential oils in the bath or in a massage oil to reduce painful symptoms even further.

Best Essential Oils for Pain Relief: Peppermint, Rosehip, Clary Sage, Eucalyptus, and Cyprus.

That is just the beginning! There are many more essential oil benefits, from boosting physical immunity to improved hair health, better digestion, and increased brain function. There are truly no limits to the ways you can use aromatherapy to better your life.