There are many factors in daily life that can wear you down. Some days you might not feel very rested, even if you slept well the night before. Doctors at the Mayo Clinic list unhealthy lifestyle habits, depression and medical problems as the most common causes of fatigue. If you feel burned out from too much stress, the use of therapeutic essential oils may help to relieve fatigue and put more vigor back in your life.
Adrenal Fatigue
Too much stress can affect the function of the adrenal glands causing symptoms like sleeplessness, depression, lowered immune system and physical fatigue. When the adrenal glands are not functioning properly, the body may not be able to produce enough of the hormone cortisol, which in turn can contribute to fatigue. In cases of mild adrenal fatigue, aromatherapy often offers relief. Essential oils extracted from the rinds of citrus fruits have a calming effect that can help lower stress levels. Pine and spruce blended together work to produce a revitalizing effect. Use either peppermint oil or cedar to help make you more alert when you feel mentally fatigued.
Aromas
While the scents produced by some essential oils have a soothing effect on the body, others can help to energize you. Choose aromatherapy stimulants like pine, eucalyptus, lemongrass and sage to reduce drowsiness. Spicy aromas such as cinnamon, clove, basil and black pepper also work to keep you more alert. Essential oils you can use to give your energy a lift include peppermint, ginger, cypress and rosemary. Peppermint has a particularly revitalizing effect.
Stimulating Effects
Stimulating essential oils may actually be healthier for the body than consuming stimulants in the form of coffee and black tea. Aromatherapy produces a regenerating effect without overly stimulating your body. Basil and sage are essential oils frequently used to combat mental fatigue.
Blends
Combine eight drops of lemon oil, two drops each of eucalyptus and peppermint oil, one drop of cinnamon leaf oil with 2 oz. of vegetable oil. Use as a massage oil, or add 2 tsp. of the blend to your bath water. You might also want to try adding 1 tsp. to a basin of water for an energizing footbath. You can also use the actual herbs for a blend in an aromatherapy diffuser or potpourri cooker instead. Another option is to add 2 oz. of water to the mixture of essential oils and use as an air spray.
Bath
When adding aromatherapy oils to a bath, draw the bath water first. Add the essential oils and swirl them around in the water. Be careful not to splash any bath water in your eyes, as many essential oils can have a stinging effect. Get in the tub and soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Do this three or four times a week for two weeks, after which time you should begin to feel a real boost in energy.
Caution
Schedule an appointment to see your health care provider to make certain that your fatigue is not due to an underlying health problem. Fatigue can have a number of causes including a problem with the adrenal glands, nutritional deficiencies, low blood pressure, poor thyroid function or other hormonal imbalances. In many cases, fatigue is caused by too much physical exertion or emotional stress.
