Essential Oils For Calming

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy to promote healing and create specific moods. Many oils have calming, relaxing and stress-relieving properties. You can use essential oils in a variety of ways, such as in an aromatherapy burner or in the bath, and some can be applied directly to your skin. If you have doubts as to whether a specific oil is safe for topical use, you should consult your doctor or a qualified aromatherapist.

Lavender

Lavender is perhaps the most widely used essential oil for relaxation purposes. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lavender has long been used as a remedy for anxiety, insomnia, depression and fatigue. Lavender has soothing properties that can calm irritated skin and alleviate conditions such as eczema and acne. To benefit from its tranquilizing effects, you can inhale lavender oil directly from the bottle or use a few drops in a vaporizer. For skin conditions, you can add a few drops to 2 tbsp. of carrier oil such as grapeseed or sunflower oil and apply to affected areas using a compress.

Chamomile

Aromatherapists also use chamomile to promote relaxation and feelings of calm. There are two varieties of chamomile--German and Roman. German chamomile is more widely used, although both types share the same properties. Chamomile was used by the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks for its healing effects. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one of the most common uses for chamomile is to provide relief from anxiety and insomnia. It can also be used to promote stress relief and soothe irritated skin. You can use five to 10 drops of chamomile essential oil in a warm bath whenever you feel stressed or to alleviate itchy skin disorders such as eczema. You can also use a few drops in a cup of boiling water and inhale the vapors to ease anxiety and insomnia.

Neroli

Neroli oil is obtained through steam distillation of the flowers of the bitter--or Seville--orange tree. It has a fresh citrus scent that is both uplifting and calming. Aromatherapists prize the oil for its sedative, tranquilizing and stress-relieving properties. The scent of neroli can also help to induce sleep in people who suffer from insomnia. According to Victoria Edwards in her book "25 Aromatherapy Blends for De-Stressing," neroli oil is effective in alleviating nervous tension and can help you to de-stress and unwind. You can use neroli oil for self-massage of the neck and temple area to promote relaxation and feelings of calm. Add three drops of neroli oil to 2 tsp. of a carrier oil like sweet almond oil. Massage the oil in a circular motion on your temples and continue this motion down to your neck area. Allow yourself to relax as you inhale the aroma. You can also take a warm bath with a few drops of neroli oil before going to bed to induce sleep.