Calming Scents to Reduce Your Anxiety

Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling the scent of essential oils to improve your well-being. One theory of how they work is that by stimulating the smell receptors in your nose, they can send messages to your nervous system. They are also thought to have a subtle effect on the body’s chemical and energy systems. Because of this, aromatherapy is often used as a natural remedy to relieve anxiety and stress.

Essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil before they’re applied to the skin. This reduces your risk of irritation. For adults, every 15 drops of essential oil should be diluted with 1 ounce of carrier oil. Use of essential oils in children should be under the supervision of their health care provider. For children, the mixture is much more diluted with a ratio is 3 to 6 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil. Some popular carrier oils are almond, coconut, and jojoba.

The essential oils you can use to relieve your symptoms of anxiety:

• Jatamansi
• Lavender
• Jasmine
• Holy basil
• Sweet basil
• Bergamot
• Chamomile.