It’s been a tough few years for young people in general and they have been incredibly adaptable and shown amazing robustness and flexibility when it comes to dealing with stress.
We are often asked for tools or techniques that can help young people manage their stress levels. Obviously there are many strategies that can be employed and each individual will respond differently. However, one tool that we often recommend, which can be easily overlooked is the use of essential oils.
When used correctly, essential oils can be incredibly effective in managing stress levels and have a vast range of therapeutic benefits.
How do essential oils help?
From the smell of a fresh cup of coffee to the fragrant aroma of a lavender plant, we are constantly bombarded with scents throughout the day. And while we may not always be consciously aware of it, smells can have a powerful effect on our mood and emotions. Scents can trigger a physical reaction and can even help you to relax or feel invigorated.
What’s the science behind essential oil use and aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy works by stimulating the olfactory system, which is the sense of smell. The inhaled molecules interact with the limbic system in the brain. This is responsible for mood, memory and emotion and can have a direct effect on our nervous system.
How to use the Oil
The main way to use essential oils is through Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is the practice of using plant materials and aromatic oils to improve a person’s health or mood. This can be done through inhalation which is the most common way, although it is also possible to massage in essential oils or use them in a bath.
Incredibly aromatherapy’s power has been recognized and valued in many civilizations for at least 6,000 years.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has a wide range of benefits and can be used to treat a variety of conditions, both physical and psychological.
Some of the most common benefits include:
– Reducing stress and anxiety
– Improving sleep
– Easing muscle tension and pain
– Boosting energy levels
– enhancing cognitive function
– Alleviating nausea and other digestive issues
– Fighting off infections and boosting the immune system
In this article we will focus on the essential oils that help us with anxiety and stress. Here are our top 10.
The Top 10
Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is probably the best known essential oil for stress and anxiety, and with good reason. Its soothing, calming effects make it a perfect choice for those seeking relief from everyday stressors or more intense manifestations of anxiety.
Clinical trials indicate that Lavender oil has been shown to affect the parasympathetic nervous system, help with depression, alleviate insomnia and improve sleep quality.
Another study revealed that lavender when taken orally for 6 weeks showed a significant improvement to general mental health and quality of life in 50 patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Another great benefit of this essential oil is that it can be used on sensitive skin when it is mixed with a carrier oil.
These impressive findings put lavender oil in our top spot for best essential oils for teenagers dealing with stress and anxiety.
Bergamot essential oil
Bergamot is a citrus fruit, its oil has a sweet, floral scent with a hint of spiciness. The benefits of using bergamot essential oil are:
– It has a calming effect on the nervous system
– can be used as a relaxant, relieving tension and anxiety
– is a natural mood booster because it lowers stress by decreasing cortisol levels in the body as well as increasing feelings of happiness and energy .As it lifts your mood it improves your sense of wellbeing.
– It has antidepressant properties
Bergamot essential oil is also useful for treating other conditions such as:
– Muscle tension and pain
– Digestive issues
– Insomnia
– Skin conditions such as eczema
– Can help to lower blood pressure.
Lemon balm essential oil
Lemon balm (Melissa) is a herb in the mint family. The lemon balm plant has white or pale pink flowers and emits a citrusy, lemony scent. Melissa is one of the oldest herbs known for its calming and relaxing properties.
Research has shown that lemon balm oil can have a positive effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. One study showed that inhaling lemon balm essential oil reduced anxiety and improved cognitive function in healthy adults.
Other benefits of using lemon balm essential oil include:
– Reducing stress
– Improving sleep
– Easing muscle tension
– Boosting cognitive function
– Alleviating digestive issues
Clary Sage Essential oil
Clary sage is a herb in the mint family. The plant has pale blue or lilac flowers and emits a sweet, nutty scent. Clary sage oil has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties.
Clary sage oil is known for its ability to keep us calm. Interestingly this essential oil was also found to be effective in treating depression.
Other benefits of using clary sage essential oil include:
– Improving sleep
– Easing muscle tension
– Boosting cognitive function
– Alleviating digestive issues
Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree. This evergreen tree is native to Australia and Tasmania and has long been used for its medicinal properties.
Eucalyptus essential oil has a strong, fresh scent and is known for its mood boosting properties. It has an invigorating aroma that can help to improve mental clarity and focus.
Other benefits of using eucalyptus essential oil include:
– Reducing stress
– Improving sleep
– Boosting cognitive function
– Enhancing physical performance
Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary is an evergreen herb in the mint family. The plant has small, blue flowers and emits a fresh, woody scent.
Rosemary oil has long been used for its medicinal properties and again is also known for its ability to improve mental clarity and focus.
Other benefits of using rosemary essential oil include:
– Reducing stress
– Improving sleep
– Easing muscle tension
– Boosting cognitive function
– Enhancing physical performance
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint is a herb in the mint family. The plant has small, white flowers and emits a fresh, minty scent. Peppermint is a popular essential oil for treating stress it can also help to soothe physical tension and reduce muscle pain. Its refreshing scent can also help invigorate the mind and ease mental worry.
Sweet orange essential oil
Sweet orange is a citrus fruit, its oil has a sweet, floral scent with a hint of spiciness. It is one of the best essential oils in promoting better digestion and can relieve symptoms associated with cramps and stomach pains. Sweet orange essential oil can also be used to help improve circulation.
Frankincense essential oil
Frankincense is an aromatic resin obtained from the Boswellia tree. It has a sweet, woody aroma and has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies and as a natural remedy.
Frankincense can also help to improve sleep quality and ease muscle tension.
Lemon essential oil
Lemon is a citrus fruit, whose citrus oils have a fresh, fruity scent with a hint of sourness. It is one of the best citrus oils for treating anxiety and can also help to improve sleep quality. Lemon essential oil can diminish anxious feelings and help with increased alertness. A few drops can improve concentration and boost a good mood.
Overall, essential oils can be an effective natural treatment for teen anxiety. Each oil has its own unique benefits, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. If you’re unsure about which oil to use, it’s always best to consult with a qualified aromatherapist or doctor. We recomend YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS as one of the best essential oil suppliers on the market.
