Coping with stress is something we all must manage. Regardless of our day-to-day responsibilities, we sometimes forget to prioritize our mental health. You might be seeking remedies or natural solutions to help minimize stress. If so, consider all-natural solutions like aromatherapy.

You may be unfamiliar with aromatherapy. The term refers to using essential oils to promote healing and well-being. Yet, how does aromatherapy reduce stress, and can it provide the soothing effects needed to keep your anxiety at bay? Here, we’ll dive deep into that question so you can cultivate a calmer self.

The History of Aromatherapy

The oldest description we have of a distiller for essential oils is from the first century C.E. It’s widely believed that ancient cultures used aromatherapy as a medical and spiritual treatment solution.

Historians think ancient Egypt, China, and India used aromatic oils for ayurvedic (natural medicine) practices. In ancient times, Egyptians used fragrant oils and balms for religious ceremonies. It wasn’t until the early 20th century, when French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé experienced a chemical accident, that scientists began studying essential oils’ effects.

After accidentally burning his arm, Gattefossé immersed it in a barrel of lavender oil, which healed his burns rapidly. His experience led him to publish the first book on aromatherapy, Gattefossé’s Aromatherapy.

As modern medicine progresses, many continue to rely on aromatherapy to help regulate their emotions and improve their mood.

Does Aromatherapy Reduce Stress?

How does aromatherapy help, especially regarding stress? Essential oils can provide soothing effects that alter the mind and body. When inhaled, they can affect the brain through our receptor sites, helping us control our heart rate, blood pressure, and emotions.

According to a University of Montana aromatherapy intervention study, participants who applied essential oils to their wrists reported lower stress and anxiety levels.

Those who were instructed to use essential oils reported better sleep. However, because the study only included 10 participants, it’s difficult to draw a definitive and scientific conclusion. Still, a study with 36 female high school students showed similar stress reduction, with the authors recommending “that this program be used in clinical practice as an effective nursing intervention for high school students.”

A chemotherapy study on cancer treatment showed that lavender and grapefruit oils can act on the immune system and reduce stress levels.

Four Scents to Try

Here are four stress-reducing scents you’ll need to improve your wellness state:

Ylang-Ylang

Ylang-ylang is a flower-based ingredient that produces a rich, fruity scent. It’s most commonly used in cologne, lotion, and soap and provides a pleasant fragrance.

Relax with our Bliss product. These essential oils provide a subtle scent capable of eliciting a calming sensation for the mind. This sustainable product contains ylang-ylang and marjoram oil, which blends well with other essential oils.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most popular scents known for altering the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps minimize anxiety and restore the body to a neutral state. It's also a popular remedy for promoting relaxation.

Try our Pillow Plans product if you need a viable sleep improvement solution. This sleep-enhancing product contains lavender and vanilla oil to produce a calming sensation, helping you reshape your mind and improve your well-being.

Jasmine

Jasmine oil originates from the white flowers of the jasmine plant. This home remedy is renowned for its rich, sweet aroma that helps people sleep better, reduce stress, and unwind after a long day. There are several ways you can use jasmine and its essential properties. You can inhale it, use a diffuser, or apply it to your skin as a massage product.

Our Mediterranean Jasmine product is a fragrance of sweet orange blossoms. The floral scent refreshes and energizes you to take on daily challenges.

Vanilla

While vanilla oil is renowned as a skin-preservation product, it can also lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension, and minimize high stress. Its hefty scent can also elevate your happiness level.

Our Soft Pants offer contains vanilla and sandalwood properties to help initiate a peaceful sensation after an overwhelming day at the office.

Reduce Your Stress with Aera

Reduce stress and boost your well-being with our aromatherapy collection products. If you’re seeking home fragrance solutions, check out our diffuser selections and give your surroundings the vibrant scent you deserve for a brighter outlook.

For instant mood boosters, review our collection of wellness essential oils. If you have any questions about our offers, contact us, and we'll be happy to help.