As a qualifed Aromatherapist, let me tell you a few essential oils which may help you reduce your anxiety in the time of Coronavirus. You may have access to these essential oils already or you can buy online, buy herbal teas and fresh herbs in the supermarket or grow in your garden. Use herbs in your cooking too to help to nourish your body and your mind. Look after and protect yourselves with the help of nature.
Roman Chamomile - A daisy like flower which helps to relax a perfectionist type. Add a few drops to an already run, hot bath and swish oil to disperse before getting in. On the lead up to bedtime, enjoy a teabag of herbal tea or put a few freshly picked chamomile flowers into a mug of boiled water, if you grow them in your garden or window box. Roman Chamomile will deeply relax a person and help to let go of worries, anxiety, irritability, tension and insomnia.
Lavender - This lilac flowered plant is a cure all for many complaints. The flowers can be dried and made into lavender bags and placed under your pillow to help you sleep at night. Get creative and cut up pretty fabric and fill bags with lavender and tie with little matching ribbons. Lavender helps to relax a person, de-stress, relieve headaches, migraines, reduce irritability, palpitations and soothes the energy of the heart.
Clary Sage - The essential oil comes from a herb and you should not drink alcohol after using as it is so potent. Clary Sage can be used in a carrier oil for a relaxing massage, where you will feel a deep sense of calm afterwards. This oil is beneficial for women suffering from PMT, aching legs, muscle stiffness, mood swings and nervous anxiety.
Geranium - This pink, flowery shrub essential oil helps to balance your hormones and is espeically useful if you are having bad PMT or CVT (Coronavirus Tension as I like to call it). Perfect for workaholic perfectionist types, it will help with emotional sensitivity and spontaneity. Geranium also helps with psoriasis and eczema.
Jasmine - This sweet smelling oil from star shaped flowering shrubs is sublime and uplifting. A wonderful plant to grow outside your kitchen or in a window box, you can inhale the beautiful scent in the evening. Feel exotic and nourished bathing with or having a massage. The herbal tea equivalent is very restorative. Jasmine helps with nervous anxiety, depression and restlessness.
Frankincense - This comes from a small tree and made into a resin gum. The scent opens your mind and helps you to let go. Used in religious ceremonies, it is seen to be spiritual and helps to make a fresh start. Frankincense is used to treat asthma and bronchitis by deepening the breath. Add a few drops into a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam. Alternatively, mix with a carrier oil and massage onto the chest and back.
Contraindications - Please use essential oils with caution. Speak to your doctor first if you have a medical conditon before using. Do not use if pregnant, have kidney disease, have high or low blood pressure, are epileptic, have cancer or are taking medication. Do not go in the sun for 12 hours after using citrus oils, as phototoxic, do not drink or apply to mucous membrane. Oils may stain clothes or furniture.
I enjoy blending lavender and cedarwood oils before sleep to promote relaxation. 💜 Thank you for all of these recommendations!
We used to have jasmine under our kitchen window when I was little. The trouble was it’s such a hardy plant that it entwined itself around the outdoor tap. A daily battle when trying to access the hose in the summer or to fill the rabbit’s water bottle. Definitely one I’d like to have in my garden when I can upgrade from my 1-bedroom flat. Just thinking about this has had a calming effect. Thank you!