“Around 75%–90% of doctor visits in the United States are in some way related to stress.”
(According to the American Institute of Stress)
Image by Elf-Moondance from Pixabay
The statistic above is frightening, meaning that we are all stressed enough to visit the doctor about it. How we manage stress can be modulated with the use of essential oils. It’s one less reason to go to the doctor.
Like in the previous blog on sleep which can be read at www.justessentialstoday.com/sleep, oils for mood are similar but not exact. Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) is similar due to the relaxing qualities, but Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) is not because it is uplifting.
Let’s focus on some common oils
Most citrus oils are antidepressant in nature, who doesn’t love the smell of oranges?! Sweet orange is uplifting, calming and sedative. It is safe for children and adults alike. The only safety concerns are because of using an old oil that can produce skin sensitivity because of oxidation. Citrus oils only have a shelf life of 2 years, so check the dates of distillation. (That blog was covered back in August, check it out www.justessentialstoday.com/checking).
Grapefruit and lemon essential oils are phototoxic, so sweet orange is a great substitute when outside.
Other oils to use would be lavender and Rose (Rosa damascena). Lavender is in so many health and beauty and laundry products. It is classic for helping to relax before going to bed thanks to linalool and linalyl acetate. Rose is a wonderful floral oil and is great for stabilizing mood. An affordable substitute for Rose is Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens).
I love burning Frankincense resin (Boswellia cartierii). So, the oil is one of my go-to oils in my box. I like making a stock blend, then using it in an inhaler, diffuser or blending in a lotion.
Rose has a very strong floral aroma, so 1 drop in a blend is all that is needed.
Simple lotion
4 drops Sweet orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis)
1 drop Rose essential oil (Rosa damascena)
30 ml unscented cream or lotion
The lotion above is a 1% dilution, safe for children. I had my granddaughter help with this blend, and it met her approval.
Inhaler, diffuser or spray ideas:
Diffuse a couple of drops of lavender and orange essential oils 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off.
Orange and grapefruit are uplifting in diffuser or inhaler.
Lavender, orange and frankincense can be blended for anxiety.
Room spray
In 2 oz. (60 ml) distilled water
10 drops sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
5 drops ylang ylang (Cananga odorata var. genuina)
2 drops frankincense (Boswellia cartierii)
To use: Shake and spray around the room.
I hope that using these oils uplifts the mood of you or those that you love,
Happy blending,
Crystal.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV