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Let’s be real, whether you’re training for your next marathon or you’ve been prescribed lots of rest after an injury, taking it easy isn’t always so easy. De-stressing is the key to living your best life, and recent wellness trends have made chilling out more accessible in daily life.
Essential oils are having a moment, and not just because of their pleasant fragrances. In fact, essential oils have been backed by science to be effective remedies for anxiety, insomnia, stress, and other mental and physical ailments.
Smell is the strongest and most innate sense in the human body, which means that tapping into your olfactory system can help you achieve health and wellness goals you never even knew you had. Treat yourself to these five best essential oils to use for relaxation, recovery, and everything else!
Lemongrass
Use lemongrass essential oil in your diffuser to help curb anxiety and to recover from stressful situations more quickly. With a balance of bright and earthy undertones, lemongrass has been found in a study published by the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine to positively affect the nervous system. In addition to its wellness benefits, lemongrass essential oil helps to fight off insects, so don’t forget to take some out on the patio!
Peppermint
Whether you’re using a diffuser or applying it topically, peppermint essential oil is the perfect way to treat headaches and ease digestive problems. When applied to the skin directly, peppermint has also been shown to help muscle pain and relax joints. People who use peppermint essential oil also report a sense of alertness and focus, making it a perfect alternative to your morning cup of coffee.
Sweet Orange
Boost your mood instantly with a whiff of sweet orange essential oil. The warm and sweet aroma helps to alleviate stress and can help elevate positive vibes, so reach for it when you’re feeling a bit on edge. If you or someone you know is expecting, be sure to add this essential oil to a baby shower gift or to your current aromatherapy rotation. According to study findings, pregnant women who sniffed sweet orange essential oil during labor experience reduced anxiety.
Lavender
It’s no secret that lavender essential oil makes catching Z’s a major breeze. According to the National Sleep Foundation, lavender helps to promote more sound and restful sleep. The subtle floral undertones also evoke a sense of calm and people have reported relief from anxiety and racing thoughts after use. Take a few deep breaths of this essential oil before bedtime.
Eucalyptus
If you suffer from seasonal allergies or a stuffy nose, eucalyptus is the essential oil for you! Known for immune-boosting properties and aiding in congestion relief, eucalyptus is a crucial essential oil to have on-hand at all times. Due to its astringent menthol-like undertones, eucalyptus essential oil helps to promote mental clarity and reacts with mucus membranes to reduce overall mucus production. Reach for this oil when cold and flu season comes around to stay on top of keeping yourself healthy!
What are some of your favorite essential oils to use and diffuse at home? Share with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
