Essential oils that calm the mind and the spirit
By Carla Snuggs

If you follow my blog, you know that I am beyond obsessed with essential oils. I recently wrote a blog post about energizing essential oils and how to use them for improved energy and mental clarity. I also love using calming essential oils in an essential oil diffuser, so I am thrilled to share some of the must-have essential oils that calm and that may help reduce  feeling anxious or anxious feelings.

To learn more about essential oils I had the honor of tapping Janice Rosenthal, certified Beauty Therapist, Massage Therapist and an internationally qualified Lecturer in Beauty Therapy, Massage, and Anatomy & Physiology. Janice is also the founder of Gardenofessences.com which offers essential oils for the soul! Janice shared her knowledge of three relaxing essential oils.

1. Lavender Essential Oil

Strongest painkiller found in nature – muscle spasm / joint or muscle discomfort / lower back discomfort /  head or neck tension

Reduces puffiness, redness or irritation– calms dry, irritated, itchy skin/ puffiness and irritation around the anus / skin imperfections / itching

Feeling anxious – lavender is Nature's natural sedative / offers deep sleep to those who suffer from occasional sleeplessness

Helps maintain an already healthy blood pressure – use daily, in correct dosage, and apply to entire body.

Sinus decongestant – also eases difficulty breathing or irritated airways by relaxing the breathing muscles.

Safe for babies – colic / sleeplessness – consult our Blending guide for babies.

SPECIAL – reduces "restless legs".

PRECAUTIONS – Avoid if you have low blood pressure / Avoid in first trimester of pregnancy, or if you are trying to fall pregnant / Avoid if epileptic.

Posh Tip:

One of my favorite ways to use lavender for relaxation is in beautiful diffuser jewelry. I love the jewelry from Drops of Joy, a brand that makes gorgeous hand-made stainless steel diffuser jewelry. 

Drops of Joy Jewelry makes the most beautiful aromatherapy diffuser necklaces, bracelets and earrings. The jewelry comes in semi-precious stones and stainless steel as well as hand-stamped customized options. Each piece of jewelry comes with three diffuser dots. Simply add your essential oil to the diffuser dot and put the dot inside the jewelry. It's such a stylish way to get aromatherapy benefits no matter where you go. They even make cute diffuser jewelry for kids! Bonus - $2 from each item sold by Drops of Joy is donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

2. Chamomile Essential Oil

Chamomile reduces puffiness, redness or irritation – due to blue Azulene,  – calms: dry, irritated, itchy skin / skin imperfections / joint or muscle discomfort / sunburn / inflamed muscles and joints.

Extremely Sedative to the nerves – calms anxious feelings / reduces surprise / calms anger / reduces occasional sleeplessness / relaxes restless legs / reduces women’s monthly symptoms.

Painkilling, due to a combination of being a nerve relaxant plus reduces puffiness, redness or irritation – lower back discomfort / muscle tension / joint or muscle discomfort .

Normalizes cell renewal – cuts, scrapes or skin imperfections are rapidly alleviated.

Detoxifying – removes toxins such as uric acid in joint or muscle discomfort, allowing muscles to feel more relaxed.

SPECIAL - Reduces  head or neck tension. Apply to back of neck and shoulders. Spread the oil high up the neck, beyond the hairline, into the hair and lower scalp, and behind the ears.

Allow 20 to 30 minutes, to take effect.

PRECAUTIONS – Do not use if pregnant, or if trying to fall pregnant.

3. Frankincense Essential Oil

Tranquilizing – reduces anxious feelings / slows and deepens breathing / reduces occasional sleeplessness /  may calm difficulty breathing or irritated airways / muscle relaxant.

Anti-wrinkle – Frankincense contains powerful anti-aging phytochemicals.

Calms unwanted bacteria or pathogens: bladder / vagina / skin imperfection / sores within the abdomen.

SPECIAL – may lessen heavy menstrual periods / may ease nausea.

PRECAUTIONS – None.

Images courtesy: Enabledkids.ca, Newhealthadvisor.com, Essentialoilscompany.com

What are your favorite calming essential oils? Leave your comments below!