Bergamot, which you may know if you dabble in essential oils or drink Earl Grey tea, is a citrus fruit primarily found in the Calabria region of Southern Italy. That area of Italy has a long tradition of using bergamot in folk medicine to treat fevers and infections. In recent years, researchers have examined bergamot’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which indicate that it may help lower total cholesterol levels. 

Can Bergamot Improve Cholesterol?

According to clinical trials that involved oral administration of bergamot, it may help reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the bad one). Other lab studies indicate that bergamot’s polyphenols may influence enzymes that relate to cholesterol metabolism. In fact, a systematic review of 12 studies found that supplementing with bergamot demonstrated the following:

• LDL cholesterol decrease: ranging from 7.6% to 40.8%
• Triglyceride decrease: ranging from 11.5% to 39.5%
• Total cholesterol decrease: ranging from 12.3% to 31.3%

An additional eight trials found that bergamot was able to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol). The studies revealed a potential dose-dependent effect and synergy with statins. That means that bergamot could be an alternative for dyslipidemia, especially in statin-intolerant people. In fact, one study found that bergamot fruit extract reduced overall cholesterol levels in liver cells. Although it didn’t block the enzyme involved with making cholesterol, it did limit cholesterol absorption in intestinal cells. 

How Long Does It Take For Bergamot To Lower Cholesterol?

There is one component in bergamot fruit extract, neohesperidin, which studies found decreased the activity of the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production. Additionally, neohesperidin boosted the function of another enzyme related to cholesterol management. Clinical studies suggest that cholesterol levels may reduce after weeks of regular bergamot supplementation. The effects may last one to six months, depending on lifestyle factors and personal biology. The time it takes for bergamot to work its magic may vary among individuals, and you should consult your healthcare professional about supplementation if you suffer from high cholesterol.

How Much Bergamot Is Necessary?

Determining how much bergamot to take to manage cholesterol levels will depend on a few things. The form of bergamot, such as extract, oil, supplement, the concentration of bergamot, and the individual’s overall health, including underlying conditions. In studies, typical doses ranged from 150 milligrams (mg) to 1,500 mg of extract daily. Unfortunately, the best form of bergamot for managing cholesterol is still unclear. Different forms of the fruit, including extracts, juices, or supplements are the available forms, at least in the clinical studies confirming their efficacy. 

Are There Side Effects?

In certain cases, bergamot may cause side effects, which are detailed below: 

• Drug interactions: Antibiotics and diabetes medications, in addition to drugs that cause photosensitivity, may negatively interact with bergamot. As stated earlier in this article, some studies suggest that bergamot extract may enhance statin effects. Combining bergamot with other medications, however, could intensify their effects and increase the risk of muscle pain. 
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight: Bergamot contains compounds that may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk of skin irritation or sunburn. 
• Allergic reactions: Some people are allergic to bergamot, which can result in rash, itching, or difficulty breathing, but this depends on the severity of the allergy. If you are allergic to other citrus fruits, you may want to reconsider bergamot supplementation, or get a food allergy test.

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Are you a perfume junkie? Do you enjoy spritzing body sprays and walking through them to bask in their scent? There is nothing wrong with wanting to smell pleasant or amazing. After all, it is better to smell good than to smell like dirty socks. The problem is that all of these perfumes and body sprays contain synthetic fragrances. 

Synthetic fragrances are very common in perfumes or body sprays. Because of the U.S. Fair Packaging and Label Act, manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients in those fragrances. Most of these fragrances do not contain natural products. Pyridine, methyl eugenol, benzophenone, and styrene are a few of the toxic chemicals in perfumes and synthetic fragrances. According to research, these toxins have been known to disrupt endocrine function, cause fertility and reproductive issues, and increase neurological degeneration. 

Those are just some of the chemicals. There is no way of knowing the exact ingredients in store bought perfumes and body sprays. That is why homemade body sprays are much safer and better for your health and the environment. The spray in this article, for example, is toxin-free and filled with beneficial essential oils. Do you want to know the best part? DIY body sprays are very easy to make!

DIY Body Spray Ingredients

Free of synthetic chemicals, the DIY body spray only requires a handful of ingredients. It doesn’t call for a double boiler, long infusion process, or anything of that nature. The only thing we emphasize is that you use amber glass bottles. The reason to use amber glass instead of regular glass is because they prioritize the longevity of essential oils. Amber glass essentially shields the essential oils from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Exposure to UV rays can cause essential oils to break down and lose potency over time. 

Distilled Water

Why should you use distilled water in place of tap water for your body spray? The minerals in tap water can clog your spray nozzle and leave residue on the surface. Since water is the base for this body spray, opt for distilled water. 

Essential Oils

These give your homemade body spray its lovely scent. You will need a few different essential oils to get the blend that you want. The recipe calls for 20-30 drops of essential oils. If you want a floral aroma, use 10 drops of bergamot essential oil, 10 drops of geranium essential oil, and five drops of ylang ylang essential oil. Prefer a citrus scent? Use 10 drops each of tangerine, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils. Finally, 10 drops of patchouli essential oil, five drops of frankincense essential oil, and five drops of cedarwood essential oil will give an earthy scent. 

Vegetable Glycerin

Vegetable glycerin aids the combination of essential oils and water. It is an optional ingredient, but it does help the scent last a lot longer. Just keep this in mind when you make the body spray. 

Witch Hazel

Similar to vegetable glycerin, witch hazel helps combine essential oils and water. If you want your scent to linger for a lot longer, this is a necessary ingredient. 

DIY Body Spray

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tablespoon unscented witch hazel
• 1/2 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional)
• 10 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops geranium essential oil
• 5 drops ylang ylang essential oil
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Pour the witch hazel, vegetable glycerin (optional), and the essential oils into the amber glass spray bottle. 
• Fill the rest of the spray bottle with distilled water, attach the nozzle, shake well, and spray when ready.

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When you learn to make DIY products, consider your holiday gifts covered. Be it a bath bomb for Mother’s Day, a shaving butter for Father’s day, or candles for Christmas, DIY gifts are greatly appreciated. Depending on the holiday or birthday, you can fill a small basket with different homemade goods for that person. 

What is one of the most popular gifts that men receive on birthdays, Father’s Day, or Christmas? Cologne is very popular and it is a much better alternative to socks, underwear, or razors, even though those products are useful. Smelling great, however, is potentially the greatest gift of all. You may not have fragrances, alcohols, and other cologne ingredients on hand, but you can get your hands on masculine essential oils. There are essential oils that create more “manly” aromas than others. 

What Essential Oils Do Men Like?

Every single person is different, so there are certain scents that appeal more to some than others. Additionally, people have varying sensitivities to the intense aromas of essential oils. For this reason, you always want to ask the person about the essential oils, or at least the type of scents, that they prefer. Some people despise patchouli, while others can’t seem to get enough of it. Sandalwood essential oil, for example, has a woody, rustic aroma that is frequently used in beard balms and oils. It usually goes with the lumberjack or outdoorsy type of scent!

Typically, you want a manly blend of essential oils to contain a subtle floral aroma, but you don’t want it to overpower the blend. Lavender essential oil, for example, may tuck in without dominating the blend. Ylang ylang, magnolia, and rose essential oils, on the other hand, will overpower the blend because of their strong aromas. Below, you can find great essential oil blends for men that you can use in diffusers, perfumes, soaps, beard oils, and more. 

Commute Conqueror

Don’t let rush-hour traffic ruin your day. This manly diffuser blend will help keep eyes on the road, while simultaneously promoting relaxation. Consider getting a USB diffuser for the car!

• 2 drops lime essential oil
• 1 drop each: eucalyptus, copaiba, and cedarwood essential oils

Armchair Expert

This blend is for any man who commands the armchair, especially during a Sunday night football game. Settle into the recliner and relive the glory days before watching your team on the tube. 

• 6 drops valor essential oil blend
• 2 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil

Fresh Cut Grass

If you enjoy looking at lawnmowers and other yard equipment in the hardware store, this is the blend for you. The best part about this blend is that you don’t have to spend hours pulling weeds, weed whacking, or edging the yard to smell like freshly cut grass. Bring the outdoors inside!

• 6 drops citrus fresh essential oil
• 2 drops each: basil, bergamot, and northern lights black spruce essential oils

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

Leave the energy drinks alone because they aren’t doing anything for your health. Get a diffuser and start energizing your afternoons with the power of essential oils.

• 6 drops orange essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops Idaho grand fir essential oil

Man Cave Master

The scent of a man cave may repel the ladies. Uplift your senses with a unique blend of essential oils that screams masculinity. It’s a great blend to freshen up a man cave!

• 6 drops bergamot essential oil
• 3 drops northern lights black spruce essential oil
• 3 drops wintergreen essential oil

Woodshop Master

If you love working with your hands and can tell the difference between cedar, cherry, and pine, this is the blend for you. There is no need to spend a day in the wood shop when you can diffuse a similar blend in the house.

• 6 drops tangerine essential oil
• 4 drops Raven essential oil blend
• 2 drops Idaho blue spruce essential oil

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Are you lucky enough to have fruitful rosemary bushes around your home? Do you have so much rosemary that you don’t know what to do with it besides throw trimmings in the green trash bin? If you don’t want to cook with rosemary, you can harvest a bunch and incorporate them into homemade candles. This project uses a mixture of beeswax and soy wax, mason jars, rosemary sprigs, and essential oils. 

Rosemary Candles

Rosemary exhibits a floral aroma that has been used to aid memory and improve focus. When combined with the organic beeswax, rosemary’s scent is a bit more subtle and evergreen-like. The candles are very easy to make, so this is the perfect entry point if you are about to embark on your DIY journey. Plus, it is so much healthier to burn these candles than other scented store bought candles, which contain fragrances that have harmful toxins. 

Benefits Of Rosemary Aroma

Rosemary’s aroma holds core components, or the essence, of the plant’s compounds. The same is true for rosemary essential oil. Throughout history, rosemary has been used in various medicinal practices. The following health benefits have been associated with rosemary essential oil.

Repels Certain Bugs

Rosemary makes for a great addition to your garden because many insects are deterred by the plant’s scent. The same is true for rosemary essential oil, which may help repel spider mites and mosquitoes. When measured against 11 other essential oils, rosemary essential oil provided the longest repellent effect on mosquitoes. 

May Ease Stress

There are many things in this life that can cause stress, and inhaling some rosemary essential oil may help calm your mind. One study monitored nursing students who breathed rosemary oil from an inhaler before and during test time. Their pulse decreased by about nine percent, but no significant change occurred without rosemary oil. Additionally, another study monitored adults who sniffed rosemary oil for five minutes. Their saliva had 23% lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) compared to those who smelled a non-aromatic compound. 

May Improve Brain Function

According to research, inhaling rosemary oil may prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical that you need for concentration and memory. In an observational study, 20 young adults had to answer math questions in a room diffused with rosemary oil. Their speed and accuracy increased in direct proportion to the duration the oil was diffused. Similarly, nursing students inhaled rosemary oil while taking a test. Researchers noted improved concentration and information recall compared to a group that inhaled lavender oil. 

Homemade Rosemary Candles

Ingredients:

• Rosemary sprigs
• 1/2 pound organic beeswax
• 1/2 pound soy wax
• HTP62 waxed and tabbed candle wicks 6”
• 6 milliliters fir essential oil
• 4 milliliters bergamot essential oil
• 4 milliliters cedarwood essential oil
• 1 milliliter juniper berry essential oil
• 2 eight-ounce canning jars

Instructions:

• After harvesting your rosemary sprigs, press them flat between two heavy books or pans. Leave them sandwiched between those heavy objects until completely dry. 
• Cut the sprigs so that they will sit one inch below the rims of the jars. 
• Measure out your essential oils in a glass container and swirl gently to combine. Set aside while you prepare the candles. 
• In the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat, melt the beeswax and soy wax. As the wax is melting, grab some rosemary sprigs with tongs and dip the bottoms into the wax. Transfer these sprigs to the canning jars and adhere them to the insides of the bottoms with the waxy ends. You can use a wooden chopstick or paintbrush to help keep them in place as they dry.
• Cut your wicks so that they just go over the top lips of the jars. Use clothespins or a wooden down to keep the wicks centered in the jars. 
• Once the wax is fully melted, remove from heat and stir in the essential oil mixture using a wooden utensil. 
• Pour the wax mixture into each jar and allow the wax to harden fully. It should take about 48 hours or so, and then you can trim the wick, light, and enjoy!

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The time has come to make some fluffy, smooth, skin-firming body cream! While it won’t turn your flab into fab, it may help you maintain tight skin during your weight loss journey. The ingredients in this body cream, which is more like a body butter, are 100% natural and work to nourish the skin. 

One thing to know about this body cream is that it is slightly greasy, even though the skin can easily absorb the ingredients. The shea butter tends to leave a little shine, though, making your skin glisten in the sun. A little greasiness aside, you may want to accompany the use of this body cream with some dry brushing. If you haven’t started dry brushing, it’s a great way to boost circulation and even out skin tone. Click here to learn more about dry brushing and continue reading to learn how this body cream can help tighten your skin. 

Camellia Oil

Perhaps the unsung hero of skin care, camellia oil is naturally rich in omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants. From boosting hydration to reducing stretch marks, this oil does wonders for your skin. Camellia oil works to restore the skin’s elasticity, while simultaneously tightening and toning the skin. It may also help diminish visible fine lines and wrinkles to keep your skin looking youthful. 

Mango Butter

In India, the mango is considered the “king of fruits” because it is the source of the emollient mango butter. The primary chemical constituents of mango butter are oleic acid, stearic, acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and vitamins A, C, and E. Together these nutrients work to maintain softness and suppleness, while also reducing the signs of premature aging. Mango butter’s emollience also boosts skin elasticity, which makes the skin look firmer and smoother. 

Shea Butter

Shea butter is the fat extracted from the nut of the shea tree. It has been used in cosmetic applications for centuries because of the high concentration of vitamins and fatty acids. Shea butter contains vitamin A, which works to nourish the skin and help fight early signs of aging. Additionally, shea butter encourages collagen production, keeping your skin nice and firm. It also contains vitamin F (a mixture of two essential fatty acids), which keeps the skin hydrated and soft; thus, helping your skin maintain its elasticity. 

Hemp Seed Oil

This light green oil comes from the cold-pressing of hemp seeds. Fear not, because hemp seeds don’t contain the active ingredient that causes psychotropic reactions in the brain. It is a standardized oil that almost everyone can use. In addition to softening the skin, hemp seed oil forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing it from losing moisture. It does this because hemp seed oil is a humectant, which draws environmental moisture to the skin. Hemp seed oil may also firm and tighten the skin, contributing to a more beautiful complexion. 

DIY Skin Firming Body Cream

Ingredients:

• 50 grams mango butter
• 40 grams shea butter
• 10 grams camellia oil
• 5 grams hemp seed oil
• 5 drops each: patchouli, geranium, and bergamot essential oil
• 4 drops vitamin E oil

Instructions:

• Prepare a water bath by adding about one inch of water to a wide pan. Bring the water to a low simmer over medium-low heat. 
• Add the mango and shea butters to a heat-safe glass measuring cup and place the cup into the pan with the water. Remove the glass cup from the pan once the butters are thoroughly melted. Give the melted butters a quick whisk to combine. 
• Allow the mixture to cool down completely before adding it to a bowl along with the camellia and hemp seed oils. Use an electric mixer to whip the ingredients into a fluffy cream that resembles frosting. You’re not done yet, though. 
• Whip for a few more minutes and then place it in the fridge for two minutes. Remove from the fridge and whip for another few minutes before placing it in the fridge again.
• Remove from the fridge once more, add the essential oils, and whip again. Transfer the mixture to your container/jar of choice and use when ready.

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An ideal sleep environment is dark, cool, and quiet. No light, noise, or sweltering heat should disturb the body. What about aromas, though? This is one area that many people do not explore. In reality, your sleep can benefit from activating your sense of smell before bedtime. Specific essential oils exhibit abilities to promote relaxation and contribute to a better night’s sleep, according to sleep researchers. 

In general, essential oils exhibit many different health properties. People can reap their benefits via topical application (so long as they are diluted in a carrier oil) or inhalation of their aroma via a diffuser. They may help to accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation, promote clearer skin, calm anxiety, or help you relax and sleep better. Essential oils are fragrant and aromatherapy uses these scents to promote state changes in the body. According to research, inhaling certain scents can signal the brain that it’s time to relax.

If you choose to incorporate essential oils into your bedtime routine, you can add them to a diffuser or place a few drops under your pillow. If you shower or take a bath before bed, add some drops to the shower floor or bathwater. Since diffusers can be too intense for some, consider mixing essential oils with water for a quick under pillow mist. You can even mist your entire bed! Let us know if the following essential oils help you fall asleep by commenting below. 

Bergamot

If you drink Earl Grey tea, you are somewhat familiar with bergamot’s aroma. It’s bright, citrusy, and exhibits powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. According to several studies, inhaling bergamot essential oil’s aroma may slow heart rate and reduce blood pressure, preparing the body for sleep. It is similar to lavender and ylang ylang essential oils in that regard. Aromatherapists often use bergamot essential oil to promote stress reduction, which is beneficial for a better night’s sleep.

Lavender

There may be more research about lavender essential oil’s ability to promote relaxation and sleep than any other essential oil on this list. Scientists identified that linalool, a floral and spicy terpene, in lavender may offer neuroprotective benefits via serotonin receptors in the brain. An additional body of research found that lavender may help improve sleep quality, especially for postmenopausal women. It may help reduce stress and anxiousness, making it an an excellent essential oil for nighttime relaxation.

Vetiver

It’s important to note that vetiver oil’s scent is not for everyone. The aroma isn’t as pleasing as the other oils on this list, but vetiver’s scent does help calm the mind in a powerful way. Vetiver oil’s aroma helps slow your thoughts, putting the mind in a relaxed state. If you find that you continually dwell on the day’s events, diffuse vetiver oil into the air before you go to bed. It may surprise you how quickly your concerns melt away.

Chamomile

A lot of people enjoy a cup of chamomile tea at night because it helps promote relaxation. Inhaling chamomile essential oil’s scent has similar effects. The floral aroma promotes a sense of calm, helping to quiet the mind and get the body ready for sleep. Studies show that the apple-tinged scent of Roman chamomile is especially beneficial for reducing anxiety levels. A 2017 randomized control trial confirmed that chamomile extract was able to improve sleep quality in 60 elderly patients. 

Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oil exhibits a rich woody aroma that is very effective at promoting deep rest. Researchers attribute this ability to the mood-balancing properties. That’s why sandalwood essential oil stands out from the rest of the oils on this list. It may not chase away troubling thoughts, but it does balance emotions, which can help put the body in a more restful state. You may also find that inhaling the earthy scent reduces bedtime restlessness and headaches. 

Vanilla

Pure vanilla oil is different from vanilla extract, which you commonly see in baking recipes. Vanilla oil offers a pleasant aroma that brings about feel good hormones in the brain. It may also help relieve tension, calming the mind and helping you fall asleep faster. In fact, inhaling vanilla oil’s scent may help you stay asleep longer. Studies found that vanilla oil also exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory, relaxant, and antioxidant properties.

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An estimated six million Americans suffer from panic attacks or some sort of panic disorder every year. Some people may only experience in a highly tense situation, while others experience regular episodes. Panic attacks come without warning and the symptoms can vary in intensity. How can you handle a panic attack when you first notice symptoms? This article aims to cover six powerful essential oils that can promote calm during a stressful attack. 

What Is A Panic Attack?

A panic attack can appear in an instant and experts characterize it as an intense fear that triggers physical reactions. This can occur whether or not real danger is present. It can be very frightening for the individual, as it can feel like they no longer have control or that they are having a heart attack. More often than not, panic attacks occur once or twice during a lifetime, but people can experience recurring attacks. Although they may not be life-threatening, panic attacks can interfere with quality of life.

Scents For Panic Attacks

Certain essential oils are beneficial for anxiety or feelings of panic. One study monitored 58 hospice patients who received hand massages once a day for one week. The massage used a blend of essential oils with a 1.5% dilution of sweet almond oil. All patients reported less pain and fewer depression symptoms, concluding aromatherapy’s benefits for pain and depression. Continue reading to learn about the best essential oils for panic attacks. 

Bergamot Essential Oil

If you enjoy Early Grey tea, then you are familiar with the powerful aroma of bergamot. It’s a refreshing scent that helps to promote energy. During a panic attack, this essential oil may help you cope with the symptoms, as it works to help stabilize fearful thinking. A 2011 study found that bergamot helped relieve anxiety when combined with lavender essential oil. Bergamot essential oil may also help to promote a sense of deep relaxation.

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

It’s common for panic attacks to bring about bouts of intense crying and sadness. Ylang ylang oil, which comes from the flowers of ylang ylang trees, helps to relieve tension and anxiety. It’s quite fragrant and the aroma works to combat sadness by boosting overall mood and attitude. The best way to apply it is by adding a drop or two on the inside of each wrist. Take a deep breath and let the aroma bring about a sense of calm.

Frankincense Essential Oil

People commonly use frankincense essential oil with lavender and bergamot essential oils to enhance the benefits. The aroma helps to provide a tranquil energy, promoting spiritual grounding. It’s a very common oil in aromatherapy because it can deepen meditation by quieting the mind. The theory is that it has the same effect during a panic attack, counteracting the overwhelming sensations that a person experiences. 

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender exhibits soothing effects that help to promote natural relaxation. Many people place a few drops of lavender essential oil under their pillow to promote better and deeper sleep. The smell of lavender works to reduce feelings of nervousness, inducing a sense of calm. People who experience symptoms of panic disorders benefit from using lavender, as it works to relieve headaches and migraines. Some people find that it can alleviate jitters and boost overall mood. 

Rose Essential Oil

Not only does rose essential oil smell floral and beautiful, but it also exhibits properties that may soothe the nervous system. One study found that inhaling rose essential oil for ten minutes significantly lowered anxiety levels. The placebo group in the study performed breathing exercises, but did not experience the same relaxation that the rose oil group did. Rose oil’s scent is emotionally settling as well, working to relieve tension during a panic attack. 

Vetiver Essential Oil

One of the reasons why aromatherapists prefer vetiver essential oil is because it has a natural grounding energy. It works to promote reassurance, helping to calm and stabilize the mind during trauma therapy. Vetiver essential oil helps to reduce hypersensitivity and may even relax the nervous system. It may also exhibit natural sedative properties, helping to improve sleep. For someone who experiences a panic attack, inhaling the scent of vetiver essential oil may relieve jitters and anxiety. 

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Aging is a natural part of life, but seeing the physical results of this process is never exciting. The “damage” that results from aging comes in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, and loose skin. What can be done about this unsightly, yet natural process? While there are foods that encourage optimal collagen production and scrubs or masks that tighten skin, sometimes you just need a few powerful essential oils. 

Essential oils are extremely concentrated plant extracts that exhibit therapeutic benefits. Many essential oils offer antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. They can help improve complexion, give life to dull hair, reduce the appearance of stretch marks, or even tighten loose skin. As long as you dilute essential oils in carrier oils, you can safely use them on your skin. To figure out the best carrier oil for your skin type, click here. Keep in mind that it’s always wise to do a patch test on a small area of skin to make sure you don’t negatively react to the oil. 

Bergamot Essential Oil

If you drink Earl Grey tea, you are familiar with bergamot’s aroma. It comes from the rinds of the citrus fruit that the bergamot tree produces. Aromatherapists commonly use bergamot essential oil to promote calm and relaxation. The oil contains limonene, which is a potent antioxidant that is essential for optimal skin health. It also offers nerol, myrcene, and geraniol, all of which work to tighten skin and improve complexion.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense essential oil is held in high regard, as it offers many benefits for overall health. The molecular structure helps it penetrate the deep layers of the skin, working to encourage the health of existing skin cells. By oxygenating these cells, frankincense helps to improve elasticity, which ultimately tightens the skin. Frankincense essential oil also helps to encourage the growth of new skin cells. It has been most effective around the eye area. 

Neroli Essential Oil

The more common name of this oil is orange blossom essential oil. It’s a common ingredient in many fragrances or fragrance blends, as the aroma is inviting and floral. The anti-fungal and antimicrobial properties, along with the diverse antioxidant profile, makes neroli essential oil an excellent choice to tighten and firm up loose skin. According to several studies, it exhibits the most regenerative properties to make the skin supple and taught. 

Geranium Essential Oil

Working to repair collagen and improve the skin’s elasticity, geranium essential oil is an excellent choice for skin tightening. By boosting elastin fibers, this essential oil can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In fact, many people use geranium essential oil to help get rid of stretch marks. It nourishes the skin and gives it a youthful glow, while making skin more taught in the process. 

Jasmine Essential Oil

Jasmine essential oil helps to encourage blood circulation, which promotes the regeneration of skin cells. As new skin cells produce, the body can hydrate the skin and provide it with more elasticity. This process can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars by tightening the skin. Jasmine essential oil pairs best with sweet almond oil as a carrier oil. 

Myrrh Essential Oil

Myrrh essential oil has historical and religious importance, being one of the gifts that the three wise men brought to the baby Jesus. Religious history aside, myrrh essential oil has proven to oxygenate skin tissues, which improves toughness. Many people incorporate myrrh oil into their skin care routine to moisturize and prevent skin from cracking. Lastly, this oil can help give the skin a more youthful glow, which makes the skin’s new flexibility look even better. 

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Stress is a common feeling that people feel on a daily basis. Whether it is due to family problems, issues at work, or feelings of inadequacy, stress doesn’t seem to go away, no matter what you do. The last thing you want is for stress hormones to build up in the body and make it impossible for you to relax. Fortunately, there are powerful essential oils that can positively affect the nervous system to reduce stress levels.

You can thank your olfactory nerve for your sense of smell. It begins in the nose and connects to the brain, sending signals instantaneously to many parts of the brain, including the limbic system and amygdala, both of which are responsible for mood, memory, and emotions. The systems assist in regulating autonomic nervous system functions like breathing, heart rate, or blood pressure. Additionally, they can help to activate the parasympathetic nervous system to help relax the body and mind. This is why certain scents can trigger feelings of relaxation, even after the scent is gone.

What Is Aromatherapy?

This alternative medicinal practice uses the power of scents from essential oils to balance the mind, body, and spirit. Essential oils are commonly added to diffusers so that their scent can fill the air that surrounds you. Alternatively, essential oils can be mixed with carrier oils and applied to acupressure points on the body. Some great essential oils for combatting stress include the following.

Bergamot Essential Oil

This citrusy essential oil has been used in Italian folk medicine, but new research has focused on its ability to reduce tension and anxiety. In six clinical studies that took place from 2009-2015, five studies found that bergamot essential oil helped to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and chronic stress.

Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender essential oil is commonly used because of the calming effects on the mind and body. A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine monitored people who were exposed to a stressor prior to a memory task. The study found that people who inhaled lavender aroma prior to being exposed to the stressor performed better than those who inhaled a placebo. Lavender has been known to reduce anxiety levels, promote better sleep, and stimulate brain pathways.

Frankincense Essential Oil

The woody scent of frankincense essential oil helps people unwind and reduce stress levels. While there is anecdotal evidence of frankincense helping to reduce stress levels, there is a lack of scientific support to back up these claims. It is thought that frankincense has a more notable effect when combined with other stress-reducing essential oils.

DIY Stress Reducing Solution

Ingredients:

• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops bergamot essential oil
• 10 drops frankincense essential oil
• 10 drops myrrh essential oil

Instructions:

• Add all of the oils to a dark-colored glass bottle, screw on the top, and shake well to combine.
• If you use a diffuser, add 5-6 drops of this solution to the water. This will be enough for the scent to permeate the room.
• If you’d like to take a stress-reducing bath, add 10-15 drops of the solution to a warm bath, along with 1 cup of Epsom salt. Mix well and enjoy your bath. 

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When it comes to stress and anxiety, many of us are constantly on the hunt for remedies that can help us find relaxation. Although the usage of oils, which come from botanical families, has been around for centuries, essential oils have become increasingly popular due to the proven beneficial effects they have when used both topically and for aromatherapy.

Here’s how it works: when you breathe in the aroma of an essential oil, cells in the nose receive the aroma molecules and send signals to the limbic system of the brain, that is, a system of nerves concerned with basic emotions and mood. The limbic system is also connected to the parts of the brain that control blood pressure, stress levels, and hormonal balance. Feeding this system with essential oils can balance emotions and the other functions that the limbic system controls.

Essential oils can be used for many things, from headaches to DIY beauty products. When it comes to dealing with stress and anxiety, it is crucial to know which oils are best for the job. Below are some of the best essential oils for stress and anxiety.

Lavender Essential Oil

Considered to be one of the most commonly used essential oils, lavender’s calming floral aroma makes it excellent for nerves and anxiety issues. It has an impact on the nervous system, and can remove tension and emotional stress, while also increasing mental activity.

Lime Essential Oil

Due to the fresh and natural tart lime scent this oil offers, it helps to improve the mood and invigorate the senses. It can also help with stimulation, overall well-being, and emotional balance. If you’re feeling down or uninspired, try diffusing lime oil for an uplifting mood boost.

Jasmine Essential Oil

Previously compared to the drug Valium, jasmine oil has a positive effect on the body’s stress response, heart rate, body temperature, alertness, breathing, and blood pressure. Jasmine tea, for instance, also works to promote relaxation and healing.

Bergamot Essential Oil

This oil contains a citrus-like fragrance with a distinctive spicy floral quality. It has a good sedative effect, due to the calming, warm aroma it provides. You can also try combining this with Frankincense essential oil to help reduce pain and depression.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

With its strong, cooling minty aroma, Eucalyptus oil is recommended when you’re feeling sluggish or mentally exhausted. Being a stimulant, it can be effective in treating stress and mental disorders as inhaling its vapor helps increase blood circulation to the brain.

Cedarwood Essential Oil

This warm, woody scent can offer grounding effects for the mind and body. Biologically, the aroma of cedarwood can promote the release of serotonin, a natural mood stabilizer.

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