Aromatherapy has been shown to be a powerful strategy for establishing an environment of rest and relaxation. Here are some essential oil MVPs for bringing a little soothing to your surroundings.

Years ago, after the birth of my second son, I struggled with severe postpartum anxiety. I tried so many things to feel better, but traditional approaches just didn’t work for me. That’s what set me on a path to discover holistic strategies for relief, and I quickly found that essential oils and aromatherapy were game-changers.

Soon after, I became a certified holistic health coach and spent many hours digging into the science and research behind essential oil aromatherapy and its ability to support the nervous and endocrine systems to bring a sense of calm, focus and clarity. These supportive molecules (small enough to cross the blood/brain barrier) work by traveling through the olfactory system (that’s through your nose) and hitting certain brain structures, signaling them to release certain chemical cascades that work to soothe us. This is a highly simplified explanation of the process, but it’s enough to get us started!

The Science Behind Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is all about using essential oils from plants to boost our well-being. And there’s some really solid science backing this up. Lavender, for instance, is a rock star when it comes to calming the nerves. Studies, like one from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, show that inhaling lavender can seriously reduce anxiety and lift your mood. Bergamot is another great one; research in the Journal of Phytotherapy Research shows it can lower cortisol levels – that’s the stress hormone we all want less of. And then there are oils like rosemary and black spruce that help calm the mind and body, as well.

Creating a Restful Environment

Let’s talk about setting up a space that helps you relax. One of my favorite diffuser blends includes lavender, peppermint, bergamot, rosemary, and black spruce. Trust me, diffusing this combo at around 4pm can work wonders for your nervous system and get you ready for a chill evening. Here’s why each of these oils is awesome:

• Lavender: Universally known for its calming scent, lavender contains a number of constituents to help in reducing stress and feelings of anxiousness.
• Peppermint: With its energetic scent, peppermint brings a balancing focus note to the calming effects of the other oils.
• Bergamot: A citrus oil and natural mood-lifter that’s been shown to be great for reducing stress.
• Rosemary: Helps with concentration, fights mental fatigue and has been shown clinically to support healthy cortisol levels.
• Black Spruce: An extremely grounding oil, black spruce gives “roots” to your emotions and can bring an incredible sense of calm.

The Role of Sleep in Nervous System Health

We can’t talk about rest without mentioning sleep. Good sleep is essential for resetting our nervous system. It’s when our body repairs itself, processes emotions, and consolidates memories. When I was healing from postpartum anxiety, consistent quality sleep is what made the most difference in my daily mood and resilience.

If we don’t get enough quality sleep, it’s a guaranteed, one-way ticket to Stressville. For a restful night, try diffusing oils like lavender, cedarwood and valerian root in the evening. Lavender helps you unwind, and valerian root is a natural sedative that can help you fall into a deep, restorative sleep. Valerian tends to have a bit of an “interesting” scent, but pairing it with oils like lavender, roman chamomile and/or bergamot can help to bring it into a nice blended scent.

Aromatic Use and Diffusion

Aromatherapy is the practice of experiencing scents aromatically. So, what exactly is “aromatic use”? It’s simply inhaling essential oils. One of the best ways to do this is by using a diffuser. A diffuser spreads essential oil molecules into the air, making it easy to breathe them in. Here’s a quick guide on how to use a diffuser:

1. Choose Your Oils: Pick the essential oils based on what you need.
2. Add Water: Fill the diffuser with the recommended amount of water.
3. Add Essential Oils: Add a few drops of each chosen essential oil to the water.
4. Turn On the Diffuser: Let the diffuser do its thing for as long as you need.

For that blend I mentioned above that I love, add 3 drops each of lavender, peppermint, bergamot, rosemary, and black spruce. Set it up around 4pm and let it create a calming and focused atmosphere, paving the way for a peaceful evening.

Essential oil aromatherapy has been a lifesaver for me, and I hope it can be for you too. It’s a simple yet powerful way to support your nervous system and create a restful environment. If you’re wondering what essential oils I recommend, you can check out my Resilience Support list right here. New customers can use discount code SHAREYL on checkout to save 10% on first orders of 100PV or more. Disclaimer: I receive compensation for any sales made via this link.

I hope this info will help you to embrace these natural remedies and experience the peace and rest that God not only wants for you but has designed you for. We’re in this together, my friend! Come see me over on Instagram if you’ve got a question or want to chat about this topic.

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