Holidaze

Stress levels seem to be on the rise. Primarily due to over extension of our many selves. I'd like to suggest taking an aromatic break with pure essential oils. Essential oils have the dual purpose of lovely aromatic components which contain documented therapeutic affects.

A general favorite essential oil or essence category is citrus. The essences within this genus is vast and offers something for everyone, just look at this list:

• Bergamot
• Clementine
• Grapefruit
• Lemon
  
• Lime
• Mandarin / Tangerine
• Neroli
  
• Orange
• Petitgrain
• Yuzu

We can go even deeper down the rabbit hole and see that each essence listed above has multiple versions, in species, extraction process and country of origin. However, I digress, the
intent of this post is to give some easy examples of reducing stress using these miraculous gems from nature.

The citrus family of essences is considered uplifting, calming, cheerful, refreshing, etc. The downside is that one must use them mindfully to avoid skin sensitivity.

Other essential oils for anxiety and stress include:

• Angelica Root
• Cedarwood
  
• Chamomile, German
• Frankincense
• Geranium
• Jasmine
  
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Melissa
• Palmarosa
  
• Patchouli
• Rose
  
• Sandalwood
  
• YlangYlang
• Vetiver

Long list huh! An easy way to use these during times of stress is to simply place one drop in the palm of a hand, place both hands together, rub then open the palms and inhale. AH! By taking a simple moment to reconnect with the plant world we reconnect with our true inner essence and thus create a little peace and balance.

Image above, old engraving on a grapefruit on tattered parchment ©Roxana Villa.