Aromatherapy uses volatile oils and essential oils derived from plants in order to promote physical and/or psychological well-being. Essential oils make use of hydrosols, CO2s and absolutes to change a person's mood and emotions. The art of aromatherapy has been used to alleviate stress and to elevate mood, so that environmental and physical stressors can be handled more effectively. Aromatherapy can be used to diminish the irritability and stress associated with quitting smoking.
Aromatherapy for Irritability
Mandarin and Lavender Air Freshener
In a small bowl, mix 18 drops of mandarin oil with 12 drops of lavender oil. Allow the scented oil to sit in a safe place where it will not be spilled. Do not cover the mixture, but allow it to permeate the room. Mandarin oil has a fruity, sweet smell that has been used to help diminish issues with insomnia as well as stress, and lavender oil has a light floral scent that helps with alleviating depression, headaches, migraines and stress. Lavender oil has also been used to help alleviate the symptoms associated with allergies and asthma and can therefore prove helpful with any respiratory conditions that you might experience because of smoking.
Mandarin and Roman Chamomile Air Freshener
In a small bowl, blend 18 drops of Roman chamomile with 12 drops of mandarin oil. This oil can be used to create an air freshener that can last throughout the day. The oil should be placed in a safe place where it will not spill. Mandarin will help to alleviate stressful conditions and tension, while the Roman chamomile can help with headaches, insomnia, nausea, and stress relief.
Stress Relief
Grapefruit, Jasmine, and Ylang Ylang Diffuser
To create a diffuser for stress relief, blend 12 drops of grapefruit oil with four drops of jasmine oil and four drops of ylang ylang oil. Place the mixture in a dark-colored glass bottle and put a lid on the bottle. Roll the bottle between your hands to mix the oils. Open the bottle, and place four to six thin bamboo sticks into the diffuser to get a pleasant scent throughout the day.
Grapefruit oil has a citrusy odor and has been successfully used to help diminish problems associated with toxin buildup in the body. Jasmine oil is often used for alleviating depression and fatigue, both common symptoms that occur when one quits smoking. Meanwhile, ylang ylang oil promotes relaxation and diminishes muscular tension. The latter oil also alters your mood, diminishes nervous tension,helps to alleviate palpitations and aids in diminishing high blood pressure.
Recipe 2: Bergamot and Frankincense Massage Oil
To make a massage oil for stress relief you will need to blend the essential oil with a carrier oil in order to dilute the essential oils before they are applied to your skin; carrier oils are used as a base for your blend. There are several carrier oils that you can choose from, but if you are allergic to nuts, stay away from those oils created from nuts. Mix 10 drops of Sweet Almond oil as a carrier oil with 6 drops of bergamot oil and 2 drops of frankincense oil in a cobalt bottle made of glass. Place a lid on the bottle, and roll the mixture between your hands to blend it.
Bergamot oil helps to elevate your mood, and to diminish stress, and frankincense helps with alleviating respiratory issues, especially issues related to a severe cough, and it is also used to alleviate anxiety. When applying as massage oil, be sure not to get it in your eyes, mouth, or other sensitive areas. If you develop a rash or other allergic symptoms like swelling, and/or respiratory difficulties, contact a doctor for medical advice immediately and cease using the mixture.
