I started using essential oils about seven years ago, when my anxiety was out of control and I would try just about anything to calm my frazzled nerves. Lavender essential oil became my BFF that year: I kept a bottle in my handbag, mixed it into sweet almond oil as a body moisturizer, added it to hot baths, and basically dipped myself in it daily.
Later, when I experimented with making some of my own cosmetics (see: homemade deodorant) my collection of essential oils grew and they became a fixture in my beauty routine. I use them to make gentle oil cleansers and serums, keep my nails healthy, and blend custom fragrances. (More on all that later!)
It wasn’t until recently that I considered carrying a “tool kit” of essential oils on the go for aromatherapy remedies.
Last Valentine’s Day, I woke up with all the stress migraine warning signs on our biggest delivery day. I dragged myself into the flower shop with my sunglasses on, feeling anxious, achy, and miserable. My mother-in-law gave me a cocktail of essential oils to apply to my temples and forehead, and within 30 minutes I relaxed enough to forget about my headache and power through the day.
Now I keep these multi-tasking essential oils in my work bag:
Lavender – Lavender was reportedly used in ancient times to tame lions and tigers, so imagine what it can do for your moderate stress. Also helps relieve headaches and sore muscles.
Peppermint – Soothes motion sickness and nausea, reduces headaches, eases sinus pain and congestion, boosts energy and alertness, and wards off stress and anxiety.
Lemon – A refreshing mood-lifter and energizer.
Eucalyptus – A lifesaver for sinus pressure and congestion.
I use them alone or blended together, and typically use just a drop or two — either warmed in my hands and breathed deeply or applied to my temples. If I need extra ‘oomph’ I mix them with sweet almond oil (stored in a small glass bottle with a tight lid so I don’t have an oil spill in my handbag) and rub them into my chest and/or the back of my neck for tension, or directly onto tired sore muscles.
Other Helpful Resources:
21 Things You Should Know About Essential Oils
The Essential: 6 Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil
13 Uses for Lavender Oil: The Only Essential Oil You’ll Need
What do you think?