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Stressed out?

Try these top five de-stressing essential oils. All of the following essential oils will work to balance and soothe your body and mind. Mix a few undiluted drops with a carrier oil, such as almond, for a massage or add it to your bath water.

  • Lavender – balancing, soothing and normalising
  • Geranium – relaxing and uplifting
  • Neroli – soothing and regenerating
  • Chamomile – acts as a sedative and boosts the immune system
  • Ylang-ylang – calming, also an aphrodisiac

Adding these essential oils to the bath will take a load off your mind. But make sure that you follow the following guidelines so that you get the full benefit of the essential oils:

  • Follow the instructions on the bottle carefully and only add the recommended number of drops.
  • The bath must be hot, but not scalding, or else the oils will evaporate before you've even hopped in.
  • Stay in the bath for about 20 minutes. If you stay in for less, the essential oils might not have time to take effect; if you stay in for longer, you'll just feel lethargic.
  • While you're in the bath, focus on ensuring that your breathing is deep and regular. Inhale from the diaphragm, hold for a few seconds and exhale slowly.

(Health24, updated January 2009)

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