Aromatherapy for energy

Whether you are young, old, or somewhere in between, there have undoubtedly been times where you have felt worn out. We are a society that sleeps too little, works too much, eats poorly, and in general over-schedules every last second of the day. In short, the rigors of daily life can have a way of depleting anyone's energy reserves. For the chronically worn out, there are plenty of questionable energy sources like double cappuccinos and sugar. On the other hand, you can add more pep to your step in a completely safe, effective, and easy way with the help of aromatherapy.

What is Aromatherapy?

You may think of aromatherapy as just the newest candle-selling trick, but this method has actually been around for centuries. It involves using the extracts of plants to improve health and balance emotions. The potent chemicals in these extracts called essential oils are responsible for their therapeutic powers. Each oil is highly volatile, which means that it evaporates quickly in the open air. The particles of evaporated oil can be breathed in and absorbed into the bloodstream. Essential oils can also enter the body through the skin merely by applying them. Some oils are effective in healing cuts and bruises, while others have an affinity for respiratory or digestive conditions, and still others alter psychological states. Such oils can give you a boost of energy if you know how to use them.

Essential Oils for Energy

As a rule, essential oils with spicy or citrus scents are the most popular in combating overtiredness. There are two reasons to explain this. One is that such smells just make you feel perky. Consider for example how smelling orange juice first thing in the morning helps you wake up. The other reason is that these oils contain similar chemicals, all of which stimulate the nerves and emotions. If you are having trouble concentrating after long hours of work or studying, lime oil is an excellent energizer. It refreshes the mind and helps with focus. It blends well with basil, which helps stimulate both the brain and body. The spicy scent of ginger has an invigorating effect on the nerves, so it can be especially beneficial if you are short on sleep. Try combining it with grapefruit, an oil known for its reviving capabilities.

Usage Ideas

Since you never know when you might need a boost of energy, all of the aromatherapy suggestions here are designed to take with you or use in a matter of minutes. Remember to follow the dosage recommendations carefully to avoid adverse reactions. All of the above-mentioned oils are generally considered safe, but applying too much to the skin can be dangerous. Also, certain essentials can give you a headache if you overindulge in their fragrances. Above all, never use these or any other oils internally and consult your physician beforehand if you have a serious medical condition. In this way, you will ensure that you do not accidentally aggravate your condition. Keeping these precautions in mind, you can start using energizing aromatherapy.

If you take a shower every morning to wake up, this is a great time to incorporate revitalizing essential oils. Add two drops of oil (or a combination of two) to each half-cup of basic body wash or shampoo and mix thoroughly. Then, simply use the product as normal and enjoy! The same method works equally well in a warm bath. Add six drops to a tablespoon of bubble bath and stir the blend into a full tub for instant aromatherapy. You can combine essential oil with milk as well to give your bath extra moisturizing power. As you soak, breathe deeply and feel your mind come alive again.

To perk up the atmosphere of your home or enliven the air during a cram session, try using an aromatherapy room spray. This alcohol-based blend is easy to make and is a great replacement for store-bought air fresheners. To make it, you will need thirty drops of your favorite blend of essential oils, twelve ounces of bottled water, and a tablespoon of vodka. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle, cap, shake well, and use. Keep a bottle at work, in the car, or anywhere else where you spend a lot of time.

Aromatherapy offers a wonderful alternative to caffeine's jitters and sugar's cavities. Instead of bombarding your body with unhealthy stimulants, you can use Mother Nature's gifts to feel energized and focused in any situation. Beyond the few mentioned here, there are dozens of other revitalizing essential oils that you can try. Visit your local natural health store or find a professional herbalist to help you expand your collection. Once you experience the natural perk that aromatherapy provides, you will never want to go without it.