Who doesn’t need a little stress relief these days? If you’re feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, practicing self-care with calming essential oils can help. Certain essential oils act as nervines and calmatives, which are known to promote relaxation. This post will help you understand all you need to know to use essential oils for stress-filled moments in your life.

Let’s go over what essential oils are good for de-stressing and get some tips on how to use them.

Jasmine essential oil has a warm, floral aroma that can help to lift spirits, relax the mind, and enhance self-confidence. Research from a 2021 clinical trial suggests that inhaling jasmine essential oil might be effective in calming nerves before surgery.

It’s worth noting that jasmine oil isn’t technically an essential oil, so you might also see it labeled as an absolute. To enjoy the relaxing effects of jasmine, try diluting it with jojoba oil and wearing it as a personal fragrance during stressful situations.

While rose essential oil is more commonly known for its uses in skin care, it also offers amazing benefits for your well-being. Its sweet, peaceful aroma can be used in aromatherapy to enhance relaxation and help relieve headaches, which are often triggered by stress. A study published in Natural Product Communications found that subjects felt more relaxed after having Rose essential oil applied to their skin.

Try adding a drop to your nighttime moisturizer or diluting it and adding it to a bath to de-stress after a long day.

Cold-pressed from the fresh fruit peel, orange essential oil has a sweet, sunny scent that not only smells good but also promotes calm. This study and this one published in Physiology & Behavior found that diffusing orange essential oil at the dentist’s office helped patients feel more at ease.

Another way to harness the calming, de-stressing properties of this oil is to mix 8 drops with 10 ml of carrier oil—like jojoba, sweet almond, or olive oil—and massage it onto your skin daily. Since orange essential oil is photosensitive, apply the diluted oil to your back or lower chest and throw on a shirt before going outside.

Although not as well-known as Roman chamomile oil, German chamomile essential oil boasts some impressive benefits. Used in aromatherapy, it can inspire calm feelings. According to a study published in EXPLORE: The Journal of Science & Healing, participants who inhaled chamomile and lavender essential oils for 30 nights felt more relaxed than those who inhaled distilled water.

Want to put it to the test? Diffuse 3 drops each of lavender and German chamomile oils to help you relax and unwind before bed. For a sweeter, brighter scent, add a few drops of orange essential oil.

Lavender essential oil is one of the most calming and relaxing essential oils for your diffuser. Used in aromatherapy, it can help to calm and soothe the nerves and relieve headaches. A 2011 study on 30 patients found that lavender oil had a soothing, de-stressing effect on participants. Whether you use it in your diffuser or dilute it and add it to a bath, lavender essential oil can help you tackle everyday stresses naturally.

Another calming oil you should try is Ylang Ylang essential oil, a widely used nervine and calmative in aromatherapy. In a 2008 study, participants who smelled Ylang Ylang felt significantly calmer compared to those exposed to the scent of peppermint oil or no scent at all.

To experience Ylang Ylang’s calming effects, use it in aromatherapy or apply it topically with a carrier oil. Let this sweet, calming oil help you relax and de-stress after a trying day.

Commonly used in home remedies for healthy-looking hair, cedarwood essential oil is also loved for its warm, calming aroma. In one study, researchers tested the properties of cedrol—a key component of Cedarwood essential oil. During the experiment, participants inhaled cedrol, and researchers measured changes in their heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing patterns. The results indicated that cedrol had a relaxing effect on the participants.

To harness cedarwood oil’s calming properties, try it with other relaxing oils in a nighttime diffuser blend. You can also dilute it and add it to a roller bottle to help you de-stress from daily challenges on the go.

When you want to create a calming and peaceful environment during a busy day at work, reach for patchouli essential oil. In a 2020 study, researchers found that inhaling Patchouli oil helped emergency nurses de-stress at the end of a long shift. Use its musky, earthy aroma as a base note for cologne or perfume, or pair it with other calming oils like orange and jasmine in your diffuser to feel calmer and more at peace.

Do:

• Use only 100 percent pure essential oils.
• Patch test with one drop diluted in a carrier oil.
• Practice safe sun exposure after applying photosensitive oils like orange essential oil.

Don’t:

• Use fragrance oils and expect to get the same benefits as essential oils.
• Apply undiluted essential oils to your skin.
• Use more drops than recommended on the essential oil label.

While the essential oils above can help in managing everyday stresses and promoting relaxation, they’re best used in combination with other stress-management techniques. If your anxiety or stress feels overwhelming, persistent, or disrupts your daily life, it’s crucial to consider professional support.

Seeking guidance from a medical or psychiatric expert ensures you’re on the right path for managing stress effectively. Remember, taking care of your well-being involves a holistic approach, which might include therapy, medical advice, and self-care rituals. So, while essential oils are a valuable tool in your relaxation toolkit, they’re just one part of a comprehensive approach to your mental well-being.

A stuffy nose, hacking cough, and sore throat—we’ve all been there. When you’re in the throes of a cold, it’s only natural to seek out every remedy for relief. While there’s no instant cure for the common cold, you may find some from essential oils for coughs and colds. These oils can be inhaled to reduce cough and cold symptoms or applied topically to provide much-needed relief from headaches and muscle pain.

Let’s review some of the best essential oils for coughs and colds and how to use them.

Sacred Frankincense essential oil is a type of Frankincense oil that comes from the resin of Boswellia sacra trees in Oman. It has a soft, woodsy, slightly sweet aroma and includes the naturally occurring constituent boswellic acid. A 2022 clinical trial published in Inflammopharmacology demonstrated the effectiveness of a Boswellia extract formulation—enriched with boswellic acid—in improving cough symptoms.

Recognized by Health Canada, sacred frankincense essential oil can be used in aromatherapy to relieve coughs and colds. It also acts as a nervine and calmative to enhance relaxation while you rest and recover. Try diffusing this oil throughout the day or diluting it and applying it topically to experience its benefits.

One of the best essential oils for coughs and colds, Eucalyptus comes in three common varieties: Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus globulus, and Eucalyptus blue oils. All three are commonly used in aromatherapy to help relieve muscle pain, headaches, coughs, and colds. The main constituent in eucalyptus oils is cineole, also known as eucalyptol. In one study published in Respiratory Research, patients who received cineole treatment for six months experienced a significant improvement in how they felt.

To experience its benefits through steam inhalation, try this simple trick: Soak a washcloth in warm water and add 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Place the infused washcloth in the corner of your shower, away from direct water contact. As you shower, breathe in the soothing and cooling eucalyptus-infused steam for a refreshing and aromatic experience. Alternatively, mix 4 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil and rub it onto your chest and throat.

Loved for its calming aroma and skin-loving benefits, lavender essential oil also offers some surprising wellness benefits. Recognized by Health Canada, it’s recommended for use in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and alleviate headaches, coughs, and colds.

This versatile oil is perfect for diffusing or diluting and applying topically at bedtime to help calm your body and mind. Alternatively, you can mix it with body wash or bath gel and add it to a warm, comforting bath.

Rosemary essential oil isn’t just a favorite for skin and hair treatments—it can also help when you’re feeling under the weather. Like eucalyptus essential oil, it contains eucalyptol, a compound associated with cough and cold relief in studies such as the one mentioned above.

Interested in trying it out? Dilute 1 drop of rosemary essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil, and apply it to your head, neck, chest, or under your nose.

While Tea Tree essential oil is more widely known for its use in pedicures and skin care routines, it can also be used topically or inhaled to reduce the symptoms of coughs and colds, according to Health Canada. That’s why it’s a common ingredient in natural chest and vapour rubs.

To experience its effects, dilute a drop with a carrier oil and rub it onto your chest. Alternatively, add a few drops of essential oil to your diffuser and breathe in the clean, purifying scent.

Steam-distilled from the branches of cypress trees, cypress essential oil has a refreshing, evergreen aroma that can help relieve coughs and colds.

To use it in a soothing compress, dilute 2 drops with a carrier oil and add it to a bottle of warm water. Shake the mixture to combine, and then soak your compress with it, squeezing out any excess water before applying it to your forehead. Alternatively, diffuse cypress oil in your space for a refreshing aromatic experience.

With its cool, herby aroma, peppermint essential oil creates a refreshing experience when inhaled or diffused. It can also be used topically in aromatherapy to help relieve coughs and colds. One study revealed that a spray containing peppermint, eucalyptus globulus, rosemary, and other essential oils effectively reduced the severity of patients’ symptoms, including coughing.

Thanks to its natural menthol content, peppermint essential oil also provides a soothing, cooling sensation to the skin. Just be sure to dilute it before using it in a spray or chest and throat massage.

Another great essential oil for coughs and colds is thyme essential oil, which is steam-distilled from the plant’s flowers, leaves, and stems. It contains thymol, a compound shown to reduce coughing, according to a 2013 study published in the European Respiratory Journal.

Diffuse Thyme essential oil in your home or use it topically with a dilution to enjoy its warm, spicy, and herbaceous aroma, which provides natural relief from cough and cold symptoms.

Before using essential oils for coughs and colds, be sure to read the safety information on the label. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, we recommend talking to your healthcare provider.

And remember, a little goes a long way! If you’re applying essential oils to your skin, patch test first by diluting 1 drop with a carrier oil and applying it to the underside of your arm. For more information on other Natural Health Products (NHP), please read our informational page.

Between family gatherings, travel, and financial pressures, the holidays can be a stressful time—and these are only some of the hurdles people face this time of year. For some, it can get even more complicated. If you have lost a family member or loved one during this time, it can also trigger feelings of grief, depression, and anxiety.

Feeling emotionally stable and grounded is essential during this time of year. Here are our suggestions for success during the holiday season.

12 ways to support your emotional wellness this holiday season

1. Prioritize your wellness

With all of the extra pressures and changes in schedules, it can be tempting to abandon your wellness routine during the holidays—but staying focused on self-care is key to feeling good. Taking time off from work, exercising, eating well, getting a good night’s rest, and finding time for yourself are great ways to stay grounded.

2. Maintain a good schedule

You can sometimes overextend yourself with the demands of parties and social gatherings. You don’t have to attend every party, so plan for the important ones and be willing to stay home when your health requires it.

3. Participate on your own terms

You can often feel like you must stay for the duration of every event you attend, but this may run counter to what your mind and body need. Do what feels right for you and let the host know how long you can visit ahead of time.

4. Practice mindfulness

Focusing on the present moment is a great way to remain calm. If you find yourself experiencing interpersonal conflict, look for ways to be mindful, grounded, and intentional about how you navigate those feelings. Meditate each day with your favorite Young Living essential oil or blend to stay present and relaxed.

5. Create a safe space

Make a comfortable area where you feel safe in your bedroom or any room in your home. Diffusing Young Living essential oils is a great way to find a moment of calm. Have conversations with people who are supportive and affirming and understand that you do not have to have conversations about unresolved issues.

6. Get plenty of rest

Sleep is one of the most important parts of your health. If you tend to stay up later during the holidays and not get adequate rest, that lack of sleep can affect everything from your GI system health to your immune system.

7. Avoid over-celebrating with alcohol; drink in moderation or not at all

There are lots of cliches about holiday parties that go off the rails. Be sure to keep a level head and stay clear of chaos. Alcohol can be relaxing, but it is a central nervous system depressant that can make it difficult to regulate emotions.

8. Practice practical coping skills

Use coping methods that work for you. Exercise, yoga, and meditation are great examples, but choose whatever works best for you to stay focused and calm. Practice daily to stay on top of your emotional wellness through the holiday season.

9. Find some downtime

It’s easy to overextend yourself for events and gatherings. Schedule some downtime each day so you have time to relax and enjoy yourself.

10. Stay on track with your supplements

Taking supplements to support overall health is essential. Traveling and being out of your own environment can be stressful and impact your body. Make sure to stay consistent with supplements so your body gets the key nutrients it needs. Products like NingXia Red® beverage, Life 9® probiotic, and Master Formula multinutrient complex can help.

11. Get a massage or a Raindrop bodywork session

Massage is one of the best ways to unwind, and a Raindrop Technique bodywork session is a highly beneficial way to show yourself some extra love and care.

12. Create new traditions

Honoring family traditions is important, but you can also create new ones. Creating a new tradition that is fun and sustainable is a great way to prioritize your mental health and wellness.

The holidays are a wonderful time to connect with family and friends. As you enjoy these times, stay on track with your emotional wellness and continue to use Young Living products to provide support.

How do you stay healthy during the holidays?

Share your tips in the comments below!

Do you know the differences between clonal lavender and population lavender? Did you know that Young Living shares a fascinating history with lavender and that we use both species to create the Lavender essential oil so many of us rely on each day? Buckle up, because it’s story time!

Young Living and saving French lavender

Young Living’s relationship with this beloved essential oil goes back to 1985, when Young Living Founder D. Gary Young brought lavender seeds back from France so he could grow his own. France boasts a rich, 100-year history of growing very fragrant lavender. Gary began growing lavender on a quarter-acre lot in Spokane, Washington, USA, in 1988. Years later, when disease killed off much of France’s unique lavender species, called population lavender or Lavandula angustifolia, Gary brought back seeds to help restore the plant and replenish France’s lavender fields.

What makes clonal lavender and population lavender different?

There are many species of lavender plants, and among them are clonal lavender and population lavender. But how different can they be? Let us list the ways.

When you think of clonal lavender, remember that it’s:

• Produced from stem cuttings
• Uniform in shape and size
• Incapable of diversity or evolution
• The preferred plant for many lavender farms

Population lavender differs from clonal because it:

• Is grown from seeds
• Has unique and subtle fragrance differences
• Grows into unique sizes and shapes
• Produces essential oil with a delightful variety of aromas

When Gary brought population lavender seeds back from France, he invested in local farmers to produce and grow the best lavender available. While the majority of Young Living’s oil is obtained from population lavender, we also include a variety of clonal lavender to create a rich diversity in our oil that you won’t find outside Young Living.

Features and benefits of lavender

Lavender is often celebrated as the “Swiss Army knife of essential oils” because of its many uses. It served as a go-to oil for thousands of years, with people adding it to their baths, laundry and food. Lavender is a favourite essential oil because of its tranquil aroma when diffused and skin care benefits when applied topically. It also:

• Promotes feelings of calm and fights occasional nervous tension
• Helps to support digestive discomfort
• Can be soothing to the skin after a day in the sun
• Reduces the appearance of blemishes
• Diminishes the look or signs of aging

What’s your favourite way to use Lavender essential oil?

Let us know in the comments!

Discover the science behind our NingXia Red superfruit drink

We all know our NingXia Red® beverage is a delicious way to start any day. Now we invite you to dive into the science behind one of our most popular products in the first episode of a new series of informative videos hosted by our resident expert, Dr. Mark Bartlett, Young Living’s executive vice president of science and product development. 

Get a preview of NingXia Red benefits

To give you a sneak peek of what we’ll cover in the video, did you know that our NingXia Red drink: 

• Contains lycopene, found in the wolfberry fruit, and d-limonene, present in the citrus essential oil blend, to help support your healthy lifestyle with their unique properties 
• Offers a synergistic blend of Orange, Tangerine, Lemon and Yuzu essential oils 
• Is caffeine free 
• Is equivalent to consuming 30 grams of wolfberries, 5 grams of cherries, 9 grams of blueberries, 4 grams of pomegranate, 6 grams of plums and 5 grams of aronia 
• Provides a nutrient infusion for whole-body support

Be sure to join Dr. Bartlett as he delves into the scientific secrets of our nutrient-rich NingXia Red drink. Upcoming monthly episodes of this video series will highlight the science and innovation that go into Young Living products. 

*To play this video with captions in English or French please visit our Facebook page. 

Snag your NingXia Red products today. 

Are you interested in learning even more about the science behind Ningxia Red? Check out our new NingXia Red eBook for even more information on this incredible drink.

If you are looking for fun new ways to get your NingXia Red in you can find NingXia Red “shot” recipes in this blog post.

What’s your favorite way to get your daily dose of NingXia Red?

Tell us in the comments below!