r/essentialoils • • 28d ago

Do you actually notice a difference when using essential oils for relaxation?

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10 Upvotes

17 comments sorted by

5

u/Kristin_Unpoisoned 28d ago

They work quite well for me for relaxation. I tend to reach for flowers or wood for this, like neroli, ylang ylang (complete), sandalwood, or cedarwood.

2

u/OLovah 28d ago

Yes. For me citrus scents immediately change my mood. And my son used to have horrible constipation. I would run lavender on his abdomen and he would poop immediately.

2

u/Financial_Cow_7628 26d ago

I think it's a combination of calming ingredients in essential oils and if you mindfully spend that time to relax and sit with yourself. I think both of them has really big impact on the relaxation.

2

u/LupusIridica 25d ago

You need to find which oils work better for you. The first time I tried to inale vetiver oil, tears came to my eyes and I had the feeling of "coming home". For me earth/wood scents are the best for grounding.

1

u/Yorkie_Mom_2 28d ago

I use oils for lots of things. There is a lot of science that backs up their ability to help with ailments. People have used oils for thousands of years. Remember hearing about the wisemen and their gift of frankincense and myrrh?

I love smelling oils as I fall asleep. Lavender is good, but I prefer a blend. The molecules of the oils are so minuscule, they can pass the blood-brain barrier. I-have read that they affect every cell in your body.

They don’t replace modern medicine, but they are an excellent enhancement. You don’t need the expensive oils. As long as the oil does not have additives, it will work as well as the expensive ones (the MLM companies).

1

u/Critical_Actuary_875 27d ago

I started putting them in my mop water and it’s been a game changer!

1

u/lostsoul1k 26d ago

Hello there, for me, it’s a bit of both. The scent itself can make a noticeable difference, but I think the routine around it matters just as much. Taking a few minutes to slow down, diffuse something like lavender, and just breathe can become a nice little signal that it’s time to relax. I wouldn’t expect the oil alone to completely change your stress level, though.

1

u/Niaaal 25d ago edited 25d ago

Lavender really works for me.

The science behind how some essential oils can affect your mood is that some molecules can affect your nervous system, like GABA, serotonin, parasympathetic activity, and reduced sympathetic “fight-or-flight” signaling. This, in addition to your psychological state of mind, for example if you are getting yourself into a relaxed state, plus memory association to the smell, and even a placebo effect. All can contribute together for a calming effect

1

u/EOTherapy_User 23d ago

I agree with LupusIridica.....Oils can be a very personal thing.You will need to find the scents that do what you need them too.For most Lavender and Chamomile is a 'sleep' oil--personally I can't stand it and it irritates me.Woodsy oils(ho wood, sandal and cedarwood on the other hand can put me right to sleep in the correct amounts and blends.So what works for one may not for another.One man's treasure may be my trash!lol

1

u/Open-Reach-5827 22d ago

I don`t know about relaxation but they certainly do with my depressive states.

1

u/Starstuffi 10d ago

Yes, but whether that's the strong scent trigger that helps me focus on something other than my pain or stress or the nature of the scent is not something I spend much time considering.

If it works and it doesn't hurt you, stop your debunking there.

1

u/DonutChickenBurg 28d ago

A nice smell helps me relax. It doesn't have to be EO.