Stressed? Try Rose Essential Oil

image

Stress is rampant these days, from long work hours and mounting bills to traffic and emails overflowing with projects . . . due yesterday. Add to it the stressors of the holiday season and our anxiety (and blood pressure) is likely higher than normal, putting our mental and physical health in jeopardy.

While massages and yoga classes are encouraged, sometimes they can be costly and time-consuming, a stressor in itself. So, if you’re looking for a more affordable, easier and effective way to decrease your stress levels, look no further than rose essential oil (affiliate link – Amazon).

Rose Essential Oil to Relieve Stress

Research shows that rose oil is effective when it comes to relieving stress. In one study, published in Natural Product Communications, people who used rose oil topically were not only more relaxed than those who received a placebo, but they exhibited a lowered breathing and blood pressure rate.

Studies in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behaviors have shown a correlation between use of rose essential oil and decreased anxiety.

In The Aromatherapy Book: Applications and Inhalations, aromatherapist Jeanne Rose says that rose oil helps soothe nerves and the nervous system, while also helping to relive symptoms of depression.

The oil is commonly used in aromatherapy and invokes positive thoughts and feelings of happiness, putting negative ones on the back burner. In fact, essential oils, including rose, have even been used to treat those who have experienced extraordinarily high levels of stress such as soldiers or those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Two Common Rose Essential Oils

Rose Otto and Rose Absolute are two common types of rose essential oils. Otto is usually applied to the skin, while Absolute is the preferred choice for those who enjoy a fragrant release into the air, typically diffused in a room. While Rose Absolute is more fragrant, it’s lower in cost than Otto.

However, both are advised for diminishing stress and depression, which are often linked. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 10 Americans report depression which can negatively impact health while also disrupting workplace productivity. In each instance, even simply inhaling them is considered highly beneficial their ability to positively affect the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls the nervous system and emotions.

Other Uses for Rose Essential Oil

Rose oil is also commonly used for those seeking relief from menstrual cramps, menopause and other hormone-related conditions.

It’s also been touted as an aphrodisiac, since most aromatherapy oils that produce a sense of calm and improved mood can promote sexual interest and arousal. Legend has it that Cleopatra took baths infused with rose petals to attract lovers. In some treatments today, rose oil is used to stimulate feelings of love and devotion that may increase libido.

Sources for this article include:

Antonia
A science enthusiast with a keen interest in health nutrition, Antonia has been intensely researching various dieting routines for several years now, weighing their highs and their lows, to bring readers the most interesting info and news in the field. While she is very excited about a high raw diet, she likes to keep a fair and balanced approach towards non-raw methods of food preparation as well. (http://www.rawfoodhealthwatch.com/)