Introduction
I have found that using lavender and chamomile essential oils can promote relaxation and reduce stress. As an avid user of aromatherapy, I would like to share my experiences with you.
Benefits of Lavender and Chamomile
Lavender and chamomile have been used for centuries for their calming properties. Here are some of the main benefits I have experienced:
Lavender
- Relieves anxiety and emotional stress – The scent has a soothing effect that eases nervous tension.
- Promotes better sleep – Helps me fall asleep faster and wake up feeling more refreshed.
- Reduces headaches & migraines – Applying diluted lavender oil to my temples has alleviated many headaches.
Chamomile
- Calms the mind and body – The warm, sweet aroma immediately makes me feel less anxious.
- Soothes muscle tension – I massage diluted oil onto tight muscles for relief.
- Calms digestive issues – A few drops in tea or water reduces stomach cramping and nausea.
Usage and Applications
There are many ways I incorporate lavender and chamomile into my daily relaxation routine:
Inhalation
- I apply a few drops of oil to my wrists and neck and take deep breaths when I’m feeling stressed.
- Diffusing the oils in my home creates a peaceful environment that keeps me calm.
- I keep lavender oil rolled onto my palms and inhale occasionally for an instant soothing effect.
Topical Application
- I create a muscle-relaxing massage oil by adding 5 drops each of chamomile and lavender into a tablespoon of carrier oil.
- For skin nourishment, I add several drops of each oil into my nightly face serum. My skin looks and feels calmer by morning.
- To unwind before bed, I add 5-6 drops of chamomile oil to warm bath water.
Ingestion
- I add 1-2 drops of lavender oil to a relaxing cup of evening tea.
- For stomach issues, I’ll place 1 drop of chamomile oil under my tongue or in water.
Integrating Aromatherapy into a Self-Care Routine
Here are some of my tips for making aromatherapy with lavender and chamomile a consistent part of self-care:
Create triggers
- I keep essential oils on my desk at work. When stress builds, I inhale lavender as a break.
- I programmed reminder alerts on my phone to diffuse oils at specific times of day I tend to feel anxious.
- My diffuser turns on 30 minutes before bedtime to fill my home with chamomile’s sleep-inducing scent.
Pair with other relaxing activities
- I add lavender or chamomile oil to my bathwater while I soak and read a book.
- I apply diluted oil to my skin as part of my bedtime skincare ritual to signal rest.
- I inhale oil from my palm during short meditation or breathing exercises.
Keep using consistently
- To make this routine stick, I incorporated oils into activities that are already part of my schedule.
- I also placed sticky notes in visible spots to remind me to use the oils when I need them.
- Making aromatherapy an easy, regular part of each day maximizes the relaxing benefits.
With regular use, lavender and chamomile aromatherapy has truly helped to increase feelings of calm and lower my everyday anxiety levels. I hope these suggestions inspire you to explore using them as part of self-care as well!
