This essential oil will calm and soothe your physical and mental well-being

Thursday, November 24, 2016 by: Isabelle Z.
Tags: essential oils, cedar wood oil, aromatherapy

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(NaturalNews) If you've been feeling more stressed than usual lately, join the club. The holiday season, which is traditionally a stressful time of year for most people, has come hot on the heels of what was one of the most stressful elections in recent memory. When you add the stresses that come up in daily life – whether it's work, family obligations, or relationship issues – life can feel completely overwhelming at times.

There are a lot of ways that people cope with stress, and some of these are healthier than others. Drowning your sorrows in vodka or heading to McDonald's and eating yourself into a food coma? Bad idea. Doing some yoga or exercising to melt away stress? Excellent approach – if you have the energy. However, what if you want to do something about your stress that is passive while still being good for you?

Aromatherapy can work wonders for stress, and the essential oils that are used all boast their own unique healing properties. One particularly powerful essential oil for relaxation is cedar wood essential oil. This oil is extracted from the cedar wood plant via steam distillation, and it contains a number of compounds that are beneficial to your well-being.

Relaxing and sedating effect

The oil's fresh and sweet aroma quickly brings about a sedating effect on the nervous system and a relaxing effect on your mind and body, making it a popular choice when you start to feel on edge. If you want to melt away tension and anxiety, try placing a few drops of the oil in your hand or a handkerchief and then bring it up to your nose. Inhale the aroma deeply for at least half a minute. Alternatively, you can opt to place the oil in an ultrasonic diffuser or humidifier to help circulate it throughout the room, carrying its soothing effects to all who enter your home or office.

Physical benefits of cedar wood oil

The benefits of this oil aren't just mental; it can also bring about a number of positive physical effects. Some people find that it can aid in mitigating hair loss. Massaging the hair regularly with this oil can boost the scalp's blood circulation and stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair that is strong and vibrant. You can add a few drops of it to your favorite shampoo or conditioner. Apply it evenly across your scalp and leave it in for half an hour before rinsing it out. You can do this once a week. The essential oil's astringent and anti-seborrheic properties also make it well suited for dealing with scalp itchiness and dandruff.

Cedar wood oil's incredible anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for treating skin problems related to acne and eczema, such as peeling, redness, inflammation and itchiness. You can add a few drops of it to your usual moisturizer or mix it with a carrier oil like almond, jojoba or avocado and apply it on the affected area to improve your complexion. Those with oily skin can even add it to their regular cleanser or cream to help keep the problem under control.

People who suffer from arthritis report that the oil also has a soothing effect on symptoms like joint inflammation and pain as well as muscle soreness. The best way to get the benefits is to blend a few drops of it with a tablespoon of a carrier oil such as coconut oil and then massage it into the painful area. Because the oil is also a mucolytic and expectorant, it is even sometimes used to help alleviate congestion and bronchial infections.

You might not be able to avoid stress entirely, but thanks to essential oils like cedar wood, you can soothe yourself physically and mentally without putting your health at risk.

Sources include:

NaturalBlaze.com

NaturalNews.com