Adaptogens
Oils that adapt to your needs.
Our bodies, minds and even the spirit, are always striving to reach a state of homeostasis, or balance. To function properly we need just enough stress to propel us into action, but not so much that it paralyses us.
Several essential oils such as lavender, peppermint and rose geranium possess these opposing properties. Responding to the body's needs, they will either calm us down or stimulate us, to help create homeostasis or balance.
Affecting the autonomic nervous system.
Among other things, these oils affect the autonomic nervous system - i.e. the functions of the body that you don't consciously think about.
The autonomic nervous system controls organs like the heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, liver, bladder, blood vessels, pupils, sweat glands, salivary glands, and most other internal organs, regulating involuntary bodily functions like digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure.
A practical example
Lavender can e.g. calm you down when you're anxious and can't sleep but can also inspire and motivate you when you feel paralyzed by anxiety.
Peppermint cools the skin, but at the same time it improves blood circulation to the brain.
The combination of lavender and peppermint therefore lowers tension, improves blood flow to the brain and relieves the paralyzing feeling of anxiety.
Both oils are pain-relieving, and this is why the result of this blend is to relieve a tension headache.
Other oils with adaptogen properties:
1. Lemon
Lemon promotes clear thinking - in Japan an experiment was conducted where typists made up to 54% fewer mistakes when lemon oil was distributed in the office. The oil seems to calm the nerves yet promote focus in workspaces.
2. Rose geranium
This oil is calming, but at the same time it stimulates those who feel depressed just enough to overcome lethargy.
The oil is often described as sedative yet uplifting. Rose geranium is ideally suited to stabilize volatile emotions linked to hormonal changes.
Other adaptogenic essential oils are bergamot, clary sage, cedarwood, copaiba, frankincense, rose, and basil.
Essential oils - as always there to help you live essentially differently!
Sources:
Battaglia, S.
The complete guide to aromatherapy, 2nd edition.
The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia, 2003
P206-207
Fischer-Rizzi, S.
Complete Aromatherapy Handbook, English Edition 1990.
Sterling publishing Company Inc. New York USA. pp 118-124.
Disclaimer:
The use of essential oils must be done responsibly and does not replace any medical treatment. It is used at your own risk.
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