Aromatherapy as an Aid Against Exhaustion

Exhaustion: Our modern arch-nemesis. Echoing through the hallways and courtyards of American workplaces is the battle cry of our busy society, "I'm exhausted!"

Never fear; help is a sniff away!

We feel it from the balls of our achy feet to the roots of our hair, a fatigue so pervasive and profound that it's hard to recall how we felt before it became an accepted part of our lifestyle.

Anxiety, rage, and a sense of helplessness can all be symptoms of exhaustion. When our body's energy stores are constantly being depleted without rejuvenation, everyday tasks become a source of strain and frustration. A constant state of fatigue can also take its toll on your immune system, leaving you vulnerable to every little bug that crosses your path.

Exacerbated by irregular and insufficient sleeping patterns, a lifestyle low in essential vitamins and minerals, plus a lack of exercise, may make recovering from real exhaustion a challenge. In fact, you may require some fundamental lifestyle changes. By eating a regular and healthy diet, and by adding a regular exercise routine to your daily regimen, you may begin to overcome your exhaustion, but sometimes making even these drastic changes is an exhausting endeavor.

Essential oils can make a dynamic difference in your fight against fatigue, particularly when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and moderate exercise. Stress is usually a major hidden culprit in exhaustion, as it is in so many other ailments. This is actually good news, because stress relief is one of the areas in which aromatherapy is most useful. Effectively addressing exhaustion with aromatherapy requires two-steps daily, one in the evening and one in the morning. This therapy is so pleasant, however, that you will welcome it as a decadent addition to your routine.

Evening Exhaustion Eliminators

Evening: Rest & Relaxation

You desperately need a good night's sleep, but desperate people don't tend to slumber soundly. The key is to unwind and relax your mind before climbing into bed. Essential oils can assist even the busiest brain in letting go for a few precious hours. Create a blend of Roman chamomile, rose geranium, palmarosa, and French lavender in a carrier (or base) oil. (Almond oil is excellent for dry skin and hazelnut is great if you tend to be oily.) If the sandman seems to have lost your address altogether, substitute marjoram for the geranium.

Palmarosa is a little known close cousin to lemongrass and citronella. It is wonderfully subtle, reminiscent of rose geranium but softer, rounder and more relaxing at a deeper subconscious level.