Long recognized for their beneficial qualities, essential oils are more than just a pleasant scent. From emotional therapy to pain relief, essential oils are widely used to improve overall health and mood. There are 5 essential oils that are especially beneficial when it comes to treating and relieving stress and anxiety.

Lavender

Lavender has long been used as a disinfectant, perfume, aphrodisiac, insect repellant and deodorant. Known as a relaxing and calming herb, it is often used to provide natural stress relief, as well as treat anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Some studies have revealed that the scent of lavender increases the amount of time you may spend in a slow wave, deep sleep. Other studies have found that lavender, when taken alongside antidepressants, can reduce the severity of depression.

Lavender has also been known to help in the treatment of ailments such as acne and other skin disorders and infections, issues of digestion and pain relief. Many aroma therapists feel that lavender is the most versatile of all essential oils due to its numerous healing properties.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood has a sweet and woodsy smell and is often used in perfumes, incense, and other cosmetics as a base. It is easily blended with other oils and fragrances, and is an important part of many religious traditions. The highest quality sandalwood, Santalum album, hails from India, and is considered of a higher quality and purity than Australian or Hawaiian sandalwood.

Sandalwood is known to provide a plethora of healthful benefits, such as mental clarity when used as a fragrance or incense. It is also known to provide relaxing comfort when smelled or rubbed directly onto the skin without promoting drowsiness.

As a mild astringent, it can induce minor contractions in your skin and gums, which is why many facial toners and aftershaves use sandalwood to help cleanse, tighten, and smooth your skin. Mild skin irritations like warts, pimples, boils and other superficial wounds may be reduced when sandalwood is applied to the skin. Other uses include fighting urinary and chest infections, sore throats, and insect bites.

Jasmine

Jasmine has been used for hundreds of years to provide emotional balance, combat stress and bring upon a feeling of happiness and euphoria. Jasmine is referred to as "queen of the night" and "moonlight of the grove" due to the strength of the scent during evening hours. It is also known for its seductive qualities. The floral, sweet aroma can be both relaxing and uplifting.

Bergamot

Bergamot not only fights against stress, but has also been traditionally used for troubled and oily skin. In Chinese medicine, bergamot is used to ensure that the digestive system is working properly, assisting with the vital flows of energy in your body and soothing common gas and indigestion. Bergamot oil opens the heart chakra and eases stress, uplifting the mind, body and soul. It is often applied on the heart.

Patchouli

Inhaling the aroma of patchouli essential oil is done in order to promote the areas of your brain that control emotions. This limbic system in turn influences your nervous system, which influence your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, immune system function, and general stress. Also used to combat skin issues, people have found patchouli works well against acne, athlete's foot, dandruff, burns and wounds, inflammation and eczema.

The powers of essential oils have the ability to naturally calm you do. Essential oils are great to use on your pillow before bed, in the bath, during meditation or any time you need to slow down and relax.  Used wisely, you may find yourself with a reduction of stress and a body in harmony. For more information, visit a website like http://www.wearelivingitout.com.