Essential Oils of the Month: Soothing, stress-busting oils for Mother's Day

Being a Mum is the most rewarding job in the world but there is no denying it can be hard work at times. Daily life is often extremely demanding and it can take very little extra to tip some of us into a state of stress! Stress then makes us feel more irritable and tired and it can also play havoc with our health and appearance.

Coping with an overload of demands generally manifests itself in two ways, with women experiencing high levels of adrenaline, but being unable to switch off and relax, while men more commonly experience feelings of fatigue. Left untreated, high levels of stress can lead to a variety of problems such as sleepless nights, poor hair condition, skin breakouts, eczema, brittle nails and even irritable bowel syndrome.  Feelings of stress and tension can however be diffused if you regularly set aside time to relax, unwind and relieve the pressures of hectic family life.

To encourage relaxation, why not take time out and enjoy a soak in the bath. Add four to 10 drops of therapeutic essential oils to a warm bath. Try relaxing, soothing oils such as Rose, Neroli, Ylang Ylang or Chamomile and mix with milk first to help the oils to disperse. Alternatively try Potions & Possibilities Ultra Relaxing Luxury Bath Oil (150ml £10.99), hand-blended with Bergamot for calming, Orange Sweet to enhance positive feelings, Lavender to promote rest and relaxation and Geranium to soothe. This product is also available labelled ‘For a Special Mum’ making it the ideal Mother’s Day Gift.

Here are our Top 5 Oils for a stress free Mother’s Day

• Frankincense: helps to balance the emotions and is good for treating symptoms of stress and nervous tension.
• Geranium: revitalises the body and regulates hormonal balance.
• Neroli (orange blossom): a relaxing, powerful aid for relieving mental or emotional stress and anxiety and can help in promoting restful sleep. Neroli Light is also an effective and cheaper option.
• Petitgrain: clears the mind and eases mental fatigue. Aids insomnia and sedates the nervous system.
• Ylang Ylang: soothes frayed nerves and calms irritability.