Stress Relieving DIY Recipes

By Pranarom US Blog

Stress Relieving DIY Recipes

These are certainly stressful times! It’s been an unforgiving six months since the onset of the pandemic, and most of us, world-wide, are experiencing total exhaustion. The new normal has demanded that we let go of expectations and embrace a more “go with the flow” mindset.

Easier said than done! Continual and unrelenting low grade stress can take a terrible toll on our well-being. So how can we shift our perspective and change the way we react to stress? Is there a way we can avoid falling prey to its grip.

Absolutely! It all starts with more self-care, and one of the most powerful wellness tools we can use is aromatherapy. Essential oils are easy to use, offer immediate relief and remind us of nature’s beauty.

Here are 3 stress relieving aromatic remedies you can make at home to kick start your self-care routine and keep yourself feeling relaxed amidst all the uncertainty.

Aromatic Mist

A great product to carry with you for whenever you feel stress creeping in, or before bed to help you wind down. Black Spruce has a great affinity to our breath (which slows down our stress response) and a calming effect on the nervous system

Supplies:

  • 2oz spray bottle, glass or plastic with a fine mist spraye
  • 2oz of distilled water
  • A glass or stainless steel measuring cup
  • A set of measuring spoons
  • A blank label
Essential Oils:
Instructions:
  1. Measure out the distilled water and pour into your bottle.
  2. Add to your essential oils to the bottle.
  3. Screw in the spray mister and shake well.
  4. Take the blank label, give your spray a name, write out the ingredients, and affix the bottle.

To Use:

Always shake well before use, and use as often as needed, spraying lightly around your head and shoulders. Make sure to keep the direction of the sprayer away from your eyes and at least 6-8 inches from your face.

Aromatic Bath Salts

This recipe is enough for one bath or 3-4 foot baths. If you don’t want to use the entire batch for one bath, you can measure out half and save the rest for later in a glass jar. The oils in this recipe are inspired by those traditionally blended for meditation practice. Atlas Cedarwood is the centerpiece with its grounding, soothing properties.

Supplies:

  • 4 TBSP of epsom salts
  • 4 TBSP of sea salts
  • A glass or stainless steel bowl for mixing
  • Measuring spoons
  • Glass, wooden, or metal stirrer
  • Glass jar with cap
  • Blank label

Essential Oils:

Instructions:

  1. Measure out each salt and mix together in your bowl.
  2. Add your essential oils, string well to make sure they are incorporated.
  3. Use immediately, or save for later in your glass jar with the lid tightly closed.
  4. Make sure to label your jar and give your bath salts a name.

To Use:

It’s best to first run the water to your desired temperature and depth and then get in. While you are in the tub, pour in the salts and swish around to dissolve.

Aromatic Massage Oil

This recipe is enough for 1-2 full body massages. You can also use a small amount for spot treatments, too. This blend focuses on soothing muscle tension brought on by mental stress. Clary Sage, Marjoram and Roman Chamomile work together to offer a deeply releasing blend that simultaneously quiets the mind.

Supplies:

  • 3 TBSP of your favorite carrier oil (Pranarom offers a few great options, like Sweet Almond and Jojoba that offer a nice soft, smooth feeling on the skin and work well for massage.)
  • 1 TBSP of an herbal oil, like Pranarom’s Calendula or Arnica Virgin Plant Oils. Herbal infused oils are another powerful way to soothe skin and muscle tissue, and are perfect for stress related aches and discomfort.
  • A set of measuring spoons.
  • An empty 2 oz bottle with cap.
  • A blank label.

Essential Oils:

Instructions:

  1. Measure out carrier and herbal oils into your bottle, and shake gently to blend.
  2. Add your essential oils, and shake until they are well incorporated.
  3. Make sure to label your jar and give your massage oil a name.

How to Use:

Measure out between 1 to 2 tsp of oil and rub gently but firmly on achy areas, adding more oil when needed. Can be used as often as necessary.

Tip: If DIY blending isn’t your thing, Pranarom has some powerful already-blended-for-you products, like their Stress Recovery and the Down Time wellness formulas. They feature essential oils like Lavender, Bergamot, Clary Sage and Sweet Marjoram to encourage the mind and body to relax and be still. You can easily use these wellness formulas in the DIY recipes above. Enjoy!

post by | Amy Galper, B.A. MA. Certified Aromatherapist

Amy is a nationally celebrated educator, author, entrepreneur and formulator in the world of organic health and wellness. She is the co-author of “Plant Powered Beauty,” and her new book, the “Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy,” will be launching fall 2020. Amy’s passion is empowering and inspiring others through a holistic lens that starts with mindfulness and reflection, leading to total wellbeing. Learn more about Amy at amygalper.com and on Instagram @amygalper.

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Back-to-School Survival Kit

This academic year promises to be challenging, but we’ve got some tried and true natural solutions to help you power through. Whether you’re homeschooling, sending your kids off to school, or heading to school as a teacher or student yourself, these products are here to support a focused mind and a healthy body. Immune Defense Solution Start the day by diffusing a few drops of this tonic for the immune system. Its refreshing aroma of eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary wakes up and stimulates the mind while supporting your body’s natural defenses. SHOP NOW Mental Clarity Help keep your mind sharp with a quick palm inhalation: apply a drop of Mental Clarity to your palms, and rub together. Lightly cup your hands over your nose and mouth and breathe deeply five times. Great before tests and between classes! SHOP NOW Stress Recovery It’s important for both kids and adults to tune in to their emotions and any tension that may be building up in muscles. This could be just a few moments of breathing, stretching, meditation or prayer. Our Stress Recovery is great for encouraging both mind and body to relax and let go of whatever’s not serving you and your health. SHOP NOW Down Time With homework, deadlines and everything else that needs to be done, it’s easy to forget how important sleep is. Our Down Time wellness blend is formulated to help tell the body that it’s time for rest. Diffuse half an hour before bed, turning off technology, dimming the lights and allowing yourself to unwind. SHOP NOW Give yourself some grace this year, and don’t forget that crucial self-care time! These small, simple steps can have a big impact on your health when practiced regularly. We hope these tips help you and your loved ones approach this academic year with a little more confidence. You’ve got this! Article by: Hanna Stensgaard

Ultrasonic Diffusion 101

Do you have an ultrasonic diffuser, or are you thinking of buying one? In this article we’ll take a look at why they’re so great for aromatherapy and cover some common Q&A. How Do Ultrasonic Diffusers Work? Ultrasonic diffusion is the aerial suspension of water and essential oils with very high frequency ultrasonic waves (16 to 20 megahertz). Ultrasonic diffusion is a “cold-spread” method, so it doesn’t damage the essential oil molecules through heat. Ultrasonic diffusers are beneficial for several reasons: They break down essential oils into very small particles. When these particles are inhaled, they are quickly transferred from the lungs to the bloodstream, where the body can utilize their benefits. The device generates a flow of negative ions, which can help produce the refreshed feeling one gets near moving water, or after a rainstorm. Regular use of ultrasonic diffusers can put the equivalent of half a liter of water per day into aerial suspension. This can help increase the humidity of our often ‘dry’ living spaces due to heating or air conditioning systems. With ultrasonic diffusers, it’s easy to control the intensity and range of diffusion according to your needs. What Type of “Waves” Do Ultrasonic Diffusers Create? An ultrasonic wave is a very high frequency sound wave (in this case, 16 to 20 megahertz), which is therefore inaudible. This is similar to the sound waves emitted by bats for orientation or location in space. These sound waves have nothing to do with electromagnetic waves emitted by mobile phones or microwaves and are completely free of health hazards. How Do I Clean My Diffuser? Try to clean your diffuser at least once a month. To do this, gently warm white vinegar in the microwave or in a saucepan over the stove until it reaches 110 – 120º F. This should feel warm to the touch, but not hot. Pour the warm vinegar into the water tank of your diffuser. Do not turn the device on – just let the vinegar sit for about ten minutes, then empty into your sink. Swab out the water tank with a cotton ball, then rinse with lukewarm water. Finish by gently drying with a hand towel. If the bottom of the container is stained with essential oil, wipe the inside surfaces of the diffuser with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue. Why Isn’t My Ultrasonic Diffuser Producing Mist? Several factors can lead to low mist production: Use of distilled water: tap water or spring water are the best for your diffuser. Filling the water tank too high. Filling the water tank too low. Our devices will automatically shut down due to lack of water, or following the end of the selected diffusion time. How Much Essential Oil Should I Use in My Diffuser? This will differ for each essential oil, but here are a couple general guidelines to follow: For a 65 to 95 square foot space: from 5 to 10 drops. For a 130 to 325 square foot space: 10 to 20 drops. Can I Diffuse Any Essential Oil with My Ultrasonic Diffuser? Some essential oils are irritating to the lungs when diffused. These should only be diffused when professionally blended with other essential oils, or in very small amounts with the advice of a practitioner. Most often, these oils are actually more effective when applied using a different method, i.e. topical application or DIY cleaning products. If in doubt, check our website for specific essential oil recommendations. Final Thoughts Diffusion is a great way to enjoy essential oils and the benefits they provide. As always, we recommend starting with a few drops, and adding more once you discover your preferences. It can be really fun to develop your own blends and experiment with new aromas. If you don’t feel like blending your own synergies, try some of our diffusion blends!