If you struggle with low energy & fatigue you are not alone.
In the UK, an estimated 250,000 individuals have been clinically diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome/ ME. On top of that there are a huge number of undiagnosed individuals struggling post-virally and with the exhaustion that can come with hormonal changes like menopause. Add to that the pressures of juggling work, personal commitments and social obligations, short days and less sunlight during the winter months, poor dietary choices, lack of regular exercise, and insufficient hydration and you have an understandable recipe for tiredness!
Essential oils are an easy to use aid when I am feeling exhausted, and the three listed below have become my favourites over the years:
Pinus sylvestris - Scotch pine
Pinus sylvestris, commonly known as Scotch pine, is an oil with remarkable invigorating and energizing properties. This fresh smelling oil brings a green and clean lemony fragrance to any aroma diffuser. The oil is extracted from the tree's needles and twigs and contains a wealth of beneficial components. Among these, the most notable are monoterpenes such as α-pinene and β-pinene, which contribute to the oil's refreshing and uplifting aroma alongside limonene, and bornyl acetate. These unique chemical components offer a range of therapeutic benefits including support for respiratory health, stimulation of mental clarity, and a natural boost to physical energy.
Ocimum basilicum - Basil (sweet)
Basil essential oil, with its invigorating green and fresh aroma brings an instant feeling of clarity to the mind and brain when you are feeling foggy or over-tired. Extracted from the leaves of the basil plant, this essential oil is not just celebrated for its delightful scent but also for its multiple stimulating therapeutic benefits. It's a great oil for menopause as it also helps with hot flashes and has oestrogenic properties thanks to the methyl chavicol (estragole) content. The oil is well know for stimulating mental alertness and helping to alleviate stress caused by overwhelm. When diffused, its crisp, herbaceous fragrance can instantly transform any space into a more energised environment. Ensure you source from a reputable supplier as too high a content of methyl chavicol can make this an unsafe oil to use. It should also be avoided during pregnancy.
Rosmarinus officinalis - Rosemary
Rosemary is a common plant that has been used as a herb for centuries to enhance concentration and mental clarity. The essential oil which is extracted from the leaves twigs and flowers, provides us with a potent version of the natural herb with a strong fresh and woody herbaceous smell. Boosting memory, focus and conentration this essential oil owes its cognitive benefits to a compound known as 1,8-cineole, which has been shown to increase the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter plays a pivotal role in memory and learning processes, thereby facilitating sharper focus and improved concentration. as with oils, ensure you source from a reputable supplier. Avoid during pregnancy or if you suffer from high blood pressure or epilepsy.
How to use the oils....
FOOT RUB
Rubbing essential oils into the soles of the feet is a great way to get them 'into your system' when you are either tired or ill. This method is great for several reasons. Firstly, the soles of the feet are less sensitive compared to other parts of the body, reducing the risk of skin irritation and allowing you to use a higher concentration of your chosen essential oil in your carrier oil. The pores on the feet are also thought to be larger, which might allow for quicker absorption of the oils into the body. However, it's important to use essential oils safely and always dilute them with a carrier oil to prevent irritation
Take 100ml of carrier oil. Add 50 drops in total of energising essential oils (making a 2.5% blend) I would recommend mixing rather than using one oil alone.
My recommendation would be 25 drops pine, 15 drops rosemary, 10 drops basil.
Massage into the soles of feet in the morning to get your energy levels up for the day ahead.
ROOM DIFFUSER
Using an aroma diffuser is probably my favourite method for keeping tiredness and fatigue at bay, particularly if I am at work. The oils can be vaporised on a desk using a mini USB diffuser that plugs into laptops easily, or diffuse the oils into the room using a larger plug in diffuser.
My preferred blend is:
3 drops Pine
3 drops Rosemary
2 drops Basil
As always, if you have any questions on the oils I've discussed here please do get in touch with me.
Much love,
Marie x
marie@bloomremedies.co.uk