Beat Stress, Have More Energy, and Sleep Better Tonight

Our friends at All You give you all the details on how to combat stress, feel more energized, and get more sleep through aromatherapy.

If recent news about the health dangers of NSAIDs and risks associated with medications have you tossing your Advil in the trash, you might want to give aromatherapy a try. Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils extracted from a variety of plants to strengthen health. Different oils can be used to alleviate health problems like migraines, nausea and depression, in addition to being able to boost energy or promote relaxation.

Essential oil is typically massaged onto the skin at the problem area or inhaled through a diffuser. Because the oils are highly concentrated, each treatment requires only about one to three drops of a selected oil. For safety, you will need a "carrier oil" — a neutral oil such as sweet almond oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil — to dilute essential oils before applying in order to prevent any skin irritations or burns. You can also add a few drops into a warm bath, as there's enough water for dilution. To get the most bang for your buck, start with small bottles of the basic oils (think: lavender, peppermint or eucalyptus) that provide a range of benefits.

It is very important to note any risk involved in starting an aromatherapy routine. Be sure to always follow the prescribed instructions on the bottle and never apply more than what is recommended — as it is possible to overdose — and always use a carrier oil or a diffuser.

Here are a few suggestions for essential oil uses:

1. Stress relief: Lavender, vanilla, frankincense
2. Concentration/memory boost: Peppermint, rosemary, sage
3. Energy: Cinnamon, peppermint
4. Depression: Citrus oils
5. Insomnia: Chamomile, lavender
6. Headaches: Eucalyptus, wintergreen, lavender

Read more from All You: