Symptoms of stress in the workplace include excessive sick days, headaches, lethargy, loss of sense of humor, irritability and depression. Other symptoms include making errors, having difficulty concentrating, and feeling defensive or angry inside. Essential oils can help you cope and calm you down, and can enhance productivity.

You can use essential oils in several ways in the workplace

1. Inhale essential oil directly from the bottle - choose a single oil or create your own blend
2. Place 2 to 3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale
3. Spritzer
4. Perfume

Aromatherapy Recipes and Tips

Important Note: Essential oils that will help to treat stress are diluted in a base or carrier oil. Carrier oils are the oils that carry the essential oil.

1. Do not mix more than 3 oils per blend because the synergistic effects are less predictable.
2. Lavender oil is the “Universal Oil” as it increases the therapeutic benefits of any oil with which it is blended.
3. Keep the essential oil blend dilution to 2% (stress).
In the blends below, add the essential oils to approximately 30 ml carrier oil.

For general stress, a relaxing blend:

30 ml carrier oil

4 drops clary sage ( lowers blood pressure)
3 drops ylang ylang (slows rapid heart beating and breathing)
3 drops lavender

NB: high doses of clary sage causes drowsiness; do not consume alcohol while using this essential oil since side effects include nausea and headaches

For irritability:

30 ml carrier oil
3 drops lavender
4 drops chamomile (sedates, calms anger and nervous tension)
3 drops neroli (anti-depressant)

For panic attacks:

30 ml carrier oil
4 drops lavender
4 drops frankincense (slows and deepens breathing)
2 drops marjoram (strong sedative)

For depression:

Blend No. 1
30 ml carrier oil
5 drops geranium (uplifting and balancing)
3 drops benzoin (calming and soothing)
2 drops bergamot (refreshing)

Blend No. 2
30 ml carrier oil
5 drops geranium (uplifting and balancing)
3 drops benzoin (calming and soothing)
2 drops bergamot (refreshing)
NB: do not use bergamot topically before going out into the sun since it can cause discoloration of the skin which can lead to rashes

Blend No. 3
30 ml carrier oil
2 drops lemon (clarifies thoughts)
3 drops rose (anti-depressant)
5 drops sandalwood (relaxing)

For fatigue:

30 ml carrier oil
4 drops lemon (refreshing and tonic effect on circulation)
2 drops black pepper (gives stamina & enthusiasm)
4 drops sandalwood (relaxes & tonic effect on nervous system)
NB: do not use lemon topically before going out into the sun since it can cause discoloration of the skin which can lead to rashes

For headaches:

30 ml carrier oil
3 drops peppermint (clears head and detoxifies)
4 drops lavender
3 drops rose (eases nervous tension)
NB: too much peppermint in the evening may cause disturbed sleep patterns

For anxiety:

30 ml carrier oil
4 drops petitgrain (soothing and general tonic)
3 drops geranium (balancing)
3 drops sandalwood (relaxing)

For moodiness:

30 ml carrier oil
2 drops patchouli (balancing)
3 drops lemon (uplifting)
5 drops geranium (calming, balancing & uplifting) Source

Carrier oils are the oils that carry the essential oil. A wide variety is available including the following:

Almond oil - very easily absorbed by the skin, is very smooth, has little smell, keeps well, contains vitamin D and has beneficial effects on hair, dry skin and brittle nails.
Apricot kernel oil - light, contains Vitamin A, particularly good for use on the face if the skin is dry or aging.
Avocado oil - heavy, rich in nutrients, very good for dry aging and sensitive skins.
Evening primrose oil - helpful for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, only keeps for about 2 months after opening.
Grapeseed oil - light, good for oily skin, one of the least expensive oils.
Hazelnut oil - penetrates the skin very easily and is deeply nourishing Jojoba Oil - light, rich in vitamin E, beneficial for spots, acne, dandruff and dry scalp.
Olive oil - can be used in a pinch, but has a strong smell which may compete with the essential oil.
Peach kernel oil - light, contains vitamins A and E, very good for the face.
Soya Oil - easily absorbed, rich in vitamin E.
Sunflower oil - contains essential fatty acids, rich in vitamin E, has a slightly nutty smell.
Wheatgerm oil - contains vitamins A, B, C and E, firms and tones the skin, reduces blemishes, can help to reduce scar tissue and stretch marks, has a strong smell.

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