Showing posts with label essential oils. Show all posts
Showing posts with label essential oils. Show all posts

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Common Aromatherapy Uses

Common Aromatherapy Uses
Word Count:
350
Summary:
Aromatherapy as used today originated in Europe and has been practiced there since the early 1900s. Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that every oil has a vibration or note, which can be used for different therapeutic applications.

Keywords:
aromatherapy, essential oils, aroma, health, roots, plants, natural, healthcare, oil, healthy,

Article Body:
Aromatherapy as used today originated in Europe and has been practiced there since the early 1900s. Practitioners of aromatherapy believe that every oil has a vibration or note, which can be used for different therapeutic applications.
Aromatherapy can be used to relax and soothe the mind and body, to energize or even to arouse. Aromatherapy derived from the use of essential oils to solicit specific emotions. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for their health supporting properties. The powerful aromas of essential oils affect your moods and feelings through your sense of smell.
By selecting a particular scent, you can encourage a state of relaxation, romance, healing or comfort. Essential oils can be used in Aromatherapy, to scent potpourri, lotions, cosmetics, perfumes, food flavorings and medicinally.
Additionally oils can be used in creating sachets, potpourri, reviving potpourri, and for light bulb scenting. Essential oils can also be used via the bath, diffusion, massage, or compress. Each individual person, fabric, or material may react differently to a particular suggested use.
Essential oils can be mixed in a cream essential oil combinations are applied directly to the skin for beauty care or treatment of sores or irritations. By using different essential oils, you can control the nature of those benefits.
A unique property of plants is that many contain natural fragrance or perfume-like scents known as essential oils. Essential oils come from plants while fragrance oils are artificially created and often contain synthetic chemicals.
Essential oils are taken from a plant's flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The yield of essential oil differs with individual plant species-ranging in most cases from about 0.2 to 2.0%. That's why literally tons of plant material are required for just a few hundred pounds of oil.
In some cases different organs of a single plant may contain essential oils of different chemical composition. In the end, even the smallest bottle of essential oil can create a lot of powerful solution. It is important to note that the benefits of aromatherapy do depend on the unique nature of each person's response to an aromatic stimulus.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Aromatherapy Essential Oils – An Inheritance Well Acclaimed

Aromatherapy Essential Oils – An Inheritance Well Acclaimed
Word Count:
658
Summary:
The therapeutic benefits of essential oils are many. Derived from the essence of plants, a few drops of aromatherapy essential oil produce the same effect as loads of the plant. This article has described essential oils and its properties, dealing with the ways in which essential oils can be used for maximum benefit. Additionally a checklist for the people who are planning to buy essential oils has been given in the article.

Keywords:
Essential oils, essential massage oils, essential oils wholesale, aromatherapy essential oils

Article Body:
The use of essential oils, which is derived from the pure essence of a plant, is not new. Though the term aromatherapy was coined only in the 1920s (by Gattefossé in 1928), people knew of aromatherapy essential oils from the prehistoric times. Starting from the Chinese to Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Persian and Indian civilizations, each have added to the science of essential oils and to aromatherapy as a whole.
Research still continues in the field of aromatherapy essential oils, with new developments being made in the field. Aromatherapy and essential oils are no longer limited to cosmetic or aromatic uses only. Many of the essential oils have been proved to have medicinal and therapeutic benefits too. Take lavender oil for instance. French chemist Gattefossé would have been unaware of the properties of lavender oil to give instant relief without any scar in cases of burn, until he burnt his hand and accidentally put his hand in the jar full of the essence of lavender. Similarly, there are a large number of essential oils that have medicinal properties. The 'tulsi' plant or Indian basil, distinct through its strong aroma and taste, is considered "the elixir of life" since it is thought to bring longevity. The use of the plant’s extracts is made to treat illnesses like headaches, inflammation, heart disease, and malaria. The essential oils derived from ‘karpoora tulsi’ have found use in the manufacture of herbal toiletry. 
Essential oils are derived from almost every part of the plant. Leaves, stems, flowers, roots, etc are distilled through steam or water to result into essential oils. Consequently, aromatherapy essential oils contain the true essence of the plant. In its purest form, a few drops of essential oil can give the same results that loads of that plant would have given. This is because essential oils are available in concentrated form.
Though referred to as oil, essential oils in aromatherapy do not give that oily feeing. Except for a few oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass, most oils are clear and see-through.
Aromatherapy essential oils must be differentiated from the perfume or fragrance oils. While essential oils contain the purest essence of the plant, fragrance oils are made of artificially created substances as a whole or a part of it. Fragrance oils may cause allergies or other skin reaction because of the use of artificial substances; but the use of essential oils brings upon no such allergic reaction.
Aromatherapy essential oils can be used by people either through inhalation or by applying them on skin in a diluted form. When essential oils are inhaled, they enter the bloodstream and lungs directly, thus producing an instant effect on the ailment.
Applying aromatherapy essential oils on the body is good for absorption. Since essential oils are available in a concentrated form, they need to be diluted using carrier oil. Sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grape seed oil, etc are blended with the essential oil; and the mixture is used on the body or the part that is afflicted.
One needs to be very careful while purchasing an essential oil. Though readily available, people are not well equipped to differentiate between the good quality and poor quality essential oil. The following checklist might be helpful to all those people who are on their way shopping for aromatherapy essential oils:
• A vendor who allows you to check the essential oil is preferred more.
• If the bottle containing essential oils has terms such as fragrance oils, nature identical oils; they are not essential oils.
• Never buy a bottle of essential oil that seems old. It might be adulterated or just might not produce the medicinal benefits.
• A clear glass bottle of essential oils allows light to come in, thus reducing its aroma therapeutic benefits. Avoid buying essential oils that are sold in clear glass bottles.
• Essential oils sold in plastic bottles too must be avoided as it dissolves plastic and becomes contaminated for use.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Aromatherapy and Men

Aromatherapy and Men
Word Count:
848
Summary:
A brief article that identifies some of the benefits of Aromatherapy for men.

Keywords:
Aromatherapy for men, Aromatherapy, Essential Oils

Article Body:
As we are all aware Aromatherapy is nothing new to civilization. However it is unlikely that you will find the word man and aromatherapy in the same sentence. In fact if you ask most guys what they know of Aromatherapy for men you would receive a vacant stare in return as they draw blanks in the mental index. The truth of the matter is many properties of Aromatherapy for men will benefit in today’s society. We are not living in the days of hunter gathers so the types of stress a man faces today are different compared to tribal days.  Not to say that the amount of stress is not similar to hunting or being hunted. I guess it can be summed up that today’s stress is a battle of the mind. When I think of how Aromatherapy has changed my life I reflect on three major benefits that have taken place in my life. This article will address the benefits of Aromatherapy for men in today’s modern culture.
 I think it would be appropriate to start from the beginning and briefly go over what Aromatherapy actually is, in case any of you guys don’t know. Believe it or not modern Aromatherapy was actually identified in France by a man named Rene Maurice Gattefosse in the 1920’s. Mr. Gattefosse was a chemist and apparently so prone to getting burned in his lab he became somewhat of a authority on burns from his own personal experience. One day as Mr. Gattefosse lit his arm on fire in a panic he doused the flames in a vat of lavender oil. Gattefosse experienced immediate relief from the pain and additionally in the days to come the recovery process was extremely short with minimal scarring. Compared to the previous burns he had experienced he could not deny he was on to something. After the incident Gattefosse dedicated his life to the study of Aromatherapy. So guys there you go nothing to be shy about Aromatherapy for men is totally natural.
 The number one benefit that I have seen happen in my life is the ability to deal with the stress in modern life. Previously to my experiments with Basil Oil my depression what at a all time high. It’s difficult to describe the properties of Basil Oil without smelling them in person. It is important to note that you should never use the exotic variety of basil it could possibly be a source of cancer. However Basil oil is amazing at giving me a second wind at the end of the day. I have more quality time with my daughter and strangely am able to let go of the stress I have had during the day. My focus is sharper so I can think clearly about positive aspects in life and bring my self to a place that is pleasant. I have also used Lemon oil but I tend to favor Basil but you should try both.
 When thinking about Aromatherapy for men think about what it can do for us when we are sick. Let’s face it most men turn to kittens when a cold strikes. Believe it or not Aromatherapy can get you back to the testosterone injected beefcake you once believed yourself to be. Let me introduce you to my little friend…..Eucalyptus oil and mint. During a cold or flu this little combo delivers a knockout in clearing the nasal passages. Give it a shot the next time you a feeling sick. Also another amazing essential oil is Yarrow oil it can get rid of most cold and flu symptoms. Obviously again this is treating the symptoms and not the cause but again it should be enough to get yourself positive enough to fight back mentally.
 Aromatherapy for men is also important in the area of skin burns. Lets face it guys are prone to skin burns. A nasty header burn on the leg can be a real bummer for the weekend. Skin burns are no bueno and as previously mentioned lavender oil is a great way to get some relief. You may also want to try Bergamot for cold sores combined with Eucalyptus oil provides amazing relief.
 Aromatherapy for men in the future will more than likely be more commonplace than it is today. I know from personal experience that it has had a tremendous effect on my relationship at home after a stressful day. I get through sickness with less misery and if by chance when I’m out playing I should get some sort of skin damage well I’m covered there as well. Aromatherapy for men in all has many uses. Just remember it’s making your life easier if you are having trouble getting over the stereotype. You are facing some risks with aromatherapy and in turn you will need to become informed with the techniques involved in producing the results you are looking for. If you are interested I have link to my website below full of information on Aromatherapy and yes I’m a man.

Aromatherapy: New Age Fad Or Age-Old Remedy?

Aromatherapy: New Age Fad Or Age-Old Remedy?
Word Count:
354
Summary:
Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils that have been extracted from plants, shrubs and trees. These essential oils can be used for a wide variety of purposes. They can be used to treat medical conditions or alleviate psychological ailments. Aromatherapy oils are used as cosmetics. Finally, aromatherapy can be used simply for pleasure, to help improve your mood or to reduce your stress. The essential oils of aromatherapy have the power to affect both your physical a...

Keywords:
aromatherapy,essential oils

Article Body:
Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils that have been extracted from plants, shrubs and trees. These essential oils can be used for a wide variety of purposes. They can be used to treat medical conditions or alleviate psychological ailments. Aromatherapy oils are used as cosmetics. Finally, aromatherapy can be used simply for pleasure, to help improve your mood or to reduce your stress. The essential oils of aromatherapy have the power to affect both your physical and mental state.
Aromatherapy has recently been labeled a New Age fad, but the practice of aromatherapy has a long history. The often negative use of the New Age label causes an unfortunate prejudice against a practice that has many potential benefits.
The effective use of aromatherapy requires considerable knowledge and expertise. The essential oils of aromatherapy can be applied in a wide variety of situations. They have been proven effective in treating both serious and minor ailments. Even when aromatherapy cannot provide a cure, it can improve an individual's mood.
We often practice aromatherapy on an everyday basis without realizing it. When we choose aromas, bath oils, and air fresheners, we usually choose based on what we like, or on how the fragrance makes us feel. The refreshing scent of a pine forest, the pleasurable aromas of herbs, or the many other daily experiences we have with the scents of plant-derived substances indicate that we are actually practicing and experiencing aromatherapy in many ways.
The practice of aromatherapy for treating ailments actually predates chemical-based medicine. The essential oils of aromatherapy have been used for hundreds of years in herbal medicine, disease prevention, and in religious and public ceremonies.
The proven benefits of plant-based therapies are being overlooked in favor of artificial substitutes. It's easy to forget that many commonly used pharmaceuticals were originally derived from plants. Many also doubt that something applied externally could possibly have an internal effect. But the answer to many of today's diseases has been with us from the beginning, stored in the plant life around us. Aromatherapy unlocks the power of these essential oils and applies it for our benefit.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Aromatherapy - More Than Just Hot Air

Aromatherapy - More Than Just Hot Air
Word Count:
317
Summary:
Many people have found aromatherapy very helpful in terms of their general feelings of psychological and physical wellness. Aromatherapy uses volatile plant oils in a natural form in massage, candles and other delivery methods.
Aromatherapy uses "Essential Oils". The vapors from these oils benefit many people when they are absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream, giving physical benefit. The aroma of the inhaled oils stimulates certain receptors in the brain, givin...

Keywords:
aromatherapy,essential oils, aromatherapy candles

Article Body:
Many people have found aromatherapy very helpful in terms of their general feelings of psychological and physical wellness. Aromatherapy uses volatile plant oils in a natural form in massage, candles and other delivery methods.
Aromatherapy uses "Essential Oils". The vapors from these oils benefit many people when they are absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream, giving physical benefit. The aroma of the inhaled oils stimulates certain receptors in the brain, giving psychological benefits.
The benefits of alternative therapies like aromatherapy are difficult to prove or disprove, but millions of people spend millions of dollars on these products and do so again and again, so they must be feeling better.
Essential oils are different from perfumes and commercial fragrances in that essential oils are 100% natural and contain no man-made chemicals, as so many perfumes do. Many people use a special burner to heat their oils to vaporize them using a tea-light candle underneath.
It is important to take advice only from an experienced and qualified aromatherapist because too high a concentration of some oils can be harmful, especially if applied to the skin. Be sure to get expert advice because some essential oils can cause sensitization or allergic reactions. Sensitization means that you will have little reaction on the first exposure, but subsequent use will cause a massive adverse reaction. Penicillin has this sensitisation effect on some people, a mild reaction the first time, but a second dose can be fatal if you are allergic to the antibiotic.
In aromatherapy massage essential oils, well diluted with "carrier oils" are rubbed into the skin. The diluted essential oils are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. Use of "Carrier Oils" is essential for safe application of "Essential oils" to the skin without very serious adverse reactions.
"Essential Oils" are often blended to give a greater effect than one could expect from the amounts of the separate oils.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

A Beginner's Guide To Using Aromatherapy With Children

A Beginner's Guide To Using Aromatherapy With Children
Word Count:
1655
Summary:
Trust your instinct - a beginner’s guide to using aromatherapy with children:
Essential oils are pure aromatic plant essences – they are distilled from flowers, fruit, leaves, resins, roots, seeds, and wood. The are used for their healing properties the world over – in , for example, they are only available through licensed, qualified parishioners. In the United States, we have free access to essential oils – but with this comes with some important cautions: Only some of t...

Keywords:
essential oils,aromatherapy,how to,beginning,mother,children,child,infant

Article Body:
Trust your instinct - a beginner’s guide to using aromatherapy with children:
Essential oils are pure aromatic plant essences – they are distilled from flowers, fruit, leaves, resins, roots, seeds, and wood. The are used for their healing properties the world over – in , for example, they are only available through licensed, qualified parishioners. In the United States, we have free access to essential oils – but with this comes with some important cautions: Only some of the essential oils available are suitable for children; others are not suitable for children and some are even dangerous to children (children with epilepsy should not come in contact with stimulating essential oils).
When used correctly however, essential oils can be of great benefit, and will not conflict with your child’s medically prescribed drugs. Always research the oil of choice thoroughly before using with your infant or child – ask advice from a qualified practitioner, or see the references at the end of this article.
That said, essential oils can be a wonderful way of supporting your child's health, happiness and well-being. Essential oils can be very therapeutic and nurturing to both your child and you, the caregiver. Essential oils are used externally (on the outside of the body) in your child’s bath, body lotions, oils, creams, gels, compresses, foot baths, or in a oil warmer. The effects of aromatherapy will generally fall into one of three main categories: 1) Assisting in healing from minor illnesses and accidents, 2) Supporting your child’s overall sense of well-being, and 3) Assisting your child in getting quality rest.
When using essential oils with your child, it is imperative that you find a reputable supplier of therapeutic-grade essential oils, using organic or wildcrafted varieties when possible. Synthetic copies of oils commonly used in perfumery are not appropriate, and may even be harmful to your child’s health. To maintain efficacy, essential oils should be kept in dark amber or cobalt glass containers, in a dark and cool location, away from the child’s access. Wooden storage boxes from craft or 'Pier One' type stores can make a nice container for the bottles.
Methods of Using Essential Oils
There are two methods of using essential oils with your child – INHALATION: through a diffuser, nebulizer, or adding to a humidifier reservoir, and TOPICAL APPLICATION: diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil and applying topically. Adding essential oils to a bath combines the two methods, though we will cover it under topical application.
For topical application, essential oils are diluted in varying strengths depending on the use and age of your child. The concentration can vary from one drop of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, to a couple of drops per teaspoon of carrier added to a drawn bath, to an equal ratio of carrier and essential oil applied directly to your child’s feet (as in the case of gentle Lavender). In other words, there is a huge variation in dilution levels depending on the circumstances. Mamas, do your research and then trust your instinct. Only you and your child baby know exactly what is right for your situation.
General dilution rate guidelines of essential oils in one ounce of carrier oil:
Age of Child and amount of Essential Oil per One Ounce Carrier Oil for Topical/Massage Application:
Newborn (Consult primary care physician before use)
1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
2-6 months
1-3 drops essential oil / ounce
6-12 months
1-4 drops essential oil / ounce
1-4 years (unless very small)
5-8 drops essential oil / ounce
6-7 years
5-10 drops essential oil / ounce
9-12 years
5-12 drops essential oil / ounce
12 years to young adult
10-15 drops essential oil / ounce
DO NOT USE AN ESSENTIAL OIL NEAT (undiluted ) on children’s skin, unless indicated to do so for a specific condition. If your child has very sensitive skin, it is important to test a small area before using a new single oil or blend. Keep essential oils away form the eyes. When using citrus oils - orange, bergamot, lemon, tangerine, mandarin, and lime - do not use where the skin will be exposed to sunlight for the next 12 hours. These oils are considered 'phototoxic', and can react from the sun's rays. They may be used in a bath, however, where they will be washed off the skin when the bath is done.
Essential oils are not to be taken orally (by mouth). When your child is taking medications, reduce the amount of essential oil by half the amount recommended for their age group.
Carrier oils for children
Sweet Almond oil is generally regarded as the safest and best overall carrier oil for use with babies and children. Apricot kernel oil is also considered extremely safe with children over 6. Jojoba oil can be added at about 10% concentration for any blend – it has a soothing effect on the skin and is good for hair.
Topical Application - Nurturing Touch Massage Recipes
There is nothing better for any child than the loving, nurturing touch of a parent. A gentle hug, a smile, a kiss on the cheek all reassure the child and help the parent and child to bond. These everyday forms of connection are instinctual and children thrive from it.
Research shows that massage can help children’s growth both physically and emotionally. In hospitals, studies done with premature baby’s show that touch is an essential aspect of the children’s ability to thrive.
Using aromatherapeutic nurturing touch massage can be therapeutic to both the child and the parent. Using a light, conscientious tough you can massage your child’s feet, arms, hands, back, abdomen, and even legs. The massage should always be done with loving intention and the work is done in the direction that the blood flows-from ankles to leg; from wrist to shoulder, etc.
Here are a few suggested blends for this wonderful method – each is in one (1) ounce of Sweet Almond oil:
Restful Sleep – 4 drops lavender, 2 drops Roman Chamomile
Happy Child – 3 drops Rose, 1 drop Neroli
Calm and Relaxed – 3 drops Petitgrain, 3 drops Neroli
Emotional Nurturing – 1 drop Rose, 1 drop Vanilla, 2 drops Lavender
For a Baby oil blend, to be used as a moisturizer OR massage oil (note: the frequent washing of a baby's skin actually makes it difficult for them to retain vitamin C; application of a quality skin oil will help them keep adequate supplies of this important nutrient).
1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil or hazelnut oil
1 drop of pure Lavender essential oil
1 drop of Vanilla essential oil
OR
1 ounce of organic sweet almond oil
2 drops of pure Lavender essential oil
1 drop of pure Chamomile (German) essential oil
The above blends can also be added to the bath. One teaspoon with the following amount of essential oils added can be added AFTER the bath is filled, per the age of the child: 3-5 years, 2 drops; 6-8 years, 3 drops; 8-11 years, 5 drops. Perhaps the easiest way to do this would be to make a full strength blend (without carrier oil) of your choice, then dilute as needed for the application.
Inhalation of essential oils
For inhalation, one can apply one or two drops to a handkerchief and inhale, or add oils to a water misting bottle or humidifier. Calming essential oils that may be used are Lavender (recommended for sleep – one to four drops can be placed under the pillow), Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Ho Wood (an ecologically friendly replacement for Rosewood), Tangerine, Petitgrain, Vanilla, and Neroli. Use these oils singly, create your own blend, or use one of the body oil blends above without the carrier oil. A few drops per quart of water in a mister sprayed throughout a room or added humidifier resevoir will do.
For an anti-anxiety blend: Try 5 drops bergamot, 1 drop lavender and 3 drops geranium – dilute to 10 drops per ½ pint of water for a room spray or use in a humidifier, or dilute to the appropriate level for your child's age if using topically. For alertness, try lemon, bergamot, grapefruit or pine, either singly or in a blend that pleases your senses (usually the best way to blend is to trust your nose!)
Essential oils can also be used in a candle lamp or warmer – with the oil gently evaporated from the surface of a small bowl of water by the heat of a candle. An electric nebulizing diffuser is generally not recommended for use with children, as the concentration of oils in the air can be too high.
Last but not least, essential oils are wonderful antiseptics.
Cuts and scrapes are simply a way of life for the little ones! A great blend for minor wounds is a 1:1 mix of Lavender and Tea Tree oil. The lavender is soothing, anti-inflammatory, and has regenerative 'ketones', while the tea tree is a strong antiseptic used for many generations by native Australians. Use this blend in the water used for cleaning wounds, and apply a few drops to the gauze of a bandage – do not apply directly to the skin as it will be unnecessarily irritating. On the bandage, however, it will be soothing and accelerate the healing process.
So this is a very brief overview of using essential oils with children. There are many, many diverse applications for essential oils for almost every conceivable minor ailment seen in childhood. The key is knowledge – finding a good practitioner, or reputable resource for your needs. For further reading, books by Valerie Ann Woorwood are excellent: "Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child" and "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy"; for safety data, see "Essential Oil Safety" by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs. The essential oils mentioned within this article are recognized as safe for most individuals – if you or your child are recognized as having a specific illness, and/or are under a doctor's regular care, please consult an appropriate practitioner before proceeding.
That said, aromatherpy can be a very fun and rewarding endevor for both you and your child. Essential oils have benefited the lives of many the world over, and have a little bit of plant magic available to everyone.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

5 Easy Ways to Lift the Spirit

5 Easy Ways to Lift the Spirit
Word Count:
753
Summary:
I tried the conventional way for many years and found that nothing ever really changed for me.  I still got sick, still got sad, and was still unhappy for long periods, rarely experiencing joy and peacefulness.

Keywords:
Spirit,healing,meditation,meditation techniques,intention,breathe,present moment,essential oils,aromatherapy

Article Body:
What to do? 
Luckily for me there’s always been that curiosity of what’s out there in the alternative world including the alternative therapies.  I’ve tried many of them over the years and will continue to do so, all in the hope I can make things better for my body, mind and spirit.   And it has.
I’m aware that what may work for me may not work for someone else, so the message is to keep trying until you find something that will suit your needs.
Many times I’ve been told they’ve tried everything.  What is everything?  What it actually boiled down to you could count on one hand.  It’s worthwhile to keep searching, you may find that your world expands in a most amazing way by the making of new friendships (I have) and picking up useful skills for your ‘self-healing’ tool-kit.
So what do I do when I’ve reached a cross-road and need some direction or could do with some healing?
Below I’ve listed 5 basic points that have helped to lift my spirit and with practice will also help yours:
1. Meditation!  Meditation is one of the greatest self healing tools available and costs nothing except a little of your time!  There are many meditation techniques out there, find one that suits you and begin. 
By putting some meditation music on and spending time in quiet contemplation it can soothe your soul and reconnect you with the highest aspect of yourself.
2. Aromatherapy and Essential Oils.
Rebalance and rejuvenate your spirit through blending a selection of essential oils together in an aromatherapy oil burner.  I’ve found the following blend works extremely well when there’s a need for nurturing, support and healing:
Approximately an hour before retiring to bed place a few drops of the following in an aromatherapy oil burner with some water (for safety’s sake, extinguish the flame before lights are turned off for the night):
4 drops Jasmine
4 drops Rose
4 drops Neroli
3 drops Lavender
3 drops Bergamot
The smell divine!  I use this one every now and again and not only sleep like a baby but anxiety and stress disappears, and feels like the weight of the world has lifted from my shoulders by the following morning!  (If you have a small bedroom you might like to half the amount of drops)
3. Breathe!  Stand with feet a shoulder-length apart.  Take 3 slow and deep breaths using the diaphragm muscles.  Breathe in through the nose, and breathe out through slightly parted lips.  As you do these imagine you’re inhaling your personal power, filling every cell in your body, from your diaphragm up to the top of your head. 
Be your personal power and notice how much taller, straighter and stronger you become.  Repeat the steps above.
4. Be in the Present Moment.  Take a few deep breaths and focus totally on this moment, right now. 
If you’re reading a book or magazine, or even this article, totally focus on the words and take in their meaning.  There is only you and this article now in the present moment.
If you’re in the workplace, focus totally on the task at hand, and only this task, and what you must do in order to complete it.  Nothing else matters except you and the task at hand.
5. Set an intention.  When I’m on the lookout for something new and useful for me, I set my intention on what it is I’m after. 
For example, I may want to find a book that will give me answers in regards to directing me to another healing modality or skill.  I then meditate on this intention, give it a timeframe then open my heart to it.  Lo and behold I will have a book in my hand in no time at all!  I love the power of intention – I also use intention for getting a parking space when I go shopping!
These days I rarely get sick and when I do and have a medical checkup, doctors tell me I’m actually very healthy (surely they can find something so I can get some sympathy around here!) which also includes blood test results.
I still do sadness and unhappiness well (I’m still human) though neither lasts long whereas in the past it would last many days sometimes weeks.  What lasts much longer is a peaceful state.

When using the 5 points above, my spirit lifts and life once again becomes more peaceful and joyful.