you’re a recovering addict, you understand the mental and physical challenges of recovery. I have encountered such grace and willpower within my patients throughout the years along with many tools that help them achieve this. I’ve witnessed recovering addicts use meetings, meditation, and gardening to tackle, soothe, and ease their challenges with much success. Another possibility is aromatherapy. It is easy, affordable, and beneficial to use. Have you considered adding one or more of these tools to your arsenal for aromatherapy for recovery?
Aromatherapy for Recovery Tools
1. Chamomile
The first tool for aromatherapy for recovery is chamomile. The flowers and buds of the chamomile plant have a crisp, fruity, and sweet aroma. Because this aroma eases anger, irritability, and insomnia, I recommend you use this essential oil or enjoy a hot cup of chamomile tea to find calm within the storm. It can take the edge off of these boiling emotions and aid you in making clear-minded decisions.
2. Clary Sage
Clary sage has a rich, nutty aroma laced with bitter sweetness. With this scent, you’ll feel less anxious and may find sleep comes easier, which is especially helpful when daily life pushes on your nerves and disquiets your mind. It smooths out tension so that you can focus on your goals for recovery.
3. Dill
Dill has a light, sweet grassy aroma. It is especially effective when you’re feeling overwhelmed or nervous. In order to resist turning to an old addiction when you experience a heavy workload, financial challenges, and other daunting struggles, try immersing yourself within the friendly, earthy smell of dill. Every little bit helps in your journey to recovery.
4. Eucalyptus
Aromatic eucalyptus has a bold, woodsy scent that is clean and thrilling. I know eucalyptus opens the sinuses when you’re feeling sick, but this essential oil can also give you a punch of mental and physical energy. This is crucial for staying strong in your sobriety goals and pursuing more activities that enhance your life. One caution I must make is that those suffering from asthma should steer clear of this powerful aroma.
5. Ginger
Ginger is carnival of flavor and scent. It has a warm, earthy zest that stimulates your mood and mind. I’ve found it to be especially useful in soothing the Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome and fuzzy brain newly recovering addicts sometimes experience. It is also a tonic for stomach pain, nausea and poor circulation, so it may energize the body’s purging powers as you recover.
6. Jasmine
Jasmine has an exotic, sensuous musk that is sure to please. It is embraced for lifting depression, encouraging confidence and giving positive vibes. All of this is essential in finding the bravery required to stay strong on your path to recovery. Jasmine tends to be a bit expensive due to the distillation process, but there are other depression-fighting scents you can try such as bergamot, lavender and lemon.
7. Lavender
When you wish to ease frustration and find serenity, lavender is like an old, classic friend that can gently soothe your worries away. It has a delicate, herbal aroma that can calm the riled up nerves of change and lull you to sleep. Recovery is demanding (but of course very worth it!), so try lavender to help you find your stable center.
8. Lemon
Almost everybody loves the zippy, cheerful scent of lemon. When I imagine lemons, I feel as clean and bright as a spring sunrise. It zests up your mood, fills you with energy, and melts stress, so make fresh lemonade or use lemon oil to maintain your positive frame of mind. The power of optimism is infinite, so anything that can bring a smile to your face and a come-what-may attitude is a surefire way to recovery.
9. Peppermint
Peppermint is a beloved aroma with a cool, refreshing kick. It whips up focus and clarity so you can stay on target with your recovery goals. Peppermint may also relieve frayed nerves and anxiety. In a bath, the oil can both calm and uplift, massaging away the lethargy that depression instills. As for the physical symptoms of withdrawal, some claim that peppermint quells nausea and eases headaches.
10. Sandalwood
The scent of sandalwood is a mosaic of earth, spice and heat. It is a favorite for meditation as it stimulates deep contemplation and peace. Since I often encourage my patients to add meditation to their recovery skill set, it is an ideal choice to try.
11. Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang as a light, romantic aroma with a touch of fruit and flowers. It is another calming essential oil that can loosen anxiety and cool anger. Reflections of gratitude and happiness go hand in hand with this lovely scent. Keep some in your desk at work, in your vehicle, and at home for when you begin to feel tense or need a friendly reminder to guide you back on the path of purpose.
Are you ready to try and see how helpful aromatherapy for recovery is? Everyone who has chosen to be assertive and fight their addictions can benefit from a strong center and clear mind; essential oils can be wonderful tools to achieve these strengths. Have you already embraced them in your journey? I would love to hear all about it and other methods you have explored. As always, we are in this together!
To learn more about aromatherapy for recovery, our addiction treatment services or our rehab programs give us a call today at 855-631-2135.
By Angela Lambert
Photo by: Audrey (Flickr)
