Reclaim Your Calm: Aromatherapy & Herbal Support for Stress Awareness Month

April isn’t just a time for blooming flowers and shifting seasons—it’s also Stress Awareness Month, a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what grounds us. In today’s fast-paced world, stress can feel like a constant companion. As someone who lives with multiple chronic illnesses and supports others through holistic healing, I know firsthand how deeply stress can affect the mind, body, and spirit. Thankfully, nature has always had our back. Let’s explore how aromatherapy and herbs—two pillars of plant-powered healing—can support your nervous system, promote emotional balance, and invite in more peace.

The Science Behind Stress Relief Through Scent

Aromatherapy works through the limbic system, the part of your brain that governs emotions and memories. When you inhale an essential oil, you're doing more than just smelling something pleasant—you're triggering a chain reaction in the body that can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and even regulate blood pressure.

Here are a few of my favorite stress-busting essential oils:

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)–A classic for a reason. Lavender calms the nervous system, helps regulate sleep, and eases tension headaches.

• Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)–Uplifting and bright, it can help relieve emotional overwhelm and anxiety.

• Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)–Deeply grounding, this oil encourages slow breathing and meditative stillness.

Tip: Add a few drops of your chosen oil to a diffuser, a lava stone bracelet, or a warm bath for an instant stress reset.

Herbs That Heal: Gentle Allies for Stress

Herbs are another gentle and effective way to support your body’s response to stress. Whether taken as teas, tinctures, or infused into honey, these plant allies help tone and nourish the nervous system over time.

Here are some herbal MVPs for stress support:

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – Known as the "gladdening herb," lemon balm soothes frayed nerves and gently uplifts the spirit.

• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) – A go-to for anxious thoughts and digestive stress.

• Tulsi/Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) – A sacred adaptogen that strengthens the body’s resistance to stress and promotes clarity.

• Milky Oats (Avena sativa) – Deeply nourishing for the overworked and overwhelmed, helping to rebuild the nervous system over time.

Create a tea routine: Blend lemon balm, chamomile, and tulsi for a sweet, calming tea you can sip throughout the day. Add a touch of local raw honey for extra comfort.

Routines to Reclaim Your Calm

Stress relief isn't about quick fixes—it's about creating pockets of peace that add up over time. Try incorporating one of these practices into your routine:

• Morning Grounding: Inhale a grounding blend (like frankincense and cedarwood), stretch your body gently, and set an intention for calm. Bonus points if you are able to place your feet on the ground. It exchanges our negative energy with positive energy from Mother Earth. 

• Midday Reset: Sip an herbal tea, step outside, or place a calming roller blend on your wrists and temples. Citrus oils such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit are great to boost your mood. Peppermint and Rosemary are great for a mental boost and focus. 

• Evening Unwind: Take a warm herbal bath with lavender and Epsom salts, or use a massage oil infused with blue lotus for deeper relaxation.

Your Calm, Your Way

You deserve to feel safe in your own body. This Stress Awareness Month, I invite you to connect with the wisdom of plants and create your own routines of resilience. Whether it's through an aromatherapy blend, an herbal tea, or a few quiet moments of breath, you have the power to soften the edges of your day—naturally.

If you need help choosing the right oils or herbs for your unique needs, I’m here. Let’s build a custom wellness plan that works with your life, not against it. Stay grounded!