Aromatherapy as a Substitute for Caffeine
Americans love their coffee. In fact, we’re willing to pay an exorbitant price to get that jolt of caffeine. Some people will swear that they can’t function without the buzz they get from their cup o’ Joe first thing in the morning. The biggest problem is the jitteriness felt when you’ve had one cup too many. It’s a terrible feeling – the feeling of listlessness and nervousness felt when one has had an excessive amount of caffeine! If you’ve had this feeling one too many times, you may be ready for some aromatherapy. You may be thinking that aromatherapy is used for relaxation and some essential oils are very effective in treating stress and you would be correct, but some essential oils are amazing at helping you stay alert and focused without the jitteriness that caffeine can cause.
Rosemary is an amazing essential oil and is a natural stimulant. If you’ve ever had an herb garden containing rosemary, you probably know the wonderful sensation of running your hands through the branches and then deeply inhaling the unique woody residue left on your hands. Most of us know Rosemary as an herb used to flavor pork or other fragrant recipes, but Rosemary has a long history of healing. It has been used for centuries to strengthen the memory and stimulate the mind.
Who hasn’t heard of black pepper? It’s safe to say that most of us add it to many of the food we enjoy. Pepper essential oil, however, has been used therapeutically for centuries and has been known, among many things, to increase concentration. It is considered a mentally invigorating essential oil. An added benefit is that It is also considered a stimulating aphrodisiac.
Basil is another herb we think of as a pleasant addition to many recipes. Basil essential oil, however, is very therapeutic, and especially useful in treating fatigue. In fact, it is thought to sharpen a listless intellect and strengthens the mind. It is considered effective in treating weakness and is also uplifting, clarifying and strengthening. Since it is also used to treat nervousness and anxiety, it’s safe to say that it can provide stimulation without the jitteriness one gets from drinking too much coffee.
Cardamon is another essential oil that is considered a mild stimulant, and useful in quickening the mind. It has been described as uplifting and has the power to lighten thoughts. It is also helpful in clarifying the mind of noise and confusion. It is also another essential oil that is considered by some to be an aphrodisiac.
Peppermint oil is a favorite essential oil and along with its many tonic properties, it is also famous for being a natural stimulant. It has been said to be mentally and physically invigorating and energizing. In fact, studies have shown that breathing in peppermint oil can increase one’s mental accuracy nearly 30%.
While caffeine is strictly a stimulant for most people, essential oils that have stimulating effects also seem to have a corresponding calming effect on stress, anxiety and nervousness. Some alternative practitioners would say that this has to do with how essential oils promote mental and physical balance. Try getting that from Star Bucks!