It’s No Fun to Feel Anxious and Overwhelmed…. Five Essential Oils to Soothe Your Brain So You Can Fully Enjoy Your Stay in Saratoga

Visiting Saratoga, with its beautiful shops, fun concerts, engaging events, and its historical state park, provides a respite from the stressors of daily life. Yet, we can lose the richness of the present moment when the background chatter of our mind starts listing our to-do lists and frets over the turmoil of global events.

In my recent video blog, I reviewed America’s mental health crisis and why essential oils can be an important aid to achieving better brain and emotional balance for our nation. Highlights included:

• The current state of mental health in America
• How essential oils support brain health and mood
• Psychoaromatherapy: Using essential oils for psychiatric disorders

In this post, I want to share with you more specifics on using our favorite aromatic allies to ease your mind. In this way, you can better enjoy your time in Saratoga. Specifically, I will highlight five of my favorite essential oils to soothe your brain from stress. Once relieved of the overwhelm, you can take in the full experience of shopping on Broadway, feeling the serenity of the Healing Springs, cheering on your favorite horse at the track, or singing along at SPAC.

So, let’s get started!

Five Oils to Calm Your Brain So You Can Take in More of Saratoga

1. Lavender Oil: Lavender is one of the most recognized oils for promoting relaxation and calming. It has been shown to benefit the brain, support emotional health, improve immune response, and alleviate anxiety. Lavender oil has such convincing effects for its use for anxiety, Germany has formulated it as a prescription medication for this indication!

Lavender oil can be inhaled, applied topically (in a carrier oil), or taken internally under the guidance of a knowledgeable physician or clinical aromatherapist. This oil can be a wonderful way to ease your mind and assist you into entering a peaceful slumber after an exciting day at the track.

2. Bergamot essential oil (BEO): BEO is another popular essential oil for soothing the mind-body. Clinical studies have validated it to have an overall positive role in reducing stress, lowering cardiovascular hyperactivity, improving nervous system tone (as measured by heart rate variability), and decreasing anxiety. These aspects make BEO a great pick for those having a hard time focusing on their present experience at Saratoga due to worries about the future.

My favorite study to demonstrate the power of bergamot oil is based on the response of 41 females to its aroma. The researchers concluded that 10 minutes of inhalation of bergamot oil improved heart rate variability, cortisol levels (“the stress hormone”), mood, and fatigue. (A table from a review article of seven studies using BEO can be found here.)

3. Clary Sage Oil: This oil is well known for its supportive role on hormones and women’s health. It was shown in a small study to influence levels of cortisol and serotonin (a neurotransmitter) and elevate mood in postmenopausal women. I have also found clary sage oil to be helpful in assisting with reducing various perimenopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, in my clinic. If you are a woman struggling with hormonal symptoms that could rob you of enjoying fun moments at SPAC, inhaling or applying this oil may provide you with the relief you desire.

4. Frankincense Oil: This oil is the “King of essential oils” due to its multi-faceted effects on the mind-body-spirit. Frankincense (Boswellia spp.) oil enhances the mood, benefits immune health, and uplifts the soul. This oil can be applied similarly to lavender, but I grab it first for any neurological or immune challenges, as frankincense contains specific sesquiterpenes which benefit the nervous system.

Besides supporting your resiliency for outings, diffusing frankincense oil, which is high in pinenes, will also allow you to prolong the benefits of your nature walk in the Saratoga Park and your experience at the Healing Springs. These “phytoncides” are linked to enhanced immune and stress-relieving effects. This dual combination of nature and “nature in a bottle” will enhance your mind-body relaxation and the revitalization of your soul.

There are different chemotypes of Boswellia spp. The species I most often use for emotional and immune support is B. carterii. Dependent on the manufacturer and distilling process, it can contain incensole, an additional compound that can support neurological health.

5. Citrus Oils: Inhale the “calm focus” with the scent of citrus fruit. Citrus smells are well-known for their emotional enhancement and nervous system balancing properties. Citrus oils have been found to relieve anxiety, enhance focus, and lighten one’s mood. They are one of my first oil choices for children to help improve their attention and assist with completing their schoolwork.

During the summer, citrus oils are great to inhale and diffuse when one wants to feel more elation and gain a sense of calm focus. Diffusing them in the morning can be a refreshing way to ensure the family’s spirits are high before heading out to your favorite Saratoga coffee shop and bakery. (Saratoga Gluten Free Goods are gluten free and made with organic, non-GMO, and locally grown ingredients whenever possible!)

Note: Be mindful of topical applications of citrus oils if you are heading outdoors in the sunshine within 12 hours. Many citrus oils are phototoxic, causing skin discoloration with UV exposure if not properly diluted.

Summary of Soothing Oils for a Better Saratoga Experience

Essential oils can be a wonderful ally to upgrade your Saratoga experience. Consider:

• Lavender oil to calm you down at night after an eventful evening at SPAC.
• Clary sage oil to tame hormonal swings and mood imbalances that could trump your shopping experience on Broadway.
• Bergamot oil to soothe a stressed-out mind that is having a hard time staying present during museum and art gallery trips.
• Frankincense oil to enhance your health and accompany your walk in the Saratoga Spa State Park.
• Citrus oils to help you focus and tune-in to the best bets on the Saratoga track and best buys on Broadway.

I’d love to hear from you if you have any experience with these oils.

If you want more information on essential oils for mind-body support, refer to my recent video blog and be sure to check out my resources below.

Many blessings.