* As cuffing season approaches, it’s time to boost your oxytocin levels
* This “love hormone” will get you into the right frame of mind for coupling up
* De-stressing and relaxing with essential oils indirectly does the trick
If you are unfamiliar with the term “cuffing season,” it’s the time of year when single people decide it’s better to couple up than go it alone. Unbearably cold weather, warm winter fires and seemingly endless social events often make winter the right time to pair up with a semi-suitable partner.
However, finding a temporary mate isn’t just like flicking on a light switch. And getting yourself into the right frame of mind for love or lust is easier said than done. But, it’s scientific fact that higher levels of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” promote the idea of coupling in the human brain. So, by manipulating your oxytocin levels, it may be possible to mentally prepare yourself and increase the chances of a successful pairing.
Increasing oxytocin in the brain can be indirectly linked to the presence of a second hormone called cortisol — affectionately known as the “stress hormone.” As you may be able to guess, oxytocin and cortisol are not friends. And on a simplified level, cortisol kills oxytocin. Therefore, removing cortisol may help boost your oxytocin.
There’s no better way to remove your “stress hormone” than by removing stress itself. And a great way of doing so is using essential oils to relax. Below, we’ve put together a mix of the most stress-relieving essential oil products on the market. From shower gels to body scrubs, let these oil-infused miracles wick away your stress and increase your desire for love.
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1. Cedarwood
Cedarwood essential oil has a calming effect on the mind. Therefore, using it for your daily wash is a great way to relax your soul. Enjoy a deep cleanse with Every Man Jack Shower Gel. This cedarwood-scented body cleaner works to get rid of the daily build-up of dirt from your body. With its combination of coconut-derived surfactants, rosemary and sage oils, you’ll feel the powerful cleaning in action as your skin is moisturized, cleansed and hydrated. To get the most out of this cedarwood gel, simply work it into a rich lather before applying and rinse it off with clean water afterward.
2. Ylang Ylang
By now the idea of reducing your cortisol levels should be at the top of your stress-relieving goals. As previously mentioned, doing so will boost your oxytocin levels. And because general stress relief and lowering your cortisol levels go hand in hand, it’s no surprise that this Edens Garden Roll-On is a great way to get the party started. The roll-on is filled with natural oils in stress-killing citrusy notes, like ylang-ylang. As an added bonus, this Stress Relief Synergy Blend is available in a range of other sizes.
3. Sandalwood
Sandalwood essential oil is a relaxant by nature. It has been shown to reduce levels of anxiety, fear, stress and restlessness while promoting relaxation and positive thought. So, say goodbye to your stress and anxiety with this earthy, sandalwood candle. Boasting a smoother fragrance than the rest of the competition, this USA-made candle consists of premium soy wax. In particular, this paraffin-free relaxation option makes a great gift for a stressed-out friend or partner. Plus, the packaging is 100% recyclable, so your environmental conscience can remain clear.
4. Bergamont
Bergamot oil is a sort of natural antidepressant. By improving the circulation of your blood, this essential oil can fill you with feelings of joy and freshness. Therefore, with this sugar scrub and its mix of relaxation-inducing oils, you’ll be able to wash away your worries in no time. Bergamont, coconut, argan and rosemary extract come together to make a scrub that smooths and nourishes as you work it into your skin. The included shea butter makes this product a great option for softening the harder areas of your skin around your elbows, knees and heels. It can also aid in the recovery of cracked skin to leave it feeling and looking amazing.
5. Chamomile
If it’s good enough to help yoga and meditation gurus reach a point of relaxation, you know chamomile has got to be an effective stress reliever. To use the power of chamomile, consider investing in an essential oil spray. The ASUTRA Premium Aromatherapy Mist boasts a blend of chamomile and lavender essential oils, which can be used both to create an atmosphere of relaxation while working wonders on your skin. Expect peace and tranquility as the formula wafts through the air around you. Then, enjoy the hydrating and regenerating feel as it falls upon your skin.
6. Rose
Rose essential oil is known to boost self-esteem and mental strength while fighting anxiety. This lotion specifically combines rose and chamomile essential oils to create a powerhouse moisturizer. As an added bonus to the de-stressing effects of this body lotion, you’ll find the formula to be effective against a range of other common skin conditions. From the oat beta glucan and rice proteins for reducing fine lines to the mango seed butter, jojoba oil and olive wax, which work to give you soft, smooth and moisture protected skin, this lotion ticks a lot of boxes. The EO lotion is also cruelty-free and contains no synthetic fragrances.
7. Lavender
Lavender is often thought of as the ultimate essential oil for relaxation, and it’s true that this amazing scent can reduce cortisol levels. It only follows that using products like the Aura Cacia Relaxing Lavender Body Oil could help put you in the mood for love. Produced using 100% pure essential oil, this lavender-scented body oil will bring those summertime feelings flooding back every time you use it. Each of the plant-derived oils inside the bottle helps to keep your skin nourished whether you’re applying it as a shower oil, body oil or as part of an at-home massage. For a complex yet beautiful scent, the formula contains a mix of lavender species, including lavandin and spike lavender.
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