Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular these days and for good reason. Their benefits range from boosting the immune system to improving your mood.
One of the more common ways people are integrating essential oils into their lives is by using them for relaxation. Here’s our list of our favorite top three relaxing essentials oils to help get you started.

Lavender
Lavender might be the most popular choice for stress relief when it comes to essential oils. This particular essential oil is frequently used in treatment for everything from skin inflammation and sleep deprivation to depression and anxiety. Made from the lavender flower, it has been used in aromatherapy for centuries, and is frequently included in personal care products.
Want to try using lavender yourself? Try adding lavender essential oil to a foot soak or bath salts, or improve your chances for sound sleep by sprinkling a few drops on a tissue tucked underneath your pillow, or diffusing next to your bed before going to sleep.

Marjoram
Known primarily for being a cooking spice, marjoram is a wonderful essential oil to help soothe tense muscles and a stressed mind. It originates from the plant known commonly as Knotted Marjoram, and can be used for the relief of aching pain, sudden spasms, digestive relief and even lessons symptoms related to menstrual cycles.
On first smell, marjoram has a spicy scent, but as it mellows out, it transforms into a warm, woodsy smell. Marjoram is a useful addition to your group of relaxing oils because it can help center your mind and ground your nerves. Try this when you’re on the go by diluting a few drops into a carrier oil and rubbing it on the back of your neck. Please note: pregnant woman should be careful in their use of marjoram oil.

Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang essential oil is derived from the Ylang ylang flower. The oil has a strong floral scent - a little will go a long way. In addition to relieving anxiety and insomnia, the uplifting floral scent can also help with depression and the easing of blood pressure.
Ylang ylang can be inhaled directly, but tread lightly at first, as it can cause headaches in some. Ylang ylang works well as a massage oil and has been scientifically demonstrated to relieve stress by inducing a feeling of calm.

Remember: Essential oils will always be a personal preference, and what works for one person might not work for another. We hope these three will help you get started in your journey with relaxing essential oils.
Ready to feel the effects of these essential oils and others yourself? Check out the Real Purity Bath & Body and Real Purity Skin Care categories to soak up some essential oils for yourself this season.
Note: As with all essential oils, please remember to test for skin sensitivity first and/or to consider using a carrier oil when applying directly to the skin.
Sources:
http://www.quinessence.com/blog/essential-oils-for-insomnia
http://www.prevention.com/mind-body/natural-remedies/how-lavender-can-help-you-sleep
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16807875