First, let's talk about the startle response. This is a natural defensive response to sudden or threatening stimuli. Usually the onset of the startle response is a reflex reaction. The startle reflex is a brain stem refectory reaction (reflex) that serves to protect the back of the neck (whole-body startle) and the eyes (eye-blink) and facilitates escape from sudden stimuli.


Most babies have this natural startle reflex (Moro Reflex) early on in life to protect them from dangerous situations, like falling, but the reflex normally disappear within the first few months of life. To help a child who is easily upset by this reflex, health professionals suggest that the baby be swaddled, or held close to the parent while sleeping. All of my children had this reflex when they were young, but quickly grew out of it.

On the other hand, if the startle reflex persists into adulthood, well, it can be unsettling, to say the least.  I mean, who wants to be startled several times during a typical day? When this happens the heart rate increases, the Adrenalin kicks in and there is that uneasy feeling of fight or flight. For the person experiencing this response it can be very disturbing. Yes, we may chuckle a little when we accidentally startle a friend who suffers with this exaggerated response, but we don't often think about the discomfort it causes for them.

We may just think it odd that our friend is so easily startled, but there is actually a medical term for an unusual and ongoing startle response to normal, everyday interactions with others. It is called an Exaggerated Startle Response. This response can be triggered by common everyday activities and may be elicited by lightly touching the person's nose, clapping or making other noises, suddenly jolting the person's chair, or simply an unexpected touch or voice from behind. But, there is hope. Some have found relief by using certain essential oils or oil blends like, Peace and Calming. 

White Angelica. White Angelica is an essential oil blend designed to counter negativity and give a feeling of security. This blend includes Ylang Ylang, Rose, Melissa, Sandalwood, Geranium, Spruce, Myrrh, Hyssop, Bergamot, and Rosewood.

Deep Relief.  This is a blend of  nine different oils! Peppermint, Wintergreen, Dorado Azul, Clove, Copaiba, Lemon, Vetiver, Canadian Balsam Fir, and Helichrysum. It helps to relieve muscle tension, soreness, soothes sore joints and ligaments, calms stressed nerves, and helps to relieve inflammation and pain.

Peace and Calming.  This is a blend of Ylang Ylang, Orange, Tangerine, Patchouli, and Blue Tansy. Mentioned above, this blend promotes relaxation, a deep sense of peace and emotional well-being, dampens tensions, and uplifts feelings. You can use this blend in a diffuser, add to bath water, apply to wrists, edge of ears, or feet. Or you may choose to combine it with lavender to support better sleep.

PanAway. PanAway is a blend of Wintergreen, helichrysum, clove, and peppermint. It helps to reduce pain and inflammation and promotes healthy muscles. Add PanAway to your bath water for a spa-like experience!

Stress Away. I use this often! This is a wonderful blend of Copaiba, Lime, Cedarwood, Vanilla, Ocotea and Lavender. It brings feelings of peace and tranquility, helps relieve daily stress and nervous tension, improves mental response, restores equilibrium, promotes relaxation, and lowers hypertension (because of its ability to reduce stress).

Lavender. Use Lavender as a relaxant and to reduce inflammation. Among many other uses, Young Living's Lavender Vitality (GRAS) certified by the FDA for internal use, may also be taken as a supplement for seasonal discomforts.

SARA. This blend is so important to have on hand during difficult or emotional times. It is a blend of Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Rose, and Blue Tansy. It helps a person to relax into a mental state that facilitates the releasing of trauma.