In today’s fast-paced world, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to keep our stress and anxiety levels under control. The pandemic has made things even worse, leaving many of us feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Luckily, essential oils can be an excellent natural remedy for stress and anxiety. These oils can help calm the mind, promote relaxation, and even ease muscle tension. In this blog post, we will look at the 10 best essential oils for anxiety and stress. Whether you prefer floral, earthy, or citrusy scents, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover some of the best essential oils to help you unwind and relax.
1. Lavender Essential Oil: A Soothing Aid for Anxiety and Stress
Lavender essential oil is a popular choice for reducing feelings of anxiety and stress. Its calming properties make it an ideal choice for use in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and ease tension. Here are some benefits of using lavender essential oil:
- Inhaling lavender essential oil through aromatherapy can promote relaxation and help ease tension.
- Research has shown that lavender essential oil can improve sleep and reduce feelings of agitation and restlessness.
- Applying diluted lavender essential oil to the skin may help relieve muscle tension and promote a sense of calmness.
Lavender essential oil is generally safe for most people to use and has few side effects when used as directed. However, it is important to always dilute essential oils before applying topically and check with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or medical conditions.
Also Read: Avocado Oil Benefits, Uses and Side Effects
2. Chamomile Essential Oil: A Calming Remedy for Anxiety and Stress
Chamomile essential oil has natural calming properties that can help soothe anxiety and stress. It is extracted from the flowers of the chamomile plant, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its relaxation and sleep-inducing benefits.
- Inhaling chamomile essential oil has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation. A few drops can be added to a diffuser or a few drops can be added to a bowl of hot water to inhale the steam.
- Applying chamomile essential oil topically can help relieve muscle tension and promote a sense of calmness. It can be added to a carrier oil and used for a soothing massage or applied directly to the skin after being diluted with a carrier oil.
- Chamomile essential oil can be added to a warm bath to promote relaxation and reduce stress. A few drops can be added to a warm bath or mixed with Epsom salts for added benefits.
- People with allergies to ragweed or other plants in the daisy family should use chamomile essential oil with caution.
Chamomile essential oil is a safe and effective remedy for anxiety and stress. However, it is important to use it as directed and to consult a healthcare provider if you have any medical concerns.
3. Bergamot Essential Oil: A Joyful Solution for Anxiety and Stress
Bergamot essential oil has a citrusy scent that can uplift the mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Research has shown that inhaling bergamot essential oil through aromatherapy can promote relaxation and reduce feelings of agitation and anxiety. But before applying this essential oil, caution should be taken as exposure to sunlight after application may increase the risk of skin damage. It is also important to note that bergamot essential oil should not be ingested without first consulting a healthcare provider.
For those who want to use bergamot essential oil topically, it can be added to a carrier oil to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. Due to the potential for skin damage, it is important to dilute the essential oil properly and perform a patch test before application.
Overall, bergamot essential oil can be a great addition to a stress-relief routine when used properly and with caution.
4. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil: A Relaxing Answer for Anxiety and Stress
Ylang ylang essential oil has a floral scent that can help promote relaxation and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Inhaling ylang ylang essential oil through aromatherapy can help reduce blood pressure and promote relaxation.
Ylang ylang essential oil can be added to a warm bath to help soothe muscle tension and reduce stress. Applying diluted ylang ylang essential oil topically can help promote a sense of calmness and reduce anxiety.
However, people with sensitive skin may experience irritation when using ylang ylang essential oil, and it should be used with caution. It is always recommended to patch test any essential oil prior to use.
5. Frankincense Essential Oil: A Grounding Support for Anxiety and Stress
Frankincense essential oil has a woody, earthy scent that can promote a sense of calmness and grounding. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices for its calming and grounding properties. Here are some ways to use frankincense essential oil to combat anxiety and stress:
- Inhaling: Inhaling frankincense essential oil through aromatherapy can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Topically: Applying diluted frankincense essential oil topically can help relieve muscle tension and promote a sense of calmness. Caution should be taken as some people may experience skin irritation when using frankincense essential oil.
Overall, frankincense essential oil is a great option for those looking for a natural way to combat anxiety and stress.
6. Clary Sage Essential Oil: A Hormonal Helper for Anxiety and Stress
Clary sage essential oil has natural balancing properties that can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress related to hormonal imbalances. In fact, clary sage essential oil is known to be particularly helpful for women who are experiencing menstrual cramps and mood swings.
Inhaling clary sage essential oil through aromatherapy can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation. This is because clary sage essential oil contains compounds that interact with the limbic system, which is responsible for regulating emotions and stress responses in the body.
Clary sage essential oil can be combined with a carrier oil and applied topically to help relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. Some people also use clary sage essential oil in massage oil blends to help alleviate PMS symptoms.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult a healthcare provider before using clary sage essential oil, as there is limited research on its safety during pregnancy or lactation. Additionally, clary sage essential oil should be used with caution as it can cause drowsiness in some people.
7.Peppermint Essential Oil: An Energizing Relief for Anxiety and Stress
Peppermint essential oil has a refreshing scent that can help increase alertness and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This essential oil is derived from the peppermint plant, a hybrid of watermint and spearmint, and has been used for centuries for its therapeutic benefits.
How Peppermint Essential Oil Helps with Anxiety and Stress
Peppermint essential oil can be used in aromatherapy to promote mental clarity, reduce fatigue, and relieve stress. Inhaling peppermint essential oil through a diffuser, inhaler, or steam inhalation can help promote a feeling of rejuvenation and energize the mind.
Topical application of diluted peppermint essential oil can also help relieve muscle tension and promote a sense of relaxation. Peppermint oil has a cooling and soothing effect on the skin, making it an ideal choice for massage or topical application on areas of the body that may be tense or sore.
Additionally, peppermint essential oil can be used to alleviate headaches and migraines associated with stress and tension. Topical application on the temples or inhaling the oil can provide relief from the pain and discomfort caused by headaches.
Precautions to Take When Using Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil is generally safe for most people to use. However, it can cause skin irritation in some individuals, so it’s important to dilute the oil properly before applying topically. It’s also important to use caution when using peppermint essential oil around young children, as it can be too strong for their sensitive skin and respiratory systems.
Lastly, people with certain medical conditions such as epilepsy or high blood pressure should use peppermint essential oil with caution as it can exacerbate these conditions.
Overall, peppermint essential oil can be a helpful tool in managing anxiety and stress symptoms. Whether used in aromatherapy or applied topically, it can provide a refreshing boost of energy and relief from tension and discomfort.
8. Cedarwood Essential Oil: A Comforting Solution for Anxiety and Stress
Cedarwood essential oil has a warm, comforting scent that can help promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Inhaling cedarwood essential oil through aromatherapy can help promote calmness and emotional balance. Cedarwood essential oil can be added to a carrier oil and applied topically to help relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. Cedarwood essential oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices for its grounding and calming properties.
Cedarwood essential oil should not be ingested without first consulting a healthcare provider.
9. Vetiver Essential Oil: An Earthy Remedy for Anxiety and Stress
Vetiver essential oil is extracted from the roots of the vetiver plant, which is native to India. It has a deeply relaxing, earthy scent that can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
Inhaling vetiver essential oil through aromatherapy can help promote relaxation and reduce feelings of restlessness and agitation. It has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine for its calming and grounding properties.
Applying diluted vetiver essential oil topically can help relieve muscle tension and promote a sense of calmness. It can be combined with a carrier oil and massaged into the skin or added to a warm bath for an all-over relaxing experience.
While vetiver essential oil is generally safe for most people to use, it may cause skin irritation in some individuals. It should be used with caution and a patch test should be performed before using it topically.
10. Rose Essential Oil: A Floral Support for Anxiety and Stress
Rose essential oil has a soothing floral scent that can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation. Inhaling rose essential oil through aromatherapy can help promote emotional balance and reduce stress. Rose essential oil can be added to a carrier oil and applied topically to help relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. Rose essential oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices for its calming and uplifting properties.
Note: People with sensitive skin may experience irritation when using rose essential oil, and it should be used with caution.
Do Essential Oils Work for Anxiety?
Essential oils do have therapeutic properties, but do they work for everyone? Well, there are some medications that can be very effective in relieving symptoms of anxiety, particularly benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan).
They help calm us down by reducing stimulation in our brain. It’s also important to keep in mind that medication isn’t always necessary or even appropriate. In fact, as many as 80% of patients with generalized anxiety disorder can effectively manage their condition with therapy alone .
Fortunately, there are some natural remedies that may ease your symptoms. The first thing to try is meditation — guided meditation is a particularly good option if you’re not used to meditating on your own.
Conclusion
In conclusion, essential oils for anxiety have been used for centuries to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and soothe anxiety. Lavender, chamomile, bergamot, ylang ylang, frankincense, clary sage, peppermint, cedarwood, vetiver, and rose essential oils are just a few of the best essential oils for anxiety and stress. Whether used through inhalation, topical application, or added to a warm bath, these essential oils have natural calming and grounding properties that can help promote relaxation, emotional balance, and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. As with any natural remedy, it’s important to use essential oils with caution and consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils, especially if you have medical conditions or allergies. With the right guidance and knowledge, essential oils can be a helpful tool in managing anxiety and stress naturally.
Stay up-to-date with my content by following me on Instagram!
People also ask
How can i calm my anxiety?
If you’re wondering how to calm your anxiety, it’s important to understand that everyone experiences stress and anxiety differently. Your symptoms may be caused by an internal or external event (or a combination of both). For example, if you have financial problems, family drama or job-related stress, experiencing depression or feeling anxious is common. And if a past trauma is causing your current symptoms, psychotherapy can help.
What smell calm anxiety?
The fragrance of lavender is popular because it’s been found to have a calming effect. Other scents that can have a calming effect on your brain and nervous system include: bergamot, lemon, neroli, rose, clary sage and sandalwood. The above blend can be made by adding six drops of each oil to one teaspoon of base oil (olive oil works best). It may help to add a few drops of your favorite skin-care carrier oil as well.
Is it ok to breathe essential oils?
No, it’s not safe to breathe in pure essential oils. Inhaling any kind of concentrated oil can trigger breathing issues and even an allergic reaction. Some people find that applying diluted oils directly to their skin is more effective than inhaling them (but make sure you dilute first!), while others swear by diffusing low concentrations of certain oils in order to reap their health benefits. If you want to try aromatherapy, talk with your doctor first, get a few samples and try applying some diluted oil onto your wrist and neck before working up to inhaling or diffusing—and always be sure to read through our safety guidelines before using any type of new remedy!
Pingback: Avocado Oil Benefits, Uses and Side Effects - Healthnourishing