Treating anxiety and stress with essential oils can be very effective. There are rarely any side effects using essential oils topically (and sometimes internally) to calm the mind and settle your emotions.
Below is a list of the most widely used essential oils to ease anxiety and stress. Scroll to the bottom of this article to find quick links to highly-rated products on Amazon.
Lavender is one of the most popular aromatics for treating anxiety. It is included as an ingredient in many topical bath products that promote relaxation and stress reduction. However, those products don't contain as much lavender as adding the oil yourself to a bath or moisturizing lotion.
To use lavender oil as an anxiety treatment, add 10 drops to your bath. For added relaxation, add two cups of Epsom Salt. The combination of lavender oil and magnesium is a potent relaxer! Make sure to stay in your bath for 12-20 minutes to allow the essential oil and Epsom salt to absorb fully.
You can also add a few drops of organic lavender oil to your moisturizing lotion. Make sure to shake well before use each time.
If using sensitive skin, test a small area first to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction.
Learn how Earth Clinic readers use lavender oil here.
2. BergamotBergamot essential oil is made from a special type of orange called a bergamot orange.
Earl Grey tea is made from black tea and bergamot citrus extract. Compounds found in black tea and bergamot act as antioxidants that help digestion and can lower your cholesterol.
Preclinical studies show that it has remarkable neurobiological effects and can alleviate anxiety.
Bergamot EO can also improve blood flow and increase your energy, like other types of citrus do.
Add a few drops of bergamot essential oil to a cotton ball and inhaling it deeply two or three times a day.
Chamomile is another prevalent and popular herb, primarily used for upset stomach and relaxation.
The essential oil of chamomile calms the mind and increases your ability to sleep. Our readers also report that chamomile oil reduces pain and cramps.
An effective way to use chamomile essential oil is to add a few drops to a carrier oil such as almond or coconut oil and massage it into the skin. You can also put a few drops into your bath.
4. RoseRose oil has a light and lovely scent. As you can guess, it is made from rose petals. Most people tolerate rose essential oil as it is quite mild.
This is one of the most popular essential oils used today to lower stress during pregnancy and labor.
Add a few drops of rose oil to your warm bath water and soak for at least 12 minutes.
Learn more from Earth Clinic readers about roses here.
This yummy-smelling essential oil gives you more energy, wakes you up fast, and lowers your stress!
One of the popular ways to use orange essential oil to relieve anxiety is by adding a few drops to a diffuser. Your entire room will have the scent of orange, thus relaxing you.
Sandalwood has a warm and woody aroma
. It has been used by herbalists in Asia for centuries to help balance and calm emotions.
Today, sandalwood is used to reduce anxiety. If inhaled before bed, it can help calm the mind for a good night of sleep and peaceful dreams.
You can inhale sandalwood essential oil right from the bottle.
Take three deep inhales every couple of hours after dinner until bedtime.
7. Ylang-YlangThis is a lightly-scented floral aromatic. It is popular with herbalists for its stress-relieving actions.
Shake a few drops of ylang-ylang onto a cotton ball and sniff.
You can also rub the oil directly onto your feet, sides of the neck, and backs of the wrists.
Note: This is a good oil to mix with other fragrances because it is so light.
8. JasmineUsed for centuries to treat insomnia, the oil from this beautiful flower can help reduce anxiety and allow you to sleep more deeply.
It has also been used traditionally to increase low sex drive.
Add a few drops of Jasmine to your warm bath water and relax for at least 12 minutes.
Also known as frankincense, this essential oil is derived from the Boswellia tree in Africa. It has a musky aroma that reduces stress and anxiety.
This oil has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries and is very helpful for meditation and prayer states.
Read more about the health benefits of Boswellia from Earth Clinic readers here.
Here are links to highly-rated essential oil brands on Amazon.
You can combine any of these essential oils to make your own DIY perfume. Many stores have testers so that you can smell each oil before buying it.
The main thing about easing stress and anxiety is to stop their progression right at the beginning. Be proactive with your essential oils at the first sign of any anxiety or stress. You may be able to nip it in the bud!
