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Sometimes life’s ups and downs can leave us feeling anxious, stressed, depressed, or mentally exhausted. As someone who experiences anxiety from time to time, I appreciate aromatherapy’s benefits in reducing stress and inducing relaxation. Today, I am discussing the best essential oils for stress and anxiety.
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are concentrated liquid compounds extracted from plants. An essential oil’s scent is derived from the plant in which it is extracted, such as clove or peppermint. The term “essential” does not mean indispensable. Rather, an essential oil is “essential” in the sense that it contains the “essence of” a plant’s fragrance.
Essential oils are extracted from plants through distillation by using steam, cold pressing, embedding, expression, and resin tapping. In addition, essential oils are commonly found in soaps, foods, cosmetics, household cleaning products, and perfumes to provide additional scents.
How Do Essential Oils Work?
In order to understand essential oils’ benefits, it is first good to understand how essential oils work. First, the scent molecules in essential oils stimulate nerves in the nose. The scent molecules move through the nervous system, and particularly, across different areas of the brain. One of these areas is the amygdala, which controls our emotions. The scent molecules encourage the brain to release mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. The brain’s release of serotonin and dopamine can help you feel happier and more relaxed. Moreover, the scent molecules can move through the respiratory system and organs as well to lower blood pressure and heart rate.
How Can You Use Essential Oils For Anxiety?
Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways for stress and anxiety.
1. They Can Be Applied To Your Skin
One way that you can use essential oils is by applying them to your skin. When applying essential oils to your skin by themselves, it is recommended that you dilute it with a carrier oil (coconut oil, olive oil, etc.), use it in conjunction with “skin barrier” oils, or blend it into beauty products. For a relaxing bathing experience, feel free to add a few drops of essential oils to your bath. For more inspiration on how to apply essential oils to your skin, check out Easy DIY Sugar Scrub For Glowing Skin.
2. Aromatherapy
Health experts warn that people should be careful when applying essential oils to the skin and you should never swallow them. When consumed, essential oils can cause allergic reactions and be potentially poisonous.
The best, safest, and most popular way to use essential oils is through aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a holistic and therapeutic medicine that has been around for thousands of years. Through aromatherapy, essential oils have been shown to promote numerous health and wellness benefits when inhaled. While essential oils cannot cure anxiety and depression, they have the potential to help and uplift your mood. To promote relaxation and ease anxiety and stress, mix a few drops of essential oils with a carrier oil (almond, coconut, olive oil, and etc.) and massage onto skin or add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to a water-filled diffuser.
Essential Oils For Stress & Anxiety
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1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for relaxation and stress relief. A study by the International Journal of Nursing Practice found that spraying lavender oil on clothing was effective in reducing work-related stress for 3-4 days. Lavender oil provides an overall calming effect and can be found in a variety of aromatherapy products. Try adding lavender oil to a diffuser, sipping lavender-infused tea, or spraying lavender on your pillows before bed.
2. Sweet Orange Oil
Sweet Orange Oil offers a happy, sweet scent that can’t help but brighten your mood. In aromatherapy, sweet orange oil is widely known for its ability to increase happiness and inspire a more positive mood. I love adding sweet orange oil to my diffuser in the mornings to start the day off with happiness and positive thoughts.
3. Rose Oil
Roses should not be limited to Valentine’s Day or romantic occasions. Without a doubt, rose has a romantic, delicate scent that is known to inspire joy and minimize feelings of anxiety. If you don’t have any actual roses on hand, try adding rose oil to your bath to promote relaxation and peace.
4. Basil
Did you know that basil, something that is commonly added to our food dishes, is a dynamite relaxant? Well, it sure is! Basil offers a soothing and uplifting scent that can encourage sleep and release stress. Basil is also great for alleviating aches, loosening up muscles, and getting rid of headaches. When applying basil to your skin, be sure to mix it with a carrier oil or lotion to balance out the strong scent and high concentration.
5. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang ylang has a fruity floral scent and originates from a tropical tree in India. Try using ylang ylang with lavender and bergamot to lower your blood pressure and decrease stress and anxiety. In aromatherapy, ylang ylang is known for its ability to calm your nerves and alleviate stress.
6. Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil comes from the peel of the aromatic citrus fruit. Bergamot is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to increase energy, combat bacterial infections, and support the digestive system. In addition, bergamot serves as an effective antidepressant due to its mood-boosting qualities and its ability to stimulate feelings of joy.
7. Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine has a unique, sweet aroma and is commonly added to our favorite fragrances and perfumes. Jasmine isn’t the most well-known essential oil for reducing stress, but studies have suggested that jasmine oil’s scent can be calming.
8. Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile tea lovers will appreciate the calming effects of chamomile essential oil. Chamomile is known for promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, regulating mood, and calming the nervous system. For stress and anxiety relief, try combining chamomile oil with a carrier oil, and apply it to your belly button. Enjoy!
