Using relaxing essential oils is a popular, effective, and safe way to unwind and calm the mind and body at the end of the day.
Finding moments of calm in today’s world isn’t easy. Work, family, and everyday demands often leave little time to relax and recharge. That’s where essential oils come in – a natural way to transform your environment and create a sense of peace.
Relaxing essential oils have long been used to help unwind and ease everyday issues, with scents that support a more relaxed state of mind and body.
Whether it’s lavender for calming rest or bergamot to uplift your spirit, the right aroma can make all the difference.
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The Science Behind Essential Oils For Relaxation
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Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that carry the natural fragrance and unique characteristics of the plant they come from.
Their aromas stimulate the olfactory system, which sends signals to the brain’s limbic system – the area responsible for regulating emotions, memories, and overall mood.
This connection is one reason why essential oils are often used to promote a calming environment and support emotional well-being
Each essential oil’s unique composition contributes to its properties. For example:
Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, two compounds commonly associated with a sense of relaxation and tranquility.
Bergamot features linalool and limonene, which are widely appreciated for their uplifting aroma.
These properties make them popular choices in wellness routines aimed at supporting moments of calm.
Johns Hopkins Medicine published an interesting, in-depth post that explains how aromatherapy works to promote relaxation and support overall wellbeing.
Another study discusses how essential oils such as lavender, Roman chamomile, bergamot, clary sage, sandalwood, rose, and orange may support emotional balance.
Whether you’re creating a peaceful atmosphere, enhancing sleep routines, or unwinding after a hectic day, using aromatherapy for relaxation can be a helpful addition to your self-care practices.
Here is a list of the best relaxing essential oils with a link to the clinical trial for reference.
As you scroll below, you’ll also find tips on how to use each essential oil for relaxation as well as general ways to use aromatherapy to unwind and relax.
Top 10 Essential Oils For Relaxation
Interesting the most effective relaxing essential oils belong to the floral aroma family with a few belonging to other aroma families.
1. Lavender: A Classic for Calm & Tranquility
The quintessential relaxation essential oil, lavender is a cornerstone of aromatherapy.
Known for its sweet, floral aroma, this versatile oil is beloved for its comforting and balancing aroma.
Lavender’s active compounds, linalool and linalyl acetate, are often associated with a soothing aroma that helps set the mood for rest and relaxation.
These properties make lavender essential oil the a top choice for creating a peaceful bedtime atmosphere or winding down in the evening.
How to Use: Diffuse lavender oil at night, make soothing lavender bath bombs, dilute in a carrier oil for a soothing massage, or create a relaxing pillow spray for bedtime use.
2. Bergamot: Bright & Uplifting
Bergamot’s fresh citrus aroma with subtle floral undertones is the perfect balance between vibrant energy and soothing calm.
Known as an emotional equalizer, this oil is often used to refresh your mood and brighten your space.
Bergamot is especially effective when you’re feeling mentally overwhelmed and need a quick mood reset. Its aroma is commonly described as uplifting and emotionally grounding.
Its active compounds, linalool and limonene, support emotional well-being, making it an excellent essential oil for improving positive feelings. Bergamot is included in the list of top uplifting essential oils.
If you prefer citrusy scents over the floral aromas of lavender or ylang-ylang, use bergamot essential oil for relaxation.
How to Use: Add bergamot to an afternoon diffuser blend to uplift your mood, or use with lavender for a calming nighttime aroma.
3. Roman Chamomile: Gentle Yet Powerful
Roman chamomile offers a delicate, apple-like scent and is frequently chosen for its gentle, calming scent, especially in bedtime routines.
Studies have shown that chamomile’s natural compound chamazulene contributes to its relaxing properties and makes this oil a favorite for quiet evenings.
Its gentleness also makes chamomile essential oil suitable for children when paired with a kid-safe carrier oil.
How to Use: Add chamomile to your night routine by using a pillow spray, or diffuse it to create a quiet, restorative environment.
4. Ylang Ylang: Floral Fragrance for Relaxation
Ylang ylang’s exotic, sweet floral aroma stands out for its ability to help create a relaxing sensory experience.
Several studies that have demonstrated the mood-enhancing properties and relaxing effect of ylang ylang essential oil. This floral essential oil is rich in linalool and geranyl acetate that are often highlighted for their scent profiles in calming blends.
Its luxurious fragrance also adds a romantic touch to your self-care rituals.
How to Use: Dab a drop of diluted ylang ylang on pulse points or aromatherapy jewelry for a calming “portable perfume” or use it in your bath to combine relaxation with indulgence.
5. Rose: Romantic & Reassuring
Rich in compounds such as geraniol and citronellol, rose essential oil is a mood-soothing powerhouse that goes beyond its floral aroma.
Its sweet floral fragrance can help lift your mood and add warmth to your environment, especially during emotionally charged moments. Several clinical studies have shown the relaxing effects of rose essential oil.
Its skin-friendly nature makes it popular in face oils and bath blends as part of a soothing nighttime routine.
How to Use: Diffuse rose oil for emotional balance, make relaxing bath bombs with rose petals or add it to a DIY face serum for a relaxing nighttime skincare ritual.
6. Sandalwood: Grounding & Centering
The warm, earthy scent of sandalwood essential oil is ideal for quiet reflection and mindfulness routines.
Its aroma, which is from its active ingredient santalol, helps set the tone for stillness and slow, mindful breathing, often used in yoga or meditation practices.
Sandalwood also encourages deep, diaphragmatic breathing, amplifying its relaxation benefits.
Its woodsy aroma blends beautifully with floral oils for a balanced diffuser blend.
How to Use: Diffuse sandalwood during meditation to focus the mind, or blend it with lavender for bedtime calm.
7. Cedarwood: Deep Relaxation for Mind & Body
Cedarwood’s woody and slightly smoky aroma is often used in evening routines to help foster a sense of calm.
Rich in cedrol, a calming compound, cedarwood essential oil is known for its ability to support a quiet environment, both mentally and physically.
When it comes to aromatherapy for relaxation, cedarwood essential oil is a must-have.
How to Use: Use cedarwood in a massage oil for sore muscles or apply diluted oil to your temples to unwind after a long day.
8. Frankincense: Ancient Oil for Modern Calm
Frankincense essential oil has a warm, resinous scent that is commonly used to encourage introspection and grounding.
Its active compounds, limonene and alpha-pinene, make it well-suited for relaxation aromatherapy. Its grounding aroma, makes frankincense essential oil especially useful for inducing calm during meditation or journaling.
Its aroma pairs well with mindfulness practices such as journaling or breathwork, and is often appreciated for its comforting, meditative qualities.
How to Use: Diffuse frankincense during journaling or reflection, or combine it with citrus oils for a well-rounded aroma.
9. Sweet Orange: Happiness in a Bottle
The bright, citrusy scent of sweet orange essential oil is known for promoting a cheerful and calming environment, earning it a spot in the list of top 10 relaxation essential oils.
A blind trial in which participants inhaled the sweet-citrusy aroma demonstrated the relaxing effects of this sweet orange essential oil. It’s an excellent choice for combating midday sluggishness or lifting spirits anytime anywhere.
Sweet orange essential oil is often used to boost the atmosphere in a space that feels heavy or sluggish, especially during the workday.
This citrus oil is gentle on the senses and blends perfectly with floral oils to create a harmonious relaxing effect.
How to Use: Diffuse sweet orange in your workspace for a boost of calm and clarity, or pair it with chamomile to create a comforting bedtime aroma.
10. Vetiver: The Oil of Tranquility
The deeply grounding scent of vetiver is often favored for its emotionally stabilizing effects.
Vetiver’s earthy fragrance can create a comforting nighttime ritual, especially helpful for those who feel overstimulated or scattered.
Its grounding effect is why it’s often referred to as “the oil of tranquility.”
How to Use: Use vetiver in bedtime diffuser blends, or massage into the soles of your feet with carrier oil as part of a grounding nighttime routine.
Relaxing Essential Oil Blends
While relaxing essential oils are effective on their own, using essential oil synergy blends amplifies the relaxation effect.
Synergy blends are made up of two or more essential oils that complement each other to create a more powerful effect.
These relaxing essential oil blends combine two or more oils from the list above:
Calming Blend: 3 drops lavender + 2 drops chamomile + 2 drops bergamot
Grounding Blend: 2 drops frankincense + 2 drops sandalwood + 2 drops vetiver
Sleepy Time Blend: 2 drops vetiver + 2 drops lavender + 1 drop ylang ylang
Fresh Reset Blend: 3 drops sweet orange + 2 drops rose + 1 drop cedarwood
Emotional Balance Blend: 2 drops clary sage + 2 drops sandalwood + 2 drops bergamot
Special Mention: Plant Therapy Relax Synergy Blend
The Relax synergy blend from Plant Therapy is your go-to for creating a calming and peaceful environment after a busy day.
This thoughtfully crafted blend combines the soothing aromas of Lavender, Green Mandarin, Patchouli, Chamomile, Sweet Marjoram, and Geranium Egyptian, offering a harmonious mix of grounding citrus and floral notes.
By combining the therapeutic properties of multiple essential oils, synergy blends amplify the benefits, making them especially effective for relaxation.
Key Benefits of Plant Therapy Relax Synergy Blend:
- Promotes relaxation and tranquility.
- Calms overactive thinking and quiets mental chatter.
- Encourages a sense of ease and emotional balance.
The Relax blend is available in three versatile formats to suit your lifestyle:
Relax Essential Oil
Use the pure synergy blend to diffuse or add to your nighttime routine.
Perfect for unwinding after a long day, relax essential oil blend can be diffused in your living space or placed near your pillow to support restful sleep.
Blend it with a carrier oil for a calming massage or add a few drops to a warm bath to dissolve stress and tension or make a pillow spray to use before getting into bed.
Relax Roll-On
Enjoy relaxation on the go with the pre-diluted Relax Roll-On.
formulated with Fractionated Coconut Oil at a safe 5% dilution, it’s ready for direct application to the arms, back of the neck, or temples.
Perfect for quick tension relief or a calming moment during a hectic day.
Relax Shower Mist
Transform your daily shower into a spa-like retreat with the Relax Shower Mist.
Simply spritz it on your shower walls and floor to release the blend’s soothing aroma. Its gentle, non-toxic formula also provides mild cleansing action, helping you wash away the day’s stress while enjoying the therapeutic scent.
Whether you need a quiet moment at home, relaxation on the go, or a revitalizing shower experience, the Relax line from Plant Therapy helps create the serene atmosphere you deserve.
How To Use Relaxing Essential Oils To Restore Calm & Balance
Relaxing essential oils and blends can be used in a variety of ways to get the benefits of aromatherapy for self-care practices.
These ideas on how to add relaxation essential oils and blends into your wellness routine include a mix of traditional ways and creative ways with DIY projects.
Add to a Diffuser: Use an ultrasonic diffuser to fill a larger space with calming scents. Use a passive diffuser for smaller spaces. For on-the-go relaxation aromatherapy, use a portable diffuser or add essential oils to aromatherapy jewelry.
In a Bath: Adding essential oils to a warm bath can create a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The steam from the bath will release the aromatic compounds of the oils, promoting calm and relaxation.
Apply To Pulse Points: Gently massage a blend of essential oil and carrier oil into your temples or the bottom of your feet. These are the best pulse points for applying relaxing essential oils.
Use an Aromatherapy Massage Oil: Adding a few drops of essential oil to a carrier oil and then massaging it into your skin can help to promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and boost wellness.
Shower Aromatherapy: Add a few drops of any relaxing essential oil to your shower or make your own refreshing shower steamers.
DIY Projects Using Relaxing Essential Oil: Personalized Aromatherapy for Relaxation
Scented Candles
Create calming candles by adding relaxing essential oils like lavender or sandalwood to melted soy or beeswax. In addition to filling your space with soothing aromas, scented candles also make for thoughtful, handmade gifts. Customize the scent to reflect your mood or seasonal preferences.
Wax Melts
DIY wax melts are perfect for a flame-free aromatherapy experience. Melt soy wax, add your favorite relaxing oils like chamomile or vetiver, and pour into small molds. Use these in a wax warmer to fill your room with calming aromas whenever you need some relaxation.
Room Sprays
Whip up an easy room spray by combining distilled water, a splash of witch hazel, and a few drops of essential oils such as bergamot and sweet orange. Spritz around your home to instantly refresh the ambiance and create a serene atmosphere.
Reed Diffusers
Enhance your relaxation experience with a DIY reed diffuser. Mix your favorite essential oils with a carrier liquid like fractionated coconut oil or alcohol, pour it into a small glass container, and insert reed sticks to gently distribute the aroma over time.
Bath Salts
Transform your bath into a spa-like retreat with homemade bath salts. Blend Epsom salt, a few drops of relaxing essential oils like chamomile or rose, and a pinch of dried flowers. As the salts dissolve in warm water, they release a soothing aroma while relaxing tired muscles.
Whipped Body Butters
Homemade whipped body butters are a decadent way to moisturize and relax. Combine shea butter, coconut oil, and your choice of relaxing oils like lavender or frankincense. Whip the mixture with a hand mixer to make it light and fluffy, then apply all over your skin to hydrate while enjoying calming scents.
Scented Deodorant Cream
Make an all-natural scented deodorant cream using baking soda, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, and essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or rosemary. This DIY deodorant nourishes the skin and leaves you feeling refreshed with a light, relaxing scent. It’s a great chemical-free alternative for daily use.
Bath Bombs
Make fizzy, relaxing bath bombs by combining baking soda, citric acid, cornstarch, and essential oils like lavender or rose. Add dried flowers for an extra luxurious touch. Drop one into your bath to enjoy a soothing and aromatic self-care experience.
Melt and Pour Soaps
Make luxurious melt-and-pour soaps by adding essential oils like ylang ylang or cedarwood to pre-made soap bases. Simply melt the base, mix in your scents, and pour into molds. These are great for personal use or as beautifully handcrafted gifts.
Sugar Scrubs
Add a touch of indulgence to your skincare routine with a DIY sugar scrub. Mix granulated sugar, a carrier oil (like almond or coconut), and essential oils such as citrus oils or sandalwood. Use in the shower to gently exfoliate and moisturize while inhaling calming aromas.
Epsom Salt Foot Soak
Soothing your feet after a long day is easy with a soothing Epsom salt foot soak. Combine Epsom salt, baking soda, and a few drops of essential oils like peppermint or lavender in a basin of warm water. It’s perfect for relieving tension and promoting calm.
Precautions and Safety Tips When Using Aromatherapy For Relaxation
While essential oils are generally safe when used correctly, there are some precautions and safety tips to keep in mind.
Always dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin.
Do not ingest essential oils unless under the guidance of a qualified aromatherapist.
Use KidSafe essential oils when using relaxing aromatherapy for kids. These oil are especially formulated to be safe for younger children.
Avoid using essential oils if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Consult your healthcare provider before you start using aromatherapy for relaxation. This is especially important if you’re experiencing severe symptoms of stress.
Where to Buy High-Quality Relaxing Essential Oils
When purchasing essential oils, it is important to choose high-quality oils that are pure and free of synthetic additives. Look for oils that are labeled as 100% pure and have undergone third-party testing to ensure their quality.
Some reputable brands of essential oils include doTERRA, Young Living, and Plant Therapy. You can also find essential oils at health food stores, online retailers, and specialty shops.
Essential oils offer a natural and effective way to promote relaxation and reduce stress and tension. By understanding the science behind essential oils and how to use them safely, you can experience the therapeutic benefits of these powerful plant extracts.
The top 10 relaxing essential oils include lavender, chamomile, bergamot, ylang-ylang, frankincense, patchouli, clary sage, vetiver, sandalwood, and rose. Experiment with different oils and blends to find the ones that work best for you.
Ready to start using essential oils for relaxation? Pick one or two from the list of relaxing essential oils and start using them today.
