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.
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Relaxing essential oils have long been used to help unwind and reduce worries, with scents that soothe the 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
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 relaxation and foster a sense of calm.
Each essential oil’s unique composition contributes to its properties. For example:
Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, two compounds commonly associated with feelings of tranquility and relaxation.
Bergamot features linalool and limonene, which help enhance mood and ease tension.
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 the ability of essential oils such as lavender, Roman chamomile, bergamot, clary sage, sandalwood, rose, and orange to promote relaxation and 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 details of how each oil works to relieve stress and 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 calming and balancing effects on both mind and body.
Lavender’s active compounds, linalool and linalyl acetate, help soothe the nervous system naturally.
They’re why lavender is often used to improve relaxation, promote restful sleep, and ease feelings of tension.
Lavender is the best essential oil for relaxation, calm, and sleep.
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 restful sleep.
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 gently lifts your spirits while reducing tension.
Bergamot is especially effective when you’re feeling mentally overwhelmed and need a quick mood reset.
Its active compounds, linalool and limonene, enhance emotional well-being, making it an excellent essential oil for improving positive feelings.
As with all oils from the citrus aroma family, bergamot is photosensitive. Avoid exposure to the sun immediately after applying this oil topically.
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 bedtime relaxation. Bergamot is included in the list of top uplifting essential oils.
3. Roman Chamomile: Gentle Yet Powerful
Roman chamomile offers a delicate, apple-like scent paired with impressive relaxing properties. Beyond easing tension, it’s often chosen to quiet overthinking and encourage sleep.
Studies have shown that chamomile has anxiolytic activity, making it ideal for those seeking natural ways to instill calm and serenity.
Chamazulene, the compound responsible for its effects, makes this essential oil a bedtime essential.
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 relax the mind while adding a touch of luxury.
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, benzyl acetate, and geranyl acetate, compounds known for their relaxing effects.
Interestingly, its aphrodisiac traits make it doubly useful for moments of intimacy or self-care. Avoid overuse, however, as its strong scent can be overwhelming in high concentrations.
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 rich scent promotes emotional well-being by relieving mental fatigue and easing mood swings, making it a go-to for stressful days.
In several studies done to study the relaxing effects of rose essential oil, participants exposed to the aroma of rose rated themselves as calmer and more relaxed than participants in the control group.
Beyond relaxation, its delightful fragrance can inspire feelings of affection and self-love.
Rose essential oil is also celebrated for its skin-friendly, anti-inflammatory properties.
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 offers a deeply grounding experience ideal for mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation.
Its active ingredient santalol is particularly effective in helping to quiet a hyperactive mind, promoting relaxation while reducing overwhelm.
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 known for its ability to quiet mental chatter and promote deep relaxation.
Its calming compounds such as cedrol make it particularly effective for easing feelings of restlessness.
Cedarwood essential oil is also celebrated for its ability to support the respiratory system while encouraging relaxation, making it ideal for evening use.
When it comes to aromatherapy for relaxation, vetiver 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 for a calming effect after a long day. Discover 48 ways to use cedarwood essential oil for relaxation.
8. Frankincense: Ancient Oil for Modern Calm
Frankincense essential oil has a warm, slightly spicy aroma that encourages mindfulness and relaxation. Its active compounds, limonene and alpha-pinene, make it well-suited for relaxation aromatherapy.
Its grounding aroma, makes frankincense essential oil especially useful for reducing mild feelings of tension during meditation or journaling.
Frankincense’s warm and slightly spicy fragrance also helps deepen breathing, which can amplify its calming effects.
How to Use: Diffuse frankincense during reflection or combine it with citrus oils for a balanced, uplifting blend.
9. Sweet Orange: Happiness in a Bottle
The bright, citrusy scent of sweet orange essential oil radiates positivity and calm, earning it a spot in the list of top 10 relaxation essential oils. It’s an excellent choice for combating midday sluggishness or lifting spirits in stressful environments.
A blind trial in which participants inhaled the sweet-citrusy aroma demonstrated the relaxing effects of this sweet orange essential oil.
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 and earthy aroma of vetiver essential oil is often favored for its grounding and tranquilizing effects.
Vetiver is especially effective for people who feel mentally “scattered” or overstimulated, as it helps promote emotional stability.
Its grounding effect is why it’s often referred to as “the oil of tranquility.”
How to Use: Vetiver is excellent in bedtime diffuser blends, or you can massage it into your feet with a carrier oil for a deeply calming nighttime practice.
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:
- 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 use homemade relaxing 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.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
