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Although the terms stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, these are two different conditions. Stress is our reaction to an event or a chain of events. Excessive or poorly managed stress can lead to anxiety.
Stress and anxiety are both detrimental to our overall health. Persistent stress or anxiety can cause inflammation, strain the immune system and cause various types of chronic disease. It can also lead to oxidative stress, an imbalance that leads to multiple health problems.
Some essential oils contain properties that help to alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety. While treating anxiety with essential oils is effective, it should not be considered as a replacement for tor conventional treatment options, such as counseling, therapy or medical management. Instead, essential oils for anxiety should be used to augment these traditional methods.
Essential oils work in a manner that’s complementary to conventional treatment for anxiety. The key is in knowing which are the best essential oils for anxiety.
Best Essential Oils for Anxiety
Lavender
Lavender is one of the best essential oils for treating anxiety, stress, and insomnia. You will find lavender listed as one of the main ingredients in many products that promote sleep and relaxation, calm anxiety, and reduce stress.
The fresh, floral aroma of lavender is due to its high content of linalool and linalyl acetate. Several studies have shown that both of these ingredients are also effective in promoting relaxation and easing anxiety.
Its quick action is one of the reasons why lavender tops the list of essential oils for anxiety. You will feel calmer and more relaxed is as little as five minutes after inhaling the scent of lavender.
Bergamot
This essential oil is extracted from the skin of bergamot, a fruit that belongs to the citrus family. Bergamot essential oil has a characteristic citrus scent. Inhaling its aroma invigorates the senses, stimulates blood flow, and relaxes the nervous system. All of these help to calm anxiety.
You can get the benefit of bergamot essential oil for anxiety by simply putting a drop on a cotton ball and inhaling the aroma deeply. Do this through the day to lower your anxiety levels and feel more relaxed.
Bergamot oil can also be applied topically. However, it is phototoxic, which means you must avoid direct exposure to the sun for at least 12 hours after using the oil.
Chamomile
Chamomile essential oil is well known for its calming, relaxing, and sedating properties. It is often used to instill a sense of calm both in mind and body. Chamomile also helps induce sleep and is a common ingredient in many herbal teas used to manage insomnia.
Rose
Extracted from rose petals, this essential oil has a distinctly feminine scent that relaxes the senses. It is a popular addition in many skincare and wellness products for women. Rose essential oil promotes feelings of hope, joy, and self-esteem while suppressing stress and anxiety.
You only need a drop or two of rose essential oil to calm your anxiety and feel more uplifted.
Sweet Orange
This fresh, citrusy aroma of sweet orange essential oil is uplifting and joyful. Inhaling this scent wakes you up, gives you more energy, and lowers your stress levels, thus helping reduce anxiety. One of the best ways to use it is by diffusing it with a diffuser so that your whole room has a scent of orange and makes you feel better.
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Sandalwood
The warm, woody aroma of sandalwood essential oil can balance your emotions and reduce anxiety while helping you relax and get a good night’s sleep. You can inhale this oil right from the bottle. Try three deep inhales every couple of hours after dinner until bedtime.
Ylang Ylang
The strongly floral aroma of ylang ylang essential oil promotes relaxation and a sense of calm. It is particularly helpful in providing immediate relief from stress and anxiety.
If you need fast relief, put a little of this florally scented aromatic on a cotton ball and inhale. You can also rub it directly on your feet, neck, and wrists. This is a good one to mix with other fragrances because it is so light.
Jasmine
Used for centuries to treat insomnia, inhaling the aroma of jasmine essential oil is calming and reduces anxiety. If you overcome your anxiety enough to sleep, you’re going to feel so much better.
In addition to alleviating the feelings of anxiety jasmine also stimulates the mind and uplifts mood to produce feelings of optimism and confidence.
Frankincense
Frankincense essential oil comes from the Boswellia tree in Africa. The musky aroma of this oil has powerful grounding properties that help reduce stress and anxiety. Frankincense is a spiritual oil that has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries. It is also one of the best essential oils for meditation.
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Clary Sage
The floral aroma of clary sage essential oil is perfect for uplifting your mood and can help ease the feelings of anxiety by calming your mind while boosting confidence and self-esteem.
4 Ways to Use Essential Oils for Anxiety
Here are 4 of the best ways to get the benefits of aromatherapy for anxiety:
Diffusion
This is the easiest way to use essential oils to calm anxiety. There are several ways to do this.
Put a few drops of your preferred oil in a diffuser and breathe deeply as you relax or work. Using diffusion while meditation offers great benefits for reducing anxiety and stress.
Using an essential oil bracelet or necklace is a great way to use essential oils for anxiety when you’re out of the house.
If you don’t have a diffuser, you can just put a drop of oil on a cotton ball and inhale the aroma.
You don’t have to buy the most expensive aromatherapy diffuser on the market to get the benefits. Here you’ll find a list of the Top Rated Essential Oil Diffusers That Cost Less Than $25
Topical Application
When using any essential oil topically, remember to never apply the concentrated oil directly on your skin. These oils are very strong and can cause skin irritation. Always mix a few drops of oil in a little carrier oil and then apply this oil mix gently on the skin. Best carrier oils to use for this purpose are coconut, jojoba, grapeseed, and sweet almond oil.
If you like making your own skincare products, add a few drops of any one of the essential oils for anxiety to get the benefits. Use this recipe to make your own Scented Body Butter With Jasmine Essential Oil
Another great way to calm anxiety is to use one or two of the essential oils listed above to make a massage oil. A massage by itself can be so relaxing. Getting a massage with this oil is both restorative and relaxing.
Massage Oil Recipe to Calm Anxiety
- 10-12 drops of your preferred essential oil to calm anxiety
- 2 ounces carrier oil – grapeseed, coconut, sweet almond, jojoba
This recipe is not just limited for use as a massage oil. If you are traveling, rub a little bit of the mix on your wrists, neck, or soles of the feet to calm anxiety.
You can also just rub a little of the mix into your palms, cup your palms near your face and breathe deeply for an instant feeling of relaxation.
Bath
Adding 5 – 10 drops of your preferred essential oil to a warm bath and soaking in it for about 20 minutes is another great way to combat feelings of anxiety or stress.
For sensitive skin, dilute the essential oil in 1 tablespoon of your preferred carrier oil before adding to your bath-water.
Precautions When Using Essential Oils for Anxiety
Never apply essential oils directly to the skin without first diluting with a carrier oil.
Always speak to your doctor before you start using aromatherapy for anxiety.
Do not use essential oils for anxiety if you are pregnant or nursing.
Learn how to use essential oils safely.
When dealing with life’s challenges, finding ways to create peace and harmony is critical to your overall mental health. To enjoy increased calm, peace and relaxation consider using these essential oils for anxiety.
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.
