Top 10 Essential Oils for Stress & Anxiety

November 05, 2018

Stress and anxiety have become common issues in our fast-paced lives. This has lead to a rise in stress-related health issues, negatively impacting both our mental and physical health. Stress and anxiety can be attributed to a lack of sleep, increasing lifestyle commitments and work pressures.

Aromatherapy has been used since ancient times to promote feelings of calm and relaxation. Inhaling and topically applying pure essential oils can help to alleviate stress, insomnia or depression. This natural solution works by stimulating areas of the brain that are responsible for our emotions. Combined with practicing mindfulness, essential oils can effectively help to release negative emotions, calm the mind and reduce stress.

We've selected 10 of the best essential oils for stress and anxiety below.

1. Lavender Essential Oil

One of the most common essential oils for relaxation is Lavender. Lavender essential oil is a must have if you regularly experience stress and anxiety. It has been proven to restore the nervous system by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. It can help to calm the nerves, appease restlessness and improve sleep quality. Use a lavender rollerball to apply to your temples and wrists, or combine with a carrier for a relaxing massage oil.

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2. Rose Essential Oil

Rose essential oil is extracted from rose petals and its scent is renowned for soothing emotions, headaches and balancing hormones. Rose is known for strengthening the heart in periods of high stress, grief, and depression. Use in a warm bath or apply directly on the skin to help with mood swings, hormones and emotions.

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3. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Extracted from the Indonesian Cananga tree, Ylang Ylang essential oil promotes feelings of comfort and joy. It simultaneously reduces heart rate, improves your mood and promotes relaxation. Inhaling Ylang Ylang can help release negative emotions, reducing stress and acting as a natural anxiety and depression remedy.

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4. Bergamot Essential Oil

Bergamot essential oil is produced from the peel of the aromatic citrus fruit. It is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance the flow of energy, fight bacterial infections and support digestive health. It is an effective antidepressant due to its mood enhancing qualities, promoting feelings of joy, freshness and energy. Bergamot essential oil improves blood circulation, stimulates hormonal secretions and digestive health, bringing balance to the body.

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5. Chamomile Essential Oil

If you love chamomile tea, you will appreciate the calming effects of chamomile essential oil. Chamomile promotes inner calm, reduces anxiety and calms the nervous system. It can also be used to reduce inflammation of the digestive tract, regulating mood and stress levels. For stress relief, combine chamomile essential oil with a carrier oil, and apply to the solar plexus and belly button.

6. Melissa Essential Oil

Lemon Balm, also commonly known as Melissa, has been used for hundreds of years. Known for its medicinal and uplifting qualities, it has also been given the name “elixir of life”. Melissa essential oil calms the mind, boosts immunity and strengthens the nervous system. It can act as a antidepressant and release feelings of sadness and worry. Add to a warm bath or massage directly on the skin to promote deep relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety.

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7. Jasmine Essential Oil

Jasmine essential oil is widely used in parts of Asia as a natural remedy for anxiety, stress, insomnia and depression. In China, Jasmine has been traditionally used to detox and clear the respiratory system. It acts as a natural sedative as well as having stimulating effects on the brain improving mood and energy levels. Apply directly to your wrists or neck to promote relaxation or add a few drops to a hot bath.

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8. Clary Sage Essential Oil

With a beautiful earthy smell, Clary Sage is effective in calming stress and anxiety. The oil acts as an antidepressant by promoting feelings of wellbeing and inner peace. Clary Sage is also known to act as a great hormone balancer and help reduce symptoms of PMS. Apply directly to feet or pulse points to help balance hormones. Alternatively combine with a few drops of chamomile to enjoy in a hot bath.

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9. Neroli Essential Oil

Derived from the citrus fruit of the same name, Neroli can be used for a range of ailments, including anxiety relief. Ancient Egyptian priests used Neroli essential oil to heal their bodies, minds and souls. It acts as a sedative, which regulates the metabolic system and releases feelings of anger, irritability and worry. It relaxes both body and soul. Add a few drops to a hot bath or massage directly on the skin to relieve stress and anxiety.

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10. Basil Essential Oil

One of the lesser known essential oils, Basil is one of the best essential oils to reduce anxiety and enhance mood. Considered the queen of herbs in India, it is revered and treated as sacred due to its highly beneficial properties. Basil essential oil has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety, fatigue, mental strain and depression. It also acts as a natural stimulant, promoting peace and clarity of mind. Add a few drops to your diffuser and enjoy the soothing and relaxing aroma.

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Make your own oils for stress and anxiety

Feel like getting creative? We have a range of DIY projects that will provide an avenue to switch off, while creating beautiful blends that will help you relax and destress.

DIY room spray

If you're looking for an easy, alternative way to use your essential oils, why not try your hand at creating your very own room spray? We've put together a Stress Reliever Room Spray recipe just for you.

Create your own blend

Have you always wanted to blend your own oils but not known where to start? Maybe you want to mix your own custom perfume or create a blend for cleaning your home? This article will guide you through selecting the right oils to blend, and how to create your very own scents.