The Best Essential Oils For Anxiety And Stress Relief

Essential oils can be an excellent natural remedy for mental health problems. Find out which essential oils are best for anxiety and stress relief.

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I am all about positivity, mindfulness, and balance, but the reality is most of us can’t be “blissed out” every single day!

On the days when positivity fails, an energy boost or a little push in my mood is a welcome change.

Whether it’s an afternoon cup of tea, the right playlist, or a pleasant essential oil blend, bursting out of the diffuser to help me wind down from a stressful day.

In this article, we will explore how you, too, can wind down with a few drops of essential oils here and there and create a natural solution to relieve stress and anxiety.

What Does Science Say About Essential Oils?

According to this study, researchers in China suggest that aromatherapy helps to reduce stress and anxiety by activating the serotonin pathways in the brain.

Serotonin carries out different functions in the body, including mood regulation.

How does serotonin regulate your mood?

Well, scientists believe that an imbalance in serotonin levels may influence your mood in a way that leads to depression.

With that said, the effectiveness of essential oils is still hard to measure.

I have read a few studies that show the unique benefit of some essential oils with strong statistical evidence.

However, it’s hard to say without a doubt that essentials work given that most studies are done on a small scale.

Even if more extensive studies were run, our bodies are complicated, what works well on one person might not for another.

My takeaway is that although science is still a gray area when it comes to essential oils, a pleasant smell can indeed put a smile on your face, and maybe that is a good enough reason to use them.  

How To Use Essential Oils For Anxiety And Stress

• Diffuser Blend

Using an essential oil diffuser to layer two or more oils that relieve stress and anxiety is the easiest way to enjoy the benefits of essential oils.

According to Sarah Panton in her book Essential Well-Being: A Modern Guide to Using Essential Oils in Beauty, Body, and Home Rituals, diffusing essential oils to add to your custom blend is a layering game.

First, there is the top note that hits the nose right away (Citrus scent), then add a middle note slightly less intense (Lavender).

Finally, a base note, which will linger in the air longest (Sandalwood or Vetiver).

Panton also recommends combining with no more than three essential oils, 20 to 30 drops at one time to fully enjoy the benefits of the oils.

• Aromatherapy Jewelry

Aromatherapy Jewelry is another popular way many people use essential oils for anxiety and stress relief.

You can use these diffuser necklaces with felt pads to hold the essential oils or terra-cotta pendants to soak in their scent.

• Essential Oil Massage

Additionally, you can also massage your essential oils directly on the skin.

Remember, essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil before they’re applied to the skin.

Some popular carrier oils are almond, avocado, coconut, and jojoba.

• Essential oil scented candle

Lastly, soy or beeswax scented candles are an excellent alternative way to reap the benefits of essential oils.

Simply pick a candle with a combination of some of the essential oils listed below and light it as part of your wind-down routine.

The Top 9 Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress

Here are the best essential oils for anxiety and stress relief.

1. Jatamansi

Jatamansi hands-down makes the top of the list for relieving anxiety and stress.

The best part about Jatamasi is that it helps to relax and calm the mind without making you feel sedated, which tends to be a problem with other anxiety-reducing solutions.

The Jatamasi herb is also used traditionally in Asia to treat restlessness and insomnia.

How to Use: Simply put a few drops on your palms and inhale or massage it diluted to your temples.

You can get it here.

2. Valerian

The Valerian herb helps to promote relaxation and calm nerves. It is also an excellent sleep aid.

Valerian essential oil is best used in an aromatherapy diffuser, preferably at night or evening, because it may make you sleepy.

You can get it here.

3. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Holy Basil is another one of my favorites. It brings your body and mind into balance based on what it needs most.

For example, if you feel stressed, depressed, or anxious, Holy Basil essential oil can help you feel calm and relaxed.

However, if you feel fatigued, Holy Basil can rejuvenate your body and restore your energy levels.

It has a powerful fragrance, so a little goes a long way, simply add a few drops to an aromatherapy diffuser and inhale.

You can get the essential oil here.

4. Lavender

Lavender is one of the most highly researched essential oils.

It is not only popular for it’s relaxing and calming effects but because it also smells pleasant.

Simply add a few drops to your diffuser or bath and enjoy its calming and pleasant smell.

You can get it here.

5. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has a fresh, uplifting aroma. It is excellent for alleviating stress as well as restlessness related to insomnia.

The essential oil also has studies backing up its effectiveness in improving mood and calming down the nervous system.

How to Use: Simply add a few drops to the diffuser along with a few drops of lavender.

In addition to the essential oil, the lemon balm capsules also help to alleviate mild to moderate anxiety disorders.

You can get it here.

6. Clary Sage

The pleasant scent from Clary Sage essential oil is by itself uplifting and grounding.

Clary sage is not only pleasant-smelling but also excellent for those who want to calm and focus the mind.

How to Use: Simply add a few drops to your aromatherapy diffuser or dilute the oil and directly massage it into your skin.

You can get it here.

7. Jasmine

Jasmine essential oil is another excellent alternative for those looking to break out of a bad mood, primarily if it is associated with lethargy and low energy.

The oil is stimulating and therefore improves energy levels and mood-related stress and anxiety.

How To Use: Simply add a few drops of Jasmine essential oil to your diffuser.

You can get it here.

8. Vetiver

Vetiver is one of my favorite essential oils. It is called the “oil of tranquility” throughout Sri Lanka because of its nervous system-soothing and anxiety-reducing properties.

Traditionally, herbalists use it to alleviate stress, anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, trauma, and depression.

How To Use: Simply add a few drops to your diffuser along with lemon balm and lavender essential oils.

You can get it here.

9. German Chamomile

Chamomile is well-known for its relaxing and sedating properties as well as an intoxicating scent. There isn’t much research on chamomile essential oil for anxiety.

However, some studies show that chamomile supplements may benefit people with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder.

Chamomile blends well with lavender and vetiver.

How To Use: Simply add a few drops of chamomile to your diffuser.

You can get it here.

Essential Oil Diffuser Blends To Try

If you are new to essential oils 2-6 drops is a good starting point however feel free to increase the number of drops as you go along.