The 7 Best Essential Oils For Anxiety

Anxiety is a common problem that many people face. It can be due to a number of things, such as stress at work or school, money problems, health concerns, or relationship issues. Around 40 million Americans suffer from some form of anxiety disorder.

If you are looking for a natural way to treat your anxiety, consider using essential oils. Essential oils have been used for centuries to treat all kinds of problems, including anxiety. This article will discuss the best essential oils for anxiety and how to use them.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are plant extract concentrates that retain the natural aroma and flavor of the plant. They are common in aromatherapy as they have beneficial effects on mood and health. Essential oils are typically extracted from flowers, leaves, fruits, and bark using a process of steam distillation.

Once distilled, you can use the oils in various ways, including being added to lotions, diffused into the air, or diluted in bath water. While essential oils have been around for centuries in traditional medicine, their exact mechanisms of action are not fully understood. Nevertheless, there is some evidence to suggest that they may work by interacting with the body’s limbic system, which is responsible for regulating emotion and stress levels.

In addition, essential oils may also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. As such, they offer a natural and holistic approach to promoting well-being. So, what essential oils should you use for anxiety?

Lemon Balm

Over the past few years, essential oils have increasingly been used for various purposes, from easing headaches to reducing stress. Among the most popular essential oils is lemon balm, derived from the lemon balm plant. Lemon balm can help calm nerves and reduce anxiety, and recent research has backed up these claims. One study found that lemon balm effectively reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality in people with mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders.

Another study found that lemon balm given before a stressful event helped reduce stress levels and improve cognitive function. If you’re looking for an all-natural way to ease anxiety, lemon balm essential oil should be on your list.

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is well-known for its calming and relaxing properties, making it a popular choice for those dealing with anxiety. The scent of lavender helps reduce stress and promotes feelings of calmness and well-being. In addition, you can use lavender oil in a variety of ways to help soothe and calm the mind and body.

For instance, lavender oil can be added to a diffuser or used in a massage blend. It can also be applied topically to the skin, diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba or coconut oil. When used correctly, lavender oil can be a safe and effective way to manage anxiety and promote relaxation.

Chamomile

For centuries, chamomile has been prized for its soothing properties. Chamomile tea is still widely consumed as a natural way to reduce stress and promote sleep. Chamomile essential oil offers even more potent anxiety-reducing benefits. 

You can diffuse this essential oil or apply it topically to the skin. When inhaled, chamomile essential oil interacts with the limbic system, responsible for emotions and stress levels. This can help to significantly reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of calmness. 

When applied topically, chamomile essential oil is absorbed into the bloodstream and interacts with the nervous system similarly. So, whether diffused or applied topically, chamomile essential oil is an effective natural treatment for anxiety.

Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil comes from the peel of the bergamot orange, a citrus fruit native to Italy. The oil has a unique, citrusy scent, making it a popular ingredient in perfumes and colognes. Bergamot oil also has many potential health benefits, including its ability to reduce anxiety. 

In one study, participants who inhaled bergamot essential oil for 10 minutes experienced a significant decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, indicating a reduction in anxiety levels. Bergamot oil decreases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “fight or flight” response. 

In addition to reducing anxiety, bergamot essential oil boosts mood, lowers cortisol levels, and improves sleep quality. For these reasons, bergamot oil can be an effective natural remedy for those who suffer from anxiety or stress-related disorders.

Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil has defensive and curative powers. People even used it as an offering to the gods. Today, people still love this versatile oil for its ability to promote healing. You can use frankincense oil to help relieve anxiety and stress. When inhaled, it helps to slow down breathing and heart rate. This can be calming and grounding, especially during anxiety or stress.

You can also apply frankincense oil topically to the skin. When used in a massage, it can help to ease tense muscles and promote relaxation. Combine frankincense oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba or almond oil for best results. Then massage into the skin using slow, circular motions. As you inhale the soothing scent of frankincense, let all your worries slip away.

Patchouli

Patchouli essential oil is a staple in aromatherapy to help calm and relax the mind. Research has shown that patchouli oil can indeed help reduce anxiety, making it a helpful natural remedy for those suffering from this condition. One study found that inhaling patchouli oil reduced anxiety levels in participants, while another found that it helped lower blood pressure and heart rate in people experiencing stress.

Patchouli oil works by affecting the limbic system, responsible for controlling emotions. It can also help boost serotonin levels, further contributing to its anxiety-reducing effects. If you suffer from anxiety, consider adding a few drops of patchouli essential oil to your diffuser or applying it topically to your pulse points. You may find that this natural remedy helps you feel calmer and more relaxed.

Jasmine

The sweet, floral scent of jasmine oil helps alleviate stress and promote feelings of well-being. Studies have shown that inhaling jasmine oil can help to increase levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps reduce anxiety and promote calmness. In one study, participants who inhaled jasmine oil before taking a math test showed significantly lower anxiety levels than those who did not.

Jasmine oil is also said to help improve sleep quality, which can benefit those struggling with anxiety-related insomnia. While more research is needed to confirm the efficacy of jasmine oil for anxiety relief, there is no harm in giving it a try. Add a few drops to your diffuser or apply topically to experience the benefits for yourself.

Give Some Of These Essential Oils A Try!

If you suffer from anxiety, consider trying one of these essential oils. Inhaling the scent of these oils or applying them topically to the skin can help to promote relaxation and ease stress. However, it is important to remember that you should not use essential oils to replace medical treatment. If your anxiety is severe, consult with a mental health professional to find the best course of treatment for you.