8 Essential Oils Perfect for Anxiety

During times of stress, one of the best things we can do is pay attention to our physical body’s needs. Stress exists in the mind, but it is an array of factors outside of the mind that also contribute to it.

For example, being in a highly-charged environment or being under a lot of pressure is one way to trigger stress. Being around others who are stressed can also generate the same feeling!

Anxiety and stress can go hand in hand.

Both are a reaction to situations that the mind feels unable to cope with at the moment. External circumstances can inflame both. Both are often a result of unruly thoughts that can be difficult to get hold of.

One of the best ways to deal with anxiety is by paying attention to our five senses: sight, touch, smell, sound, and taste. In this article, we will explore one thing that can be very beneficial for the sense of smell: essential oils.*

Using Essential Oils for Anxiety

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, and they are compounds extracted from plants that produce a very distinct aroma. Each essential oil is unique and has a different effect on our senses.

This is the power of plants! Different types of essential oils have various properties and abilities that can aid us in different situations.

When it comes to anxiety, it’s important to look at the ones which can specifically help this area, such as calming you down, relieving stressful tension, and producing an effect that generates a sense of peace and well-being.

How to Use Essential Oils for Anxiety

Essential oils can be used in several different ways, such as the following:

• In a burner or diffuser: This is one of the more popular ways to use essential oils. You add a few drops along with a carrier oil or water to your burner and light a candle underneath it, so the aroma fills the air. Your diffuser does not need a candle and needs to be plugged in.
• In the bath: This is another popular way to use essential oil, and you also get the added benefit of a nice relaxing bath too! Mix essential oil with a carrier oil and add a few drops to your bath.
• In an air mister: Adding a few drops of essential oil to water in a spray bottle is a nice way to create a homemade essential oil spray. You can spray it around your home or yourself when you are feeling anxious.
• On your skin: Dabbing a bit of essential oil with a carrier oil to your skin is a good way to ensure the scent stays with you throughout the day! Note: It is important not to add essential oils directly to your skin. They should always be mixed with a carrier oil.

You might also be interested in: Essential Oils for Your Most Common Ailments

What Are the Best Essential Oils for Anxiety?

So what are the best essential oils for anxiety? Below are eight essential oils that can really help with anxiety and moments when stress creeps up on you.

1. Clary Sage

Clary sage is an essential oil that has a profound and positive effect on the senses. It is beneficial for women who are going through their menstrual cycle. It is a natural anti-depressant and is known for its stress-reduction properties.

To Use: Apply 6 drops to the skin along with a carrier oil (such as coconut)—best used on the wrist or around the shoulder area.

2. Valerian

This is an ancient herb that is used to aid sleep. Anxiety often produces sleepless nights, and valerian helps to calm nerves and promote relaxing sleep.

To Use: Add a few drops of valerian to an oil burner or diffuser. Ensure your burner is safe and in a position where it cannot be knocked over as it can make you sleepy. A diffuser such as the one we linked is ideal!

3. Lavender

Lavender is another essential oil that is popular in aiding sleep, but it also impacts the limbic system, a part of the brain that controls our emotions. This essential oil has a beautiful and relaxing aroma that calms anxiety.

To Use: This essential oil for anxiety is best used in the bath and mixed with a carrier oil. Five or six drops will suffice.

4. Rose

This is a wonderful essential oil for anxiety that has a deeply relaxing effect on the individual. Just as a real rose instills a sense of love and happiness, the rose scent helps calm anxious and stressful thoughts.

The scent of rose is enchanting, and the floral nature of this oil provides deep relaxation.

To Use: This essential oil is best used either sniffing directly from the bottle or mixed with warm water and carrier oil for a relaxing footbath.

5. Ylang Ylang

Ylang ylang is known to lower blood pressure levels and reduce anxiety. It has a delightful aroma and can also be combined with other oils such as lavender for an added relaxing scent.

To Use: Add this essential oil to an oil burner or diffuser, or use an essential oil mist spray (mixing 10-12 drops of essential oils with water in a spray bottle).

You can also read: How to Activate Positive Emotions With Aromatherapy

6. Patchouli

Patchouli is traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine and helps to relieve anxiety and stress. It has a pleasant and musky aroma and is also beneficial when mixed with other oils.

To Use: Dab a few drops on a handkerchief and sniff it. Or, use it in an oil burner to get the benefits of this essential oil for anxiety.

7. Grapefruit

For those settled by the scent of fruits, grapefruit is a wonderful essential oil for those struggling with anxiety. Its sweet fragrance promotes good energy and a restful environment.

To Use: Grapefruit is best used in an oil diffuser so that its sweet scent can fill out the entire room and send you into a state of bliss.

8. Clove Bud

While clove is often used to treat an upset tummy, it is wonderful for helping anxiety due to its powerful aroma. Clove is a potent smell and has been known to help reduce feelings of anxiety.

To Use: This essential oil is best sniffed straight from the bottle or mixed with a carrier oil such as olive or avocado and used in the bath. A few drops in the bath can help promote a state of calm.

Reset With Essential Oils

Using essential oils to help reduce anxiety is a clever way of resetting your energies when things become too much.

Using essential oils regularly is a great way to promote a greater sense of peace. Always test an essential oil mixed with a carrier oil on your skin before using it more liberally. It is best to do a small skin patch and wait 24 hours to see if you have an allergic reaction.

The next time you feel anxiety getting the better of you, reach for one of these essential oils and let the power of plants do its work!

*Disclaimer: The content in this article is not to be used in place of medical advice. Always seek your physician’s advice or a qualified health professional’s advice before trying any of the above listed essential oils in place of medication or other treatments. If you are already taking a certain type of medication or undergoing treatment for something, be sure to double-check with your physician or a qualified health professional if it is okay to use the above essential oils.

Related article: A Guided Meditation to Relieve Stress & Tension