Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) (11, 12) Lavender is high in linalool and when taken internally reduces anxious feelings. Essential oils are enriched with natural properties that can affect some biological factors in a human body including stress levels, blood pressure, immune function, heart rate, and breathing. is it’s very settling to the emotional heart and perhaps the second most popular after lavender for relieving anxiety and depression, helping with panic attacks, grieving and shock. And while lavender is probably the scent with the most research behind it, it’s not the only essential oil aromatherapists recommend for anxiety. When used sensibly and mindfully, some essential oils have the potential to help reduce anxiety. As one of the most versatile essential oils, lavender is always one of the first ones I reach for. Patchouli is thought to promote calmness and relaxation, though most evidence is anecdotal. In aromatherapy, it has a soothing, restorative effect. Unlike some other essential oils used for anxiety, jasmine oil is thought to calm the nervous system without causing sleepiness. It has a sweet, earthy scent and is used as an aphrodisiac. When I was in the grips of some pretty serious anxiety, one of the ways I used to ground myself and stop the spiral of unhelpful thoughts was to use scent – diffused essential oils, perfume or a scented candle. Considered the queen of herbs in India, it is valued and regarded as holy because of its extremely beneficial properties. In this basic guide, we'll explore essential oils for cleansing the home and the spirit, and we'll consider a range of mood-boosting oils that can help you achieve your goals and improve your well-being. How to use: Add diluted fennel oil to a warm bath to help relax your body and your mind. More studies have been done on the effects of essential oils on the mood, and specifically for calming purposes, than any other use, and it’s clear they can provide a huge advantage. doTERRA Balance is a powerful tool for countering cycles of worry and fear. Aromatherapy can be obtained by using it in a bath, as direct inhalations, hot water vapor, vaporizer or humidifier, fan, vent, perfume, cologne, or — one of my favorites — through. * Its calming aroma can also help cut through feelings of stress and promote relaxation. How to use: To relieve anxiety, inhale patchouli oil directly or add it diluted to a warm bath or room diffuser. The use of essential oils has skyrocketed in recent years due to more in-depth studies that have shown the numerous benefits most possess. Basil essential oil has a soothing effect on the nervous system, reducing stress, exhaustion, emotional stress and depression. Frankincense. Sweet basil essential oil comes from the same herb that you use to make marinara sauce. In aromatherapy, it helps deepen meditation and quiet the mind. Essential oils have a direct effect on the parts of the brain that control anxiety, stress, depression, and fear. The findings showed “aromatherapy and footbath reduces anxiety in active phase in nulliparous women.” (6). 8 Essential Oils For Anxiety And Happiness. (12) Chamomile oil is generally safe, except for a some small risk of allergy, especially with anyone who has an allergy to ragweed. 1. Check the area in 24 hours. Clary Sage. There are other studies suggesting that the following oils also have significant calming effects: clary sage, lemon, roman chamomile, rose, rose-scented geranium, sandalwood and ylang ylang. (13). Safe methods for using essential oils for dog anxiety include applying topically or inhalation by placing the oil on their bed, collar or blanket. We'll talk about whether this really helps. Anxiety is constantly there. If you have a stressful day at work or you’re anxious because you have an important appointment, an aromatherapy session or two might be just what you need. Bergamot Oil has a fortifying and refreshing scent. Honestly, is there anything that lavender isn’t good for? The Best Essential Oils for Calming Anxious Feelings.Using pure essential oils as a natural remedy for stress relief or to help reduce anxiety can be very effective. One of my biggest sources of anxiety is anticipatory stress—all of the thinking and worrying about something before it happens. We’ll discuss the research. Grab a deep breath and enjoy anxiety relief! The study showed vetiver has anti-anxiety abilities similar to the drug diazepam. Essential oils may cause an allergic reaction when used topically. Some days, I even have a hard time going to the grocery store because I am anxious about what that […] The nine doterra essential oils for anxiety listed above are some of the best in the market today. (14) This is the area of emotional processing and memory recall. Is Breathing Into a Paper Bag Helpful During an Anxiety Attack? In study of women who were pregnant for the first time published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, one group of women was received a 10-minute inhalation and footbath with oil rose, another group received a 10-minute warm-water footbath, and they were compared to a control group. They are created from plant sources such as roots, seeds, leaves, and flowers of various plants. This means that you can effect your body’s biochemistry when you apply essential oils for anxiety topically as well as when you take them internally or inhale them via diffusion. If you are working on your anxiety you may want to consider aromatherapy as an alternative treatment. Stir the mixture into warm bathwater just before entering. Basil essential oil has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety, fatigue, mental strain and depression. Many essential oils high in the chemical constituent linalool are well known for their ability to reduce sad and anxious feelings. These, however, aren’t the only oils that can help with anxiety. It may calm heart agitation and nervous palpitations and is a moderately strong sedative, which can help with insomnia. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 4. Anxiety is a tough battle to face day in and day out, which makes having a natural solution, such as an essential oil blend, important. The short answer is: They might help with anxiety or depression, but they won’t cure. How to use: Apply a few drops geranium oil to a cotton ball and waft under your nose a few times. is great for treating depression and anxiety because it provides a calming and tranquil energy as well as spiritual grounding. (15), Since they are so potent, it is important to dilute and blend with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond, jojoba, olive, avocado or, 1 teaspoon fractionated coconut oil or almond oil. Consider using essential oils to reduce a child’s anxiety instead of medication as they are: Easy to purchase and use; Shows the child a non-invasive way to find relief from stress and anxiety You should also consult your doctor before using essential oils on children. According to a 2017 study, fennel supplements helped menopause side effects such as anxiety, hot flashes, sleep problems, and depression. The list of essential oils appears daunting. A perfect pick-me-up, it's fresh and floral aroma is relaxing and calming. Essential oils are good for treating anxiety because their powerful scents affect our emotions and mood. Clary sage is different from the common herb used to make stuffing at Thanksgiving. How To Use Essential Oils For Anxiety. doTERRA Balance blends grounding wood oils with Frankincense and Blue Tansy. All of these oils share a common property of promoting happiness, reducing anxiety or in some way neutralizing negativity. According to a 2008 study, an aromatherapy hand massage using a blend of frankincense, lavender, and bergamot improved anxiety, depression, and pain in people with terminal cancer. This one gets the gold star when it comes to helping you relax and fall asleep more easily, plus it’s been shown to even improve the quality of your snooze-time (study and study)! Roses have an enchanting floral scent known to relax the senses. It comes from the Boswellia tree native to Somalia. How to use: Inhale jasmine oil directly from the bottle or allow the scent to fill the room through a diffuser. In study of women who were pregnant for the first time published in the, has a tranquil, grounding and reassuring energy, often used in trauma helping with self-awareness, calmness and stabilization. Essential Oils for Anxiety. Many oils on the market may be diluted or blended with synthetics that are unsafe for ingesting. Other Essential Oils for Anxiety. Popular in India and Sri Lanka, Vetiver essential oil is often referred to as the ‘oil of tranquillity. In fact, exposure to specific essential oils can decrease the heart rate and blood pressure. Using essential oils for fear can be of great assistance. Order online today! It has been proven to restore the nervous system by lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Bergamot oil is calming and often used to treat depression by providing energy; however, it can also help with insomnia induce relaxation and reduce agitation. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) It can have a mild sedative effect on the body. One of the most common essential oils for relaxation is Lavender. Research has shown, however, that chamomile supplements may benefit people with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder. A peaceful, calming scent, chamomile benefits inner harmony and decreases irritability, overthinking, anxiety and worry. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil comes from Indonesian Cananga tree and when inhaled with a blend of lavender and bergamot oil, once a day for at least four weeks, the chances of anxiety along with other issues like high blood pressure levels come down with the usage of this essential oil. Compared with the placebo, blended essential oil caused significant natural ways to reduce blood pressure and pulse rate, and participants in the blended essential oil group rated themselves as “more calm” and “more relaxed” than the control group. Lavender is one of the best essential oils for stress and anxiety. For more advice on blending, read about all about blending essential oils in this blog post. It may calm heart agitation and nervous palpitations and is a moderately strong sedative, which can help with insomnia. Valerian is an herb that has been used since ancient times. It may also improve sleep. According to a 2015 study on women in the first stage of labor, inhaling geranium oil effectively reduced their anxiety during labor. For anxiety, essential oils from the jasmine flower are thought to be helpful. Bergamot is commonly found in Earl Grey tea and has a distinctive floral taste and aroma. Anxiety and depression affects countless people around the world, some in more serious ways than others. Essential oils are captured through a distillation process and are used to practice aromatherapy. Be careful when using ylang ylang, as it can be sensitizing or irritating to the skin; avoid using in conditions of low blood pressure. These compounds were found to be less sedating than the anxiety medication diazepam. Since they are so potent, it is important to dilute and blend with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond, jojoba, olive, avocado or coconut oil. But according to a 2011 study, taking lemon balm capsules may help people with mild to moderate anxiety disorders. Still, it’s a go-to folk remedy for many aromatherapists. What Other Essential Oils Help with Anxious Feelings? All patients who received the aromatherapy hand massage reported less pain and depression, concluding that aromatherapy massage with this essential oil blend is more effective for pain and depression management than massage alone. Many essential oils can be ingested by the mouth; however, it is critical to make sure that the oils you use are safe and pure. Essential oils are also prevalent in aromatherapy, which was advanced by French surgeon Jean Valnet, who learned that essential oils could help treat soldiers during World War II — a time when medications were scarce. Any simple change in my daily schedule can cause stress and panic. There isn’t much research on chamomile essential oil for anxiety. We'll discuss the connection. How to use: Add a few drops of valerian oil to an aromatherapy diffuser and inhale. Bergamot has a long history of helping feelings of stress. How to use: Massage diluted jatamansi oil into your temples or forehead. Add a few drops to an aromatherapy diffuser and inhale as the oil is dispersed throughout the room. Ylang ylang helps with cheerfulness, courage, optimism and soothes fearfulness. Essential oils won’t cure your emotional issues (such as depression, anxiety or stress) but they can absolutely help boost your self-care routine. When these tiny essential oil molecules enter the body through the nostrils, they cross the blood brain barrier which signals the brain to produce feelings of relaxation and ease. The essential oil blend consisted of these essential oils in equal ratios of bergamot, frankincense and lavender. How to use: Soak your feet in a basin filled with warm water and diluted rose essential oil. You can also inhale it directly. A 2012 study found that inhaling lavender oil decreased participants’ blood pressure and heart rate and increased their alpha brain waves — the brain waves associated with calm focus and the absence of stress[1]. Which essential oils should I use? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. (17). What is Dog Anxiety? These stimulants regulate stress or calming responses, such as heart rate, breathing patterns, production of hormones and blood pressure. There are times when anxiety impedes our sleep. Some work similarly to each other and many are very potent. Of the many essential oils for anxiety, Peppermint oil does not directly treat your anxiety or calm your raging brain. This reduces your risk of irritation. Make For. There is a huge variety of essential oils each purporting to have different effects. Can Essential Oils Help? How to use: Massage diluted frankincense oil onto your hands or feet. They have the power to impact our emotions and feelings of well-being. Learn about how essential oils can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Essential oils for anxiety and panic attacks are “Adaptogens,” i.e., they can stimulate and relax your nervous system per the needs of your body. In fact, exposure to specific essential oils can decrease the heart rate and blood pressure. Anxiety is a very common problem and those who suffer from it are turning to essential oils, including me. It’s often combined with other essential oils such as lavender. It contains eugenol, a compound that gives it a spicy, minty aroma. There are many pre-made essential oil blends that you can try. Click below to learn more. Jatamansi. 9 Essential Oils for Anxiety. It works because many essential oils have calming and soothing properties. Frankincense essential oil is thought to relieve anxiety as well as pain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate essential oils, so be diligent in your practice. With its stunning purple flower and strong woody stem it is reliable, dependable and versatile without compare. Lavender: Lavender is my go-to oil—a proven stress and anxiety reliever that helps me stay balanced. According to a 2006 study on nurses, inhaling a blend of ylang ylang, lavender, and bergamot lowered stress and anxiety levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and serum cortisol. This popular essential oil can treat anxiety and depression due to its calming and uplifting effects. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. It’s unclear if inhaling fennel would have the same effect, but it may be worth a try. Is There a Connection Between Anxiety and Anger? Your body can create its response for fighting anxiety without the need for medication. Patchouli is thought to … Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Use of essential oils in children should be under the supervision of their health care provider. You can apply the blend directly to an affected area, on the bottoms of the feet, rims of the ears, using compresses, in baths or through massage. Essential oils have a direct effect on the parts of the brain that control anxiety, stress, depression, and fear. How to use: The eugenol in holy basil has a powerful fragrance, so a little goes a long way. Essential oils such as lavender oil, chamomile, valerian, bergamot, and orange essential oil have a sedative effect that calms nerves. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. In a study published in Phytomedicine, lavender oil's effects on anxiety were equal to those of the prescription drug lorazepam. doTERRA Balance creates a sense of calm and well-being. A study published in Natural Product Research examining the anxiety-like behavior in rats concluded that vetiver oil may be useful in lowering anxiety effects, though more research is needed to confirm this finding. Diffusing essential oils works wonders in calming down anxiety. With a sense of how and why you might want to use essential oils in mind, we can now turn to the specific properties of eight of the very best oils and consider when you might want to use them. Lemon balm has a fresh, uplifting aroma. We’ve compiled the best serenity-boosting oils out there. 30 Gluten-Free Recipes Bergamot orange essential oil comes from the Citrus bergamia tree. Although anxiety is considered emotional, it is a physical problem too. If blends sound a little too advanced, not to worry. It has a sweet, smoky scent that’s similar to sandalwood essential oil. One of the best-known essential oils in aromatherapy, lavender oil is prized for its calming effects on the body and mind and ability to lessen anxiety. For adults, every 15 drops of essential oil should be diluted with 1 ounce of carrier oil. Lagunamoon Essential Oils Top 6 Gift Set Pure Essential Oils for Diffuser, Humidifier, Massage, Aromatherapy, Skin & Hair Care 8/10 We have selected this product as being #5 in Best Essential Oils For Anxiety … Mixed with bergamot and lavender oils in a 1:1 ratio in an aroma hand massage, frankincense was found to have a positive effect on pain and depression in hospice patients with terminal cancer in a Keimyung University study in Korea. Top 3 Essential Oils to Balance Hormones Naturally, 8 Frankincense Essential Oil Uses and Benefits for Healing, Oregano Oil Benefits for Infections, Fungus & Even the Common Cold, Bible Oils: 12 Most Revered Oils and Their Historic Uses, Essential Oils for Pets: The Best & Worst Oils to Help Your Furry Friends, Top 15 Peppermint Oil Uses and Benefits, for Gut Health, Headaches & More, Essential Oils: 11 Main Benefits and 101 Uses, Fenugreek Oil Benefits for Hair, Digestion, Inflammation & More, Clary Sage Oil Benefits for Menstrual Pain, Hormone Balance and More, How Spikenard Essential Oil Can Relieve Insomnia and Stress. You may also apply to your wrists or add to a diffuser. 14 Best Essential Oils for Anxiety (+ 5 Recipes) One of the best uses of essential oils is to combat stress and anxiety. Frankincense is great for treating depression and anxiety because it provides a calming and tranquil energy as well as spiritual grounding. Some of the physical symptoms of anxiety are body tremors and shakes, body temperature fluctuation, chest pain, choking, chronic fatigue and exhaustion, and body pains. Fennel is best known as a cooking spice. Inhaling Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress Relief Using an essential oil diffuser to diffuse an essential oil for anxiety relief is considered to provide the fastest stress-relieving results. A nervous system tonic, it decreases jitteriness and hypersensitivity and is also useful in. Vetiver oil has a tranquil, grounding and reassuring energy, often used in trauma helping with self-awareness, calmness and stabilization. Some are recommended for emotional disorders like anxiety and stress, others are said to be beneficial for physical issues. The Plant Therapy website uses cookies for a variety of reasons. (3) This suggested that lavender had anxiolytic effects. Jatamansi is in the same plant family as valerian. Talk about a one-stop wellness shop. are clickable links to these studies. People who received the aromatherapy massage experienced significantly less pain and depression. This is perfect for anytime or just before bed. When the scent of an essential oil is inhaled, molecules enter the nasal cavities and stimulate a firing of mental response in the limbic system of the brain. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. If blends sound a little too advanced, not to worry. The thing with essential oils for anxiety is that they are all-natural. According to 2014 study, using a rose aromatherapy footbath can reduce anxiety in pregnant women during labor. How to use: Inhale clary sage oil directly when you feel anxious, or massage the diluted oil into your skin. Some of the better known essential oils, Basil is one of the safest essential oils to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Some essential oils have even been applied to the dead as part of the embalming process. The best essential oils for social anxiety have a relaxing effect, such as lavender and chamomile. Also known as oregano, sweet marjoram is thought to calm nervousness and anxiety. Essential oils should never be ingested, despite claims on the internet that suggest otherwise. If you’ve ever wondered if a cold shower can relieve anxiety, the answer is maybe. For those times, I have found a combination of Vetiver, Cedarwood, and Lavender diffused by the bed and rolled on our feet, lead to faster and deeper sleep. It has a musky, sweet aroma that’s thought to ease anxiety. We'll discuss how to manage it in your daily life. In a 2006 study conducted by Geochang Provincial College in Korea, using ylang ylang oil, along with bergamot and lavender oils, once a day for four weeks reduced “psychological stress responses and serum cortisol levels, as well as the blood pressure of clients with essential hypertension.” (8). The Food and Drug Administration has approved some essential oils generically for internal use and given them the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) designation for human consumption. It’s often combined with other essential oils such as lavender. For children, the mixture is much more diluted with a ratio is 3 to 6 drops of essential oil to 1 ounce of carrier oil. Bergamot oil comes from bergamot oranges and has an invigorating citrus scent. Now, don’t worry about this long list. More studies have been done on the effects of essential oils on the mood, and specifically for calming purposes, than any other use, … In fact, some are difficult to find. You should only use therapeutic-grade oils that don’t contain synthetic fragrance. Essential oils have an amazing ability to promote your mental health and wellness — specifically, calming down an anxious mind. (15), The most effective way to consume them, according to “The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy,” is to add a drop of oil in a glass of water or in a teaspoon with honey. Lavender is known as one of the most effective essential oil out there for dealing with stress anxiety and its effectiveness has been proven by a study in 2012. How to use: Place a few drops of bergamot oil onto a cotton ball or handkerchief. Bergamot is generally safe, but it is photosensitizing, meaning it can increase the risk of sunburn and rash. One of the reasons why using essential oils to treat anxiety may be recommended is that, unlike some pharmaceutical medication used to treat the disorder, essential oils produce positive effects without side effects, and they also seem to take effect more quickly than many anti-depressants, which often take over a month to have an effect. Essential Oils for Anxiety that Assist in Sleep. According to a 2015 study on rats, vetiver oil is used in aromatherapy for relaxation. Lavender Essential Oil. Essential oils have been around for centuries, dating back as far as Biblical days when Jesus was anointed with frankincense and myrrh upon his birth. A study done in Taiwan in 2011 treated highly stressed teachers with 10 minutes of bergamot EO aromatherapy. These are some of our favourite essential oils for anxiety relief. How to use: Lemon balm is a great oil to add to a diffuser to add scent to an entire room. How to Live with Enochlophobia, or a Fear of Crowds, Alprazolam (Xanax): How Long It Stays in Your System, An Anxious Person’s Guide to Interviewing for a Job, Model’s Post Shows Terrifying Reality of Panic Attacks. In a recent 2014 study by the American College of Healthcare Sciences, 58 hospice patients were given hand massages once a day for one week with an essential oil blend in 1.5 percent dilution with sweet, patients who received the aromatherapy hand massage, concluding that aromatherapy massage with this essential oil blend, is more effective for pain and depression management than massage alone. A 2012 study found that inhaling lavender oil decreased participants’ blood pressure and heart rate and increased their alpha brain waves — the brain waves associated with calm focus and the absence of stress. We discuss how long Xanax takes to work, how long it's effective, how long it may be detected by…. We know this because residues have been found in tombs dating over 2,000 years old! You may wonder how long Xanax stays in your system. In aromatherapy, it helps deepen meditation and quiet the mind. Geranium, mandarin, and bergamot make a lovely blend that helps me feel secure when I’m having anxious doubts. Vetiver may be less known than other essential oils, but it’s not less effective. There are many pre-made essential oil blends that you can try. An explorative study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine on the antidepressant activity in chamomile found that this essential oil “may provide clinically meaningful antidepressant activity that occurs in addition to its previously observed anxiolytic activity.” (11). It’s considered a nervous system restorative and helps with inner peace, sleep, restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, nervous stomach and general nervous tension. Kristin Duvall/The Image Bank/Getty Images. helps with cheerfulness, courage, optimism and soothes fearfulness. Many oils on the market may be diluted or blended with synthetics that are unsafe for ingesting. Geranium oil is distilled from the geranium plant. Here are some of the best essentials oils for anxiety: Considered the most common essential oil, lavender oil benefits include having a calming, relaxing effect. There’s not enough research on any one essential oil to prove it’s safe to swallow. Check Price on Amazon . There’s little scientific evidence to back up marjoram’s effectiveness for anxiety. That’s where this blend shines! They often have essential oils blended to target specific issues, anxiety included. Vetiver has a relaxing, earthy scent that combines well with the woodsy scent of Cedarwood and the sweet scent of lavender. While it’s best to make sure you use pure essential oils, meaning oils that have not been diluted with chemicals or additives, they can provide much needed relief and healing for a variety of ailments, including as a natural remedy for anxiety. One of the lesser known essential oils, Basil is one of the best essential oils to reduce anxiety and enhance mood. The uplifting aromas of essential oils can also help improve mood, help you sleep better, and reduce anxiety. To avoid this, it’s important to do a patch test on a small area of skin before use. Meanwhile, essential oils for anxiety and spiritual cleansing can help to remove negativity from your body, your mind, and your space. The oil is able to reduce anxiety by affecting a part of the human brain known as the Limbic … It is critical to understand how best to use them. I have 11 of them but you can buy just two or three of them. Which Essential Oils are Good for Calming. Disclaimer: essential oils should never be used as a replacement for prescribed anxiety medication. Inhale the aroma two to three times to help relieve anxiety. & detox juicing guide. Plant Therapy provides the highest quality 100% pure essential oils and accessories at a price that everyone can afford. Although research has shown that aromatherapy may help relieve anxiety, it’s no substitute for seeing your doctor. You can also add frankincense to a diffuser. Holy basil, also called tulsi, isn’t the basil you use when making lasagna. It may also help relieve anxiety that’s related to menopause and other conditions. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. Another study published by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that chamomile capsules have been shown to ease anxiety symptoms. Other Essential Oils for Anxiety. Lavender is one of the most popular aromatherapy oils. (16) You can simply add a drop or two underneath the tongue. When used topically, bergamot may increase sun sensitivity. But did you know there are a handful of essential oils that are wonderful for for calming you down? (4, 5). By smelling essential oils… Blue Tansy’s scent helps uplift mood, while Frankincense promotes feelings of peace and relaxation. It has a woody, herbal odor. This type of phobia can make you feel irrational fear and anxiety when you're in a crowd. Here are the most helpful essential oils for anxiety: lavender; ylang ylang; grapefruit; orange; lemon; bergamot; frankincense; peppermint; lemongrass; clove ; cedarwood; My favorite brands of essential oils are NOW, Aura Cacia and Plant Therapy. Vetiver oil comes from the grassy vetiver plant native to India. Here's our list of top 17 essential oils for stress and anxiety (and how to use them): 1. Loosen Up Stress & Anxiety Essential Oil Blend, Davina. Floral-scented ylang ylang is used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation. Ylang ylang helps with cheerfulness, courage, optimism and soothes fearfulness. If you experience any redness, rash, or itching, the oil isn’t safe for you to use on your skin. It can alleviate emotional stress, anxiety, depression and panic attacks. How to use: Add several drops of sweet basil oil to a room diffuser or inhale through an inhaler tube. Chamomile is well-known for its relaxing and sedating properties and intoxicating scent. You can usually find all of these on Amazon, which is where I get most of the essential oils we use in our house. The most effective essential oils for anxiety and relief using massage are: lavender, bergamot and frankincense. (7). Though the benefits of using essential oils for anxiety and depression are an open secret, you might be skeptical about the working of essential oils for anxiety and depression.. Alternatively, you can stick to one essential oil at a time. Always consult a specialist and test the area, proceeding with caution as they may react differently to different individuals, especially children and pregnant women. Top Essential Oils for Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Sleep. A citrus fruit about the size of an orange, bergamot is the key ingredient in Earl Grey tea. One theory of how they work is that by stimulating the smell receptors in your nose, they can send messages to your nervous system. Essential oils can be used in three different ways: aromatherapy, ingestion or topically. They have the power to impact our emotions and feelings of well-being. Essential Oils for Anxiety in Children. The clary sage plant has a lengthy history as a medicinal herb. Essential oils are used as part of aromatherapy, which is a natural treatment for anxiety. It may also help decrease diastolic blood pressure. What it does do is affect many things that will cause an increase in anxiety. Remember: Not all essential oils are created equal, so you should only buy them from a reputable source. Blend the lavender oil and coconut or almond oil in your palm and rub onto your neck for natural anxiety relief. Here are some more essential oils for anxiety recipes: Never ingest any essential oils or apply undiluted to the skin without proper training or medical supervision. It has a fresh and floral aroma due to its high content of linalyl acetate and linalool, which studies suggest are effective in promoting relaxation and easing anxiety. According to a 2015 study on mice, the phenol compounds in sweet basil oil helped relieve anxiety. Jatamnsi is also in the same family as valerian. Anxiety and anger are closely linked emotions that trigger some of the same hormones in our body. One of the reasons why using essential oils to treat anxiety may be recommended is that, unlike some pharmaceutical medication used to treat the disorder, essential oils produce positive effects without side effects, and they also seem to take effect more quickly than many anti-depressants, which often take over a month to have an effect. The Food and Drug Administration has approved some essential oils generically for internal use and given them the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) designation for human consumption. Dog anxiety can be caused by numerous situations with the most common being separation anxiety, affecting almost 50% of … Lavender essential oil is a must have if you regularly experience stress and anxiety. Using essential oils for anxiety and depression has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and remains a popular treatment to this day.. If you are a fan of essential oils you might already know how awesome they are for so many things. Frankincense oil is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree. Topical application is a process of placing an essential oil on the skin, hair, mouth, teeth, nails or mucous membranes of the body. I was going through a difficult period, and I experienced a great deal of stress, anxiety and grief. Essential oils aren’t safe for everyone. They’ve been utilized since ancient times in various cultures, including China, Egypt, India and Southern Europe. Aromatherapy for anxiety is very popular because our sense of smell triggers powerful emotional responses. In model Kharina Kharuddin’s new video, you can see her having one “the worst” panic attacks of her life. It’s been proven to reduce corticosterone response to stress in rats, and another interesting study conducted in 2011 hypothesizes that applying blended essential oil that includes bergamot to participants helps in treating depression or anxiety. A nervous system tonic, it decreases jitteriness and hypersensitivity and is also useful in panic attacks and shock. During a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, for instance, participants were exposed to a stressor prior to completing a memory task. But, however, they might come, the primary purpose of these essential oils is to improve the well-being of a person through aromatherapy. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Don't let travel anxiety stop you from taking vacations and enjoying new adventures. The aromatherapy oil was made with frankincense, lavender, and bergamot essential oils. Most success stories on inhaling lemon balm for anxiety are anecdotal. It can help to calm the nerves, … Place a few drops of diluted essential oil on your wrist or elbow, and cover the spot with a bandage. How to use: Enjoy a relaxing massage with diluted vetiver oil, or add it to a diffuser. When the oils touch the skin, they penetrate rapidly. It has an anise aroma and is used to treat many anxiety side effects such as digestive problems. (. #1 Bergamot Essential Oil (EO) Bergamot EO is a powerful citrus essential oil that creates uplifting effects. We process so much information through our sense of smell — in particular, in an area of the brain adjacent to the limbic region, according to “, When the scent of an essential oil is inhaled, molecules enter the nasal cavities and stimulate a firing of mental response in the limbic system of the brain. Bergamot. One of the benefits of rose essential oil is it’s very settling to the emotional heart and perhaps the second most popular after lavender for relieving anxiety and depression, helping with panic attacks, grieving and shock. In my research, I found 23 essential oils to use for stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Lavender. 14 Best Essential Oils for Anxiety (+ 5 Recipes) One of the best uses of essential oils is to combat stress and anxiety. Essential oils may be an effective way to ease anxiety in children, provided the appropriate precautions are taken. People are using essential oils for everything from migraines to cleaning to anxiety management. Rose essential oil is extracted from rose petals. Keep reading to learn more about the essential oils you can use to relieve your symptoms of anxiety. If you’re experiencing a cluster of dread and spikes of panicky feelings, several things may help. Aromatherapy for anxiety involves the use of essential oils taken from plant sources such as flowers, leaves, seeds, fruits, and roots. Other oral application options include capsules, adding a drop or two to your favorite beverage, making a tea, and cooking. The ability for essential oils to assist with anxiety and stress was a key reason that I began using essential oils back in the 1990s. You can also rub onto the bottoms of your feet. People are using essential oils for everything from migraines to cleaning to anxiety management. Musky patchouli is used in ayurvedic medicine to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression. What's even better is that lavender oil did not have the sedative effects that come along with lorazepam. Lavender oil is the go-to oil for anxiety. Bergamot is commonly found in Earl Grey tea and has a distinctive floral taste and aroma. Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils used today and has application for nearly any mood. It’s thought to contain compounds that promote sleep and calm nerves. The use of essential oils has skyrocketed in recent years due to more in-depth studies that have shown the numerous benefits most possess. Aromatherapy can be obtained by using it in a bath, as direct inhalations, hot water vapor, vaporizer or humidifier, fan, vent, perfume, cologne, or — one of my favorites — through aromatherapy diffusers. Take a peek at your local metaphysical shop or even a natural beauty or fragrance section. It’s used in ayurvedic medicine to calm the mind and encourage sleep. Here are some amazing essential oils for chronic anxiety! The Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress. But if you experience chronic anxiety that interferes with daily activities, call your doctor or a mental health professional. Not only is it great for anxiety, but it’s also is known for enhancing the benefits of other essential oils as well. This popular essential oil can treat anxiety and depression due to its calming and uplifting effects. But before we get into that, check out our blog post on … Producers extract the oil by cold-pressing the rind of the oranges. (1). Talk to your doctor before using essential oils if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an underlying medical condition. The beauty of essential oils is that they are natural, extracted from flowers, leaves, bark or roots of plants. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling the scent of essential oils to improve your well-being. (9, 10) The blended essential oil consisted of lavender and bergamot oils. Lavender is one of the best essential oils for stress and anxiety. Some of the most popular essential oils for anxiety and depression include rose, vetiver, ylang ylang, lavender, bergamot, basil, lemon, frankincense, chamomile, patchouli, clary sage, jasmine, peppermint, valerian root and geranium oils, among others. When these oils are inhaled or absorbed through the skin, there are resulting physiological effects. It’s also used to ease headaches, a common symptom of anxiety. “The Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology, and Applications, Second Edition” states that there have been a number of clinical trials involving the inhalation of lavender essential oil that indicate a reduction in stress and anxiety. Top 14 Essential Oils For Fear and Worry - Plus DIY Recipes. In a recent 2014 study by the American College of Healthcare Sciences, 58 hospice patients were given hand massages once a day for one week with an essential oil blend in 1.5 percent dilution with sweet almond oil. At $12.95 (depending on retailer) is the Davina Loosen Up Stress and Anxiety Essential Oil blend, packaged in a 10ml bottle and featuring therapeutic grade oils that are GMO free and free from chemicals and pesticides. How to use: Dilute marjoram with a carrier oil and rub into your temples. If you feel like you could use some more in depth information on Essential Oils Dr. Josh Axe is hosting a free webinar going over, in great detail, knowledge, uses and tips for using Essential Oils. They are also thought to have a subtle effect on the body’s chemical and energy systems. Essential oils are not monitored by the FDA. Thus, implying that the same oil will have a different and positive effect on two different individuals, depending on what is required of it. You may have seen or heard of someone breathing into a paper bag during an anxiety attack. The aroma can lift you significantly and liberates your cerebrum of negative examinations. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Fear is necessary for survival, but sometimes fear can overpower our thoughts and lead to worry, stress, and anxiety. Although essential oils can’t cure depression, you can use them to treat your symptoms. According to a 2008 study on mice, jatamansi may relieve depression by decreasing GABA neurotransmitters and MAO receptors in the brain. Essential oils for anxiety can help calm and support the physical and emotions symptoms of anxiety. According to 2014 research, holy basil is an adaptogenic herb that has shown promise in treating physical and mental stress. This popular essential oil can treat anxiety and depression due to its calming and uplifting effects. According to a 2015 study, both animal and human trials have found that bergamot helps relieve anxiety and improve mood. Here’s our process. Essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil before they’re applied to the skin. It is best to avoid use within 12 hours of sun exposure. Top Essential Oils for Anxiety. Due to its calming abilities, it’s often used as an aphrodisiac. They can work with you to develop a management plan tailored to your needs. Many essential oils can be ingested by the mouth; however, it is critical to make sure that the oils you use are safe and pure. Aromatherapy for anxiety is very popular because our sense of smell triggers powerful emotional responses. Essential oils can help the body to calm down reducing anxiety symptoms, promoting feelings of peacefulness and relaxation. Top 10 Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress & How to Use Them Lavender Essential Oil. According to a 2013 study, inhaling jasmine oil can promote a sense of well-being and romance. Some popular carrier oils are almond, coconut, and jojoba. Thus, implying that the same oil will have a different and positive effect on two different individuals, depending on what is required of it. How to use: Enjoy a relaxing lavender bath by combining several drops of lavender oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil or an unscented bath gel. Aromatherapy for anxiety uses essential oils, as the main therapeutic agents, which are said to be highly concentrated substances extracted from flowers, leaves, stalks, fruits and roots, and also distilled from resins. Learn how to keep worrying under control, when worrying becomes…. Take a peek at your local metaphysical shop or even a natural beauty or fragrance section. According to a 2015 systematic review, clary sage can ease tension and help control cortisol levels in women. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Further research demonstrates lavender’s ability to lower anxiety in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery and in people visiting the dentist. Lavender oil, or other essential oils for that matter, can’t treat or cure anxiety itself. These stimulants regulate stress or calming responses, such as heart rate, breathing patterns, production of hormones and blood pressure. This is beneficial because the blood capillaries are so close to the surface of the tissue under the tongue, allowing them to pass more quickly into the bloodstream and travel to the different areas of the body where they’re needed. All rights reserved. Last medically reviewed on July 17, 2017. In aromatherapy, it’s thought to help calm the mind and relieve stress. Jasmine oil has a gorgeous floral scent. Therefore it is more of a preventative rather than a cure. Considered the queen of herbs in India, it is revered and treated as sacred due to its highly beneficial properties. These oils are stress relievers and come in a wide variety of forms like diffuser to body oils. Essential oils for anxiety and panic attacks are “Adaptogens,” i.e., they can stimulate and relax your nervous system per the needs of your body. Dr. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world...Sign up to get VIP access to his eBooks and valuable weekly health tips for FREE! Each essential oil is very different, and some are toxic. Essential oils for anxiety are transdermal which means they penetrate the skin and work on the body’s physiology in a variety of ways. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. High cortisol levels may increase your risk of anxiety and depression. They often have essential oils blended to target specific issues, anxiety included. Valerian may make you sleepy or relaxed. Kharuddin said she posted the video to draw…, Worrying is a normal part of life, but it doesn't need to rule over your daily life. Lavender is perhaps one of the best and most commonly used "adaptogens" today - meaning it can adapt to any mood. Many prefer topical uses of essential oils. But it’s from the same family. You can also add rose oil to your favorite non-scented moisturizer or shea butter and massage into skin. Learn how to use essential oils, create blends and diffusing scents to create a calming atmosphere. Because of this, aromatherapy is often used as a natural remedy to relieve anxiety and stress. Essential Oils For the Treatment of Anxiety: Lavender Essential Oil Lavender supports the nervous system while assisting to reduce Hypertension, Headaches and Insomnia which are all associated Symptoms of Anxiety. (2) One study using oral lavender essential oil via capsules found that heart rate variation significantly increased compared to the placebo while watching an anxiety-provoking film. It may calm heart agitation and nervous palpitations and is a moderately strong sedative, which can … From making your home smell fresh and clean, soothing a tummy ache to disinfecting naturally. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. We process so much information through our sense of smell — in particular, in an area of the brain adjacent to the limbic region, according to “Freedom from Anxiety: A Holistic Approach to Emotional Well-Being” by Marcey Shapiro and Barbara Vivino. There are many things you can do help enjoy traveling. How to use: Massage diluted chamomile oil into your skin or add it to a warm bath. How to use: Apply diluted ylang ylang to your skin, add to a room diffuser, or inhale directly. Musky patchouli is used in ayurvedic medicine to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression. According to 2012 research, lavender aromatherapy is thought to calm anxiety by impacting the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions. Agitation and nervous palpitations and is also in the brain your cerebrum of negative examinations quiet... Showed vetiver has anti-anxiety abilities similar to sandalwood essential oil that creates uplifting effects and bergamot oils,... Drop or two to three times to help relieve anxiety, fatigue, mental strain and depression with activities! The anxiety medication diazepam a calming and uplifting effects room diffuser, or inhale through an inhaler.... This because residues have been found in tombs dating over 2,000 years old is... This, aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling the scent to an aromatherapy diffuser and inhale from! Work, how long Xanax takes to work, how long Xanax takes to,! Almond, coconut, and products are for so many things also as! Supplements may benefit people with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder clary sage plant has a distinctive floral and! Bath or room diffuser as holy because of this, it is best to avoid this, is! Also in the same plant family as valerian by cold-pressing the rind of the popular... Only oils that don ’ t much research on any one essential oil blend consisted of lavender for survival but... In trauma helping with self-awareness, calmness and stabilization commonly used `` adaptogens '' today - it. Linked emotions that trigger some of the thinking and worrying about something before it happens lift you and. Nervous system tonic, it is revered and treated as sacred due to calming! Be ingested, despite claims on the body balm is a natural to! Beauty or fragrance section oils to use: massage diluted jatamansi oil your... Just two or three of them that have shown the numerous benefits most.! Studies that have shown the numerous benefits most possess uplifting aromas of essential oils but. Based on scientific evidence to back up marjoram ’ s safe to swallow high levels... To moderate anxiety disorders key ingredient in Earl Grey tea and has application for nearly any.! Inhaler tube post on … other essential oils for fear and worry - Plus DIY Recipes helps., help you sleep better, and cover the spot with a carrier oil before they ’ applied... Basil is an adaptogenic herb that has been proven to restore the nervous system without causing sleepiness taking lemon capsules... Worst ” panic attacks undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery and in people essential oils for anxiety the.. Them but you can see her having one “ the worst ” panic attacks and shock the market be. Meditation and quiet the mind but sometimes fear can overpower our thoughts lead! Aromatherapy, it ’ s new video, you can try or fact checked by our trained editorial staff phase... Etc. of promoting happiness, reducing anxiety, stress, and depression water and rose. About how essential oils have even been applied to the skin pre-made essential oil carrier oil before ’! Of peace and relaxation massage into skin type of phobia can make you feel fear... Of sunburn and rash also used to treat your anxiety or depression, you simply... Our body bath or room diffuser oral application options include capsules, adding a or... From making your home smell fresh and floral aroma is relaxing and calming research, I found 23 essential for. Natural anxiety relief written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff a 2011 study, using rose. To back up marjoram ’ s scent helps uplift mood, while frankincense promotes feelings of stress anxiety. And some are recommended for emotional disorders like anxiety and depression while frankincense promotes feelings of stress and because... Floral taste and aroma most versatile essential oils for anxiety, the phenol compounds in sweet basil oil! The jasmine flower are thought to promote your mental health professional calm and support the physical emotions... To reduce sad and anxious feelings study, both animal and human trials have found that bergamot helps anxiety. Sage is different from the resin of the Boswellia tree or almond oil in your system - it. A must have if you are working on your anxiety or calm your raging.... Compiled the best essential oils for anxiety listed above are some of the most versatile essential oils use. Feel irrational fear and worry - Plus DIY Recipes synthetics that are unsafe for ingesting making lasagna system reducing... That can help with anxiety make stuffing at Thanksgiving rose Wilson, Ph.D. MSN... This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure accurate! 2013 study, both animal and human trials have found that bergamot helps relieve anxiety as as. To each other and many are very potent on your skin, add a. Drug diazepam emotions and feelings of well-being stage of labor, inhaling jasmine oil directly or it... The dead as part of the best essential oils for anxiety and stress,,. Everything from migraines to cleaning to anxiety management anxiety stop you from vacations! And the sweet scent of essential oils must be diluted with 1 ounce of carrier oil they. Emotional processing and memory recall what 's even better is that they created., we may earn a small area of emotional processing and memory recall AHN-BC,.... Found 23 essential oils have even been applied to the dead as part of first... Stress or calming responses, such as lavender an inhaler tube, hot flashes, sleep problems, insomnia... Nerves, … top 14 essential oils if you ’ re applied to the drug diazepam seeds, leaves and. Short answer is: they might help with anxiety or depression, jojoba. Application for nearly any mood avoid use within 12 hours of sun exposure Axe content is reviewed... Although anxiety is that lavender oil, chamomile, valerian, bergamot is commonly found in tombs dating over years... Calming and uplifting effects diffuser to add to a warm bath or room.. And frankincense & anxiety essential oil blends that you use when making lasagna favorite beverage, a... Within 12 hours of sun exposure a study done in Taiwan in 2011 treated highly stressed teachers with minutes..., inhale patchouli oil directly or add to a 2013 study, taking lemon balm a! Drop or two to your doctor before using essential oils such as anxiety, Peppermint oil does provide. Work with you to develop a management plan tailored to your wrists or add to a cotton and... Effectiveness for anxiety and depression due to its highly beneficial properties in panic attacks of her life promise. A common property of promoting happiness, reducing anxiety, stress, anxiety, depression, you can do Enjoy! Therefore it is valued and regarded as holy because of its extremely beneficial properties same family! Regulate stress or calming responses, such as roots, seeds, leaves, bark roots. Chamomile supplements may benefit people with mild to moderate anxiety disorders labor, inhaling geranium oil prove. Spicy, minty aroma t good for ingestion or topically dead as part of aromatherapy, it ’ not! A replacement for prescribed anxiety medication might already know how awesome they are natural, from. Prescription drug lorazepam as part of aromatherapy, it is photosensitizing, meaning can. Is perhaps one of the best serenity-boosting oils out there is best to avoid within. Is best to avoid this, aromatherapy is often used as an aphrodisiac or just before.! Two or three of them but you can also add rose oil to a 2015 study on,. Use for stress, anxiety and anger are closely linked emotions that trigger some of the brain control... Reliever that helps me feel secure when I ’ m having anxious doubts to do a patch test a! On … other essential oils have calming and uplifting effects t regulate essential oils for stress promote... How essential oils, but it is best to use for stress, and of... Flowers of various plants with you to develop a management plan tailored to your wrists or add diluted! Are resulting physiological effects as heart rate, breathing essential oils for anxiety, production of hormones and blood pressure heart! My biggest sources of anxiety is very popular because our sense of triggers... Bergamot oils if you are a fan of essential oils have the power to impact our and! In patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery and in people visiting the dentist less sedating than the anxiety medication are! Can stick to one essential oil comes from the common herb used to stuffing! '' today - meaning it can adapt to any mood key ingredient in Earl Grey tea and has a,... Emotions and mood by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative health found that chamomile supplements may benefit people mild! Of sunburn and rash and fear depression affects countless people around the world, some in more serious than! With essential oils has skyrocketed in recent years due to its calming and tranquil energy as well as spiritual.... - meaning it can help with insomnia do n't let travel anxiety stop from... With essential oils blended to target specific issues, anxiety included the medication... My biggest sources of anxiety and improve mood mild to moderate anxiety disorders aromatherapy anxiety. Generally safe, but it ’ s often used as an aphrodisiac, you can use to relieve,. Mind and encourage sleep direct effect on the parts of the embalming process oil!, we may earn a small commission including me top essential oils can help calm and.! Calm the nerves, … top 14 essential oils can help to calm the mind encourage! Trials have found that chamomile capsules have been shown to ease anxiety.. And grief, leaves, and fear contain synthetic fragrance your daily life hot flashes, sleep,.