The use of essential oils for stress and anxiety has become increasingly popular in the past few years because of their natural, holistic approach to wellness. But, like many natural treatment methods, people don’t always know how to properly use essential oils. This blog post will look at some of the best essential oils for anxiety and stress and how to use them properly. Keep reading to learn more!

What is anxiety?

 

Anxiety is a normal human response to stress or fear. Although everyone experiences anxiety from time to time, some people may experience it more often than others. 

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. For example, the anxiety you may feel in the doctor’s office or sitting in your math class is what we call ‘situational anxiety.’ 

However, anxiety disorders are entirely different and can develop at any time in a person’s life. These disorders are more severe and last longer. Anxiety disorders have also been linked to other health issues in some people.

Anxiety in humans can cause many problems, including sleep disorders and physical pain. Stress makes it difficult to concentrate on tasks and even causes panic attacks. It’s common for anxious individuals to experience various symptoms, such as chest pains and headaches.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Knowing the signs of anxiety will help you recognize it when it occurs and give you a head start on developing strategies to deal with it. Typical anxiety symptoms consist of:

  • Anxiety or stress to an unhealthy degree
  • Having a sense of agitation, irritation, or restlessness
  • In a sentimental state
  • Drowsiness and exhaustion
  • Poor focus
  • Sleeplessness, or the inability to get or stay asleep
  • Contraction of muscle fibres
  • Headaches
  • Disorders of digestion
     

Essential oils may help alleviate stress and calm nerves, which can help manage these symptoms, especially if you have noticed a worsening.
 

What is stress?

 

Stress is a psychological and physiological condition that occurs when an individual or individuals are unable to adapt to the needs of their environment. 

Internal or external factors can cause stress. External factors include noise, temperature, air quality, humidity (humidity can cause mould), and lighting. Internal factors include hormone levels and diet. 

The human body has several responses to stress. The most direct answer is the release of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones trigger a stress response in the body.
 

Thankfully, there are more natural methods of relieving anxiety and stress. One of them is the use of essential oils.

What are the symptoms of stress?

Stress is our bodies’ reaction to stressful situations. It’s a natural reaction that alerts us to unwanted or dangerous situations so that we may take the necessary steps to avoid or survive the danger. Our body’s stress response is the “fight or flight” response. 

The fight or flight response is a physiological response to danger that prepares our bodies to either fight for survival or flee to safety. We experience stress responses in stressful situations such as combat or being chased by wild animals. Under these conditions, the stress response prepares us to either fight or flee from the case. Below are some of the symptoms of stress:
 

• Headaches 

• Trouble sleeping 

• Itchy skin 

• Irritability 

• Fatigue 

• Weight gain 

• Low libido 

• Anger 

• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy 

• Loss of appetite 

• Trouble concentrating 

• Loss of sexual desire 

• Irritability 

• Depression 

• Mood swings 

• Increase in blood pressure 

 

Stress can have many adverse effects on your body. If you suffer from anxiety, here are some tips to help you calm yourself down:
 

• Exercise: Getting your body moving as often as possible is vital. Not only does exercise help release endorphins, but it also helps you feel better mentally. 

• Meditate: Meditation is a great way to help you clear your mind and calm down. There are many ways to meditate, and you can choose the best you like. 

• Write down your feelings: It can help you express them and block them from your mind. 

• Do something fun: It can be fun to go crazy and let your emotions go every once in a while. If you feel like you’re losing control, go skydiving, bungee jumping,

And, of course, the right blend of organic essential oils may help!
 

What are essential oils?

 

Essential oils are natural aromatic oils found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be more than 50 times stronger than dried herbs.

Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic and healing properties. When used in aromatherapy, they can produce therapeutic effects which promote emotional and physical well-being.
 

Essential oils have a complex chemical structure that provides many therapeutic benefits, such as:

Analgesic properties – reduce pain.

Anti-depressant properties – promote relaxation and alleviate symptoms of depression.

Antimicrobial properties – fight against disease-causing bacteria

Antiseptic properties – eliminate germs and bacteria

Antispasmodic properties – relax tense muscles

Immunomodulatory properties – improve the function and activity of the immune system.

Sedative properties – promote sleep and reduce stress levels.

Thousands of essential oils are available, with different therapeutic effects. Most essential oils are extracted by distillation, removing volatile compounds from plant materials and cooling the vapours to condense them into liquid form.

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts made from plants. They contain many natural substances that can help with several conditions, including feelings of anxiety. Many types of essential oil are known to reduce feelings of fear, helping the body cope better in stressful situations

Evidence suggests that using aromatherapy can help treat various mental health issues. Aromatherapy helps treat psychological and physiological problems by calming the mind, relieving stress, improving moods, reducing depression and anxiety levels, soothing sore muscles and easing minor aches.

Many people inhale these oils’ aroma when they feel tense or stressed. Some essential oils can be used to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

What are the best essential oils for anxiety and stress?

Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy. Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants to promote physical and psychological health. Certain essential oils have calming, balancing, and sedative effects. Essential oils that may help anxiety include the following:

Lavender essential oil

Lavender is known for its ability to ease anxiety. The lavender essential oil can promote relaxation and help relieve anxiety and stress. This oil also helps slow down your heart rate.  It is also anecdotally reported to help reduce stress hormones.

Lemongrass essential oil

Lemongrass is another excellent essential oil for anxiety. Like lavender, lemongrass essential oil can help relax you and act as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. 

Jasmine essential oil

Jasmine oil works as a sedative, reducing anxiety and bringing on a feeling of calm. Jasmine also reduces the feeling of stress.

Ylang-Ylang essential oil

Ylang-ylang has many proven benefits, such as reducing anxiety and lowering blood pressure in some people. The ylang-ylang essential oil can help reduce anxiety symptoms and promote better sleep.

Based on anecdotal evidence, its calming effect may also make it worthwhile for relaxation, headaches and other conditions, such as depression and stress.

Lemon essential oil 

study that investigated the benefits of lemon essential oil on stressed-out mice showed lemon oil to be a powerful calming and mood-improving agent.

The study concluded that lemon essential oil was the most effective at relieving stress among essential oils such as lavender, rose, and chamomile.

A small 2016 study found that lemon essential oil reduces anxiety among people after undergoing orthopedic surgery.

There are promising indications that diffusing lemon essential oil has a calming effect on some symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Geranium essential oil

Geranium essential oils relax the body, which can be suitable for people who suffer from SAD. In addition, it is recommended to those looking for a natural solution to combat fatigue and depression.

Bergamot essential oil

Bergamot essential oil comes from the peels of the bergamot fruit and is the essence that provides Earl Grey Tea its unique taste and smell profile. In aromatherapy, bergamot essential oil helps provide a sense of calm and can help reduce anxiety levels.

Frankincense essential oil

Frankincense essential oil comes from the gum of the tree Boswellia carterii. Frankincense gum is commonly used in the middle east to help with inflammation. In aromatherapy, frankincense oil is used to calm the nerves and is one of the best oils to ground yourself, letting you stay in the moment. Frankincense oil may help in making you feel calm and relaxed.

Orange essential oil

Many aromatherapists consider orange essential oil as the happy essential oil. Just one sniff and it evokes the feeling of happiness!

Ways to use essential oils to relieve anxiety and stress

There are several methods of using essential oils to help with anxiety and stress:

  1. Body massage – we all know that a great massage releases tension in our bodies. Create your massage oil by blending essential oils with carrier oils. Great carrier oils for massage are sunflower, sweet almond, sesame, argan, and apricot kernel oil. Mix 2 or 3 of the mentioned carrier oil to prepare the air. Then add 3 drops (total) of essential oils for every 1 teaspoon of carrier oil. Essential oils can also be absorbed on the skin and go to the bloodstream via topical application
  2. For relaxation and sleep – diffusing essential oils is a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. Simply add 3-5 drops (total) of your chosen essential oils to your diffuser. Lie down on your bed and use an eye mask. Think of happy thoughts. And you’ll be sleeping pleasantly.
  3. While outside – inhaling essential oils is a convenient way to lower anxiety levels when you’re outside. Simply add 2 drops of essential oil to the handkerchief, close your eyes, and inhale the aroma of the essential oil.

How to buy essential oils?

If you want to reap the benefits of essential oils, get the best quality essential oils. The therapeutic effects of essential oils depend on the quality of the essential oils used. Not all essential oils are created equal. So how do you choose suitable essential oils when so many are available online?

  • Check the label – the label must contain the English name, Latin name, plant part used, extraction method, and certifications.
  • Choose certified organic. Choose 100% organic essential oils. This ensures that there are no traces of harmful pesticides and biocides.
  • Choose pure. Pure essential oils are the best for therapeutic use. This ensures that there are no hidden solvents, parabens, preservatives, or colourants.
  • Choose a single origin. Many essential oils in the market are a mixture of oils from different origins. This makes the cost cheaper. But you never know exactly what you get.
  • Choose essential oils that are packaged in dark-coloured glass bottles. This is very important because essential oils are sensitive to light and air.

Frequently asked questions:

 

1. What are the safest essential oils to use? 

There is no definitive answer to this question, as everyone’s body reacts differently to different essential oils. Some people may find that they are sensitive to certain oils, while others may not have any adverse reactions. However, some generally considered safe essential oils include lavender, chamomile, and peppermint.

Essential oils are safe to use, with a low risk of harm when used correctly.

2. Which essential oils can I use during pregnancy and breastfeeding? 

You can use lavender, marjoram, and chamomile essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Lavender is known for its calming effect, marjoram helps relieve nausea, and chamomile can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and irritability.

3. Can I use aromatherapy with medication? 

When used in aromatherapy, some essential oils can be absorbed into the body and cause adverse reactions when taken with other medications or supplements. They may also trigger or worsen symptoms of an underlying medical condition.

Make sure to consult your doctor before using it.

4. How do I dilute essential oils? 

Essential oils are highly concentrated, so it’s important to dilute the essential oil before use. For example, add 5-10 drops of essential oil to 2 tsp carrier oil.

5. How can I safely use essential oils with children?
 

There are a few general guidelines when using essential oils with children:

  1. Always consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils on children.
  2. Always dilute essential oils before using them on children.
  3. Use only safe, gentle essential oils appropriate for children’s delicate skin.
  4. Never give essential oils to children internally unless directed by a healthcare professional.
     

Conclusion
 

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years to help improve physical and mental health. In today’s world, many people are turning to essential oils to treat stress and anxiety. So, which essential oils are good for anxiety and stress? Several essential oils have been shown to reduce stress or anxiety. 

However, essential oils are not suitable for everyone. So, before using essential oils, make sure to do your research and consult your doctor. I hope this article has helped you understand how to use essential oils for anxiety and stress. Let us know which oils you choose in the comments below – we’d love to hear how they worked out for you!