In How to Redecorate Your Living Space to Ease Anxiety, I gave a few examples of ways you could ease anxiety in your home! Now, I want to introduce essential oils that can help ease anxiety and stress.
Essential oils are very beneficial in helping with everyday problems; many people use them when they’re sick, to prevent getting sick, as beauty products, and as fragrances in the home! Here are some that can help aid in easing anxiety and stress, and the different ways you can use them! This post may contain affiliate links, for more information see my disclaimer.
- Lavender Lavender is probably the most popular essential oil for relieving anxiety. It’s been found to have the same beneficial effects on anxiety as Lorazepam (without the sedative properties or possible addictive side-effects). It was found to lower people’s anxious reactions to anxiety-provoking stimuli. The scent alone is said to be relaxing and calming, and I agree- I use it before bed!
- Chamomile If you’ve ever tried Chamomile tea, then you already know the calming effects. A study has shown that in people with comorbidity (two disorders that commonly appear together in people) of anxiety and depression, it helped relieve symptoms of both disorders.
- Ylang Ylang In a study that combined ylang-ylang, bergamot, and lavender, patients were found to have reduced “psychological stress responses and serum cortisol levels, as well as the blood pressure of clients with essential hypertension.” It also helps calm physical responses to anxiety.
- Peppermint is great for clearing your mind when anxiety has it jumbled up with stress and anxious thoughts. Indigestion oftentimes is associated with upset nerves, and peppermint oil can help alleviate those symptoms as well.
- Rose, Of course, I had to include rose oil (it’s my favorite one!), but even studies have shown that rose oil is extremely helpful in reducing anxiety. The smell alone can increase people’s mood and stabilizing emotions.
- Bergamot has been found to significantly reduce stress levels, done by a study on rats. It’s found to be very calming, and can even reduce blood pressure!
- Jasmine The smell alone of Jasmine has been to be “as calming as Valium”. It was used in the past to help with insomnia as well.
- Sandalwood is known to have strong effects on the limbic system, making it very helpful in regulating emotions. It helps calm the mind, and because it has such powerful effects on stabilizing emotions, it also helps with mental clarity.
- Valerian Root Valerian root can ease physical symptoms associated with anxiety, such as stomach tension and muscle pains. It has a powerful relaxing effect on your body’s muscles.
- Patchouli has calming effects and is known to be a light sedative, helpful in aiding restlessness before bed. Even though it is a light sedative, it’s known to help boost your mood caused by emotional exhaustion and fatigue.
- Eucalyptus is great for helping with mental exhaustion! It’s cooling effects stimulate the brain while simultaneously eliminating stress.
- Cinnamon Leaf Cinnamon leaf has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and helps soothe aching and tired muscles. Along with its physical soothing benefits, it also can alleviate drowsiness from mental fatigue.
- Vetiver A study done on rats found that vetiver oil may help reduce anxiety. It’s often used for people experiencing trauma and is very beneficial for those suffering from panic attacks.
- Lemongrass Wonderful for relieving agitation, lemongrass oil is great for helping those with anxiety and stress. A study found that GABA (a neurotransmitter that reduces stress) levels increased in the brain when the fragrance of lemongrass was inhaled.
- Egyptian Geranium The scent of geranium alone is said to bring positive moods when inhaled and can act as a natural sedative. It’s great for those suffering from sleep problems!
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Different Ways to Use Essential Oils
For a complete list of ways you can use essential oils, click here!
❂ In your bath
– You can use essential oils in your bath with you, by adding a few drops of your favorite oil, or by using an essential oil bath product or fragrance! Just make sure you test the oil on a small spot on your skin before using it, to check for skin irritation!
❂ In a diffuser
– I have an essential oil diffuser in my room, and I love it!! It makes my room smell amazing, and it’s so easy to use. I honestly feel better after smelling a certain oil in my room, and I’d highly recommend using this method to get the benefits of essential oils. The one below is a super cheap option, mine was around $40, and most can get up to $100, but the one below is only $23!
❂ Topically
– As long as you check for skin irritation first, you can apply essential oils directly to your body! You can use as a chest rub, on your face, hands, and feet, and basically, anywhere that’s safe to apply oils. You can add a few drops of essential oils to a carrier oil (I use coconut oil) to diffuse and make your oils last longer.
❂ On your pillow
– Place a few drops or spray your oils on your pillow, so you can inhale them at night and get the benefits while you sleep! Just don’t add too much, a little goes a long way, and again- always check for skin irritation.
❂ Inhalation
– There are a few ways to inhale essential oils to gain their benefits. Some people claim adding a few drops to a cloth and inhaling works for them, but this seems a little strange to me lol. I would recommend adding a few drops to steaming water and inhaling the steam, or using your essential oils as a fragrance in a candle or soap!
You don’t need to use all of these oils to reduce anxiety, you can pick your favorites and play around with fragrances and products until you find the essential oils that work for you! Take a peek at some of the examples I’ve given above and see if any scents are appealing to you! Try some out and experiment, your treatment and recovery is specific to your preferences!
Comment below if you’d like to see a post about essential oils for boosting moods and relieving symptoms of depression! Share using the social media icons below to help others with their stress and anxiety. Thanks for reading!
ARTICLE BY KAYLA UIMARI, LEARN MORE HERE
