June 18, 2019

Written by Hannah Bulicsek

8 Top Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety

8 Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety

During different stages of our lives, we will all experience times of blues, anxiety, and stress. Some healthy, natural forms of stress relief can be exercising such as yoga or walking, seeking comfort from loved ones, journaling, mediation, and, of course, laughter. Aromatherapy can also naturally help relieve one of grief, sadness, and/or nervous tension. Citrus essential oils are uplifting and cheery, helping one dispel sadness, while other essential oils such as frankincense and ylang ylang are deeply grounding and soothing, releasing anxieties and worries.

1. Bergamot Essential Oil

Uplifting bergamot essential oil helps relieve sadness and the blues. Only obtainable from Italy, Bergamot is an Italian orange with a spicy citrus aroma. It is an anti-inflammatory and carminitive, soothing upset tummies. A bright, happy oil that brings cheerfulness and joy.

Safety Note:  Bergamot essential oil is phototoxic. Do not use it on the skin for at least 12 hours before going in the sun or a tanning bed. Do not use on the skin undiluted or in a bath.

2. Clary Sage Essential Oil

As a true woman’s oil, clary sage helps soothe PMS, menopause, and menstrual cramps. Clary sage essential oil releases anxiety, nervous tension, and brings upon a euphoric mood. With a pleasant, herby and flowery aroma clary sage also helps calm the mind and inspire creativity. Our clary sage originates from France and is certified organic, as French clary sage is considered one of the best.

3. Orange Essential Oil

Well known orange essential oil must be included on this list because it is such a classic happy oil. As with citrus oils, orange brightens and uplifts helping soothe depression or grief. Orange essential oil also brings a cheerful outlook and a happier, inspired mood.  Diffuse during birthday parties for a beautiful overall wellness and happiness across the home.

4. Cypress Essential Oil

Cypress is a camphor oil, making it an incredible for stress relief. Cypress essential oil comforts during times of transition such as moving and break ups. During times of grief or loss, cypress is supportive, relieving excessive worrying and bringing inner peace.

5. Lemon Verbena Essential Oil

Lemon verbena soothes stress and upset stomachs caused by nervous tension. The aroma of lemon verbena essential oil has lemon top notes with a flowery fruity smell. Emotionally brightening lemon verbena also releases anxiety and relieves sadness. Lemon verbena essential oil  is steam distilled from the leaves,eases stress, and lulls sleep.

6. Lemon Essential Oil

Cheerful lemon helps energize and brightens one day, relieving stress after a long day of work. Lemon essential oil is cold pressed from the rind of the fruit and has the distinct sour, lemony smell. Lemon essential oil is a happy, citrus oil that also helps support the respiratory system. Diffusing lemon with lavender releases anxieties and stress while brightening one’s mood.

7. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil

Ylang ylang essential oil has a heady and strong floral aroma that releases anger, soothes shock, and calms anxiety. An aphrodisiac oil, ylang ylang also has a euphoric and uplifting sensation. Ylang ylang essential oil is steam distilled from the flowers. The essential oil is bit strong so remember a little goes a long way and experiment with caution when diffusing.

8. Frankincense Essential Oil

Frankincense is one of the most well known essential oils and historically has a deep religious and spiritual background. A grounding oil that soothes anxiety, frankincense essential oil calms anger and is supportive during meditation and prayer. Frankincense is a gentler, safer choice for people and children with asthma and comes from the resin of the tree.

5 Ways to Use Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety

1. Add 2 drops clary sage, 1 drop frankincense, and 2 drops bergamot to a diffuser and diffuse for a calming aroma
2. Add 1 drop ylang ylang essential oil to bedsheets to relieve stress and induce sleep or to spice up the bedroom
3. Put a drop of orange essential oil on a cotton ball and inhale deeply when nervous or sad
4. For daily stress and anxiety relief, put 4-5 drops of lemon verbena on a diffuser necklace 
5. Add 5-6 drops cypress and 5-6 drops lemon to 1 oz jojoba oil and apply to chest as needed for an energy boost that relieves anxiety

What essential oils do you use for stress and anxiety? 

Resources: 1. Kathy Keville and Mindy Green. Aromatherapy A complete Guide To The Healing Art. 2nd Edition, Crossing Press, USA, 2009 2. Robert Tisserand. Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Elsevier, USA, 2014 3. Salvatore Battaglia. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy Second Edition. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003