Feeling anxious? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a hectic schedule, overwhelming thoughts, or just that heavy feeling in your chest that won’t quit, anxiety can sneak up and take over. But what if I told you there’s a simple, natural way to bring calm back into your day? Enter essential oils.
Essential oils are often used for anxiety and stress relief. And while this ancient healing practice is more than 6,000 years old, the use of essential oils continues to increase as people seek more natural ways to handle anxiety and stress.
These tiny bottles of goodness are like little jars of peace, ready to work their magic. By blending just the right oils together, you can create your own calming remedies to ease tension, steady your mind, and help you feel more grounded. And the best part? You can make these blends at home—quickly and affordably.
In this post, I’ll guide you through five easy, DIY essential oil blends designed to calm anxiety and help you regain balance. Each blend is simple to make and uses oils you can find at your local health store or online. Ready to take control and breathe a little easier? Let’s get started!
Essential Oils and Anxiety Disorders
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions, affecting approximately 40 million adults in the United States each year. Despite their high treatability, only about 36.9% of those affected receive treatment. These disorders encompass various conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Women are more likely to be affected than men, with GAD impacting 6.8 million adults, yet only 43.2% are receiving treatment.
The U.S. National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Medicine recognizes the use of essential oils to treat stress, anxiety, and depression. So, use them often in your self-care routine to complement your medication and therapy sessions.
How Essential Oils Calm Anxiety and Relieve Stress
Essential oils primarily work through your sense of smell. When you inhale their aromatic molecules, they stimulate the limbic system in your brain—an area linked to survival instincts, emotions, and memory. This is where the magic happens, as these scents can temporarily shift your mood and emotions.
They’re also effective when applied to pulse points, areas where blood flows close to the skin, like your wrists, temples, or neck. Mixing essential oils with a carrier oil allows them to absorb quickly, delivering calming effects in no time. Great carrier oils include:
- Coconut
- Apricot
- Grapeseed
- Sweet almond
- Avocado
- Olive
- Argan
- Jojoba
- Castor
- Sesame seed
The Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress
In my research, I’ve identified 23 essential oils that can help with stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. While some of these oils have similar effects and are incredibly potent, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed by the options. In fact, a few of them can be harder to find. I personally own 11 of them, but starting with just two or three can be enough to make a difference. The key is consistency—using them regularly and giving them time to work their magic.
If you’re looking for a more convenient option, pre-made blends can be a great choice. These blends are carefully formulated to address specific needs like calming the mind or promoting sleep. That said, I love creating my own blends tailored to what I need in the moment. A little later, I’ll share some easy DIY recipes to help you get started. Whether you choose pre-made blends or DIY, the goal is to make these oils a part of your self-care routine.
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Bergamot
- Chamomile
- Rose
- Clary Sage
- Neroli
- Lemon
- Yuzu
- Orange
- Ylang Ylang
- Frankinsence
- Valerian
- Jatamansi
- Jasmine
- Holy Basil
- Sweet Basil
- Vetiver
- Patchouli
- Geranium
- Lemon Balm
- Marjoram
- Fennel
All of these essential oils can be used by:
- Adding a few drops to a folded tissue or cotton ball and sniffing a few inches from the nose throughout the day
- Adding a few drops to your bubble bath
- Mixing a few drops with a carrier oil and rub on your pulse points
- Mixing with a carrier oil and massaging your body
- Spraying a fine mist on your pillows and sheet for a good night’s sleep (buy these)
A quick note of caution: Some essential oils can have a powerful relaxing effect, making you feel drowsy or even sleepy, especially when applied directly to the skin or inhaled frequently. For this reason, it’s best to use these oils at home or before bedtime. Avoid using them before driving or doing tasks that require full alertness.
For the safest experience, consider using an aromatherapy diffuser. Diffusers disperse the oils into the air over time, diluting their potency and creating a gentle, calming environment without overwhelming your senses. This way, you can enjoy the benefits without worrying about overuse.
My Essential Oil Blends for Managing Stress and Anxiety
I make my own essential oil blends for my diffuser. If you buy a blend of oils, check to make sure that they are 100% essential oils rather than artificial fragrances.
Just Chillin’ Essential Oils Blend
- 4 drops clary sage oil
- 2 drops lavender oil
- 2 drops lemon balm oil
Take Me Away Essential Oils Blend
- 4 drops lemongrass oil
- 2 drops orange oil
- 2 drops lemon oil
Finding My Peace Essential Oils Blend
- 4 drops frankincense oil
- 4 drops lavender oil
- 2 drops bergamot oil
Embracing My Complexity Essential Oils Blend
- 4 drops patchouli oil
- 4 drops lavender oil
- 2 drops vanilla oil
Sweet Dreams Essential Oils Blend
- 6 drops lavender oil
- 2 drops eucalyptus oil
- 2 drops chamomile oil
Now, It’s Your Turn
Well, I hope you feel more educated about using essential oils for anxiety and stress relief. Additionally, I think you will also enjoy the blog posts on aromatherapy for self-care, adding journal writing to your self-care routine, and box breathing to calm and energize you.
- How do you use aromatherapy and essential oils?
- Which two of my blends will you use this week in your self-care routine?
- Share your favorite essential oil blends with us!
Remember, self-care is not a luxury!
Well, we look forward to hearing about your experience in the comment section of this blog. You can also join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Page.
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