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. 

Essential oils get their distinctive smell from the herbs, flowers, leaves, and tree bark resins from which they are sourced.  Do you love the smell of lavender, roses, jasmine, or gardenia? Or, what about the smell of peppermint, lemons, or grapefruit?  Well, those delightful smells come from the aromatic compounds in essential oils.     

Anxiety Disorders

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S.  They affects about 18% of adults in the U.S.  And though they are treatable, only about 37% receive treatment.  Did you know that people who suffer anxiety may also suffer from depression?  In fact, almost 50% of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with anxiety.

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 Relieve Anxiety and Stress

Essential oils work primarily through your sense of smell.  So, when you smell the aromatic molecules in essential oils, they stimulate the limbic system in your brain.  And, here’s the interesting part.  The limbic system is associated with our survival, instincts, and emotions.  In short, the smell of the essential oils temporarily changes your mood and emotions. 

Essential oils also work quickly when applied to pulse points.  So, the pulse points are the areas on the body where the blood is closest to the skin.  Mix the essential oils to a carrier oil for fast absorption and quick results.  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 found 23 essential oils to use for stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Some work similarly to each other and many are very potent. Now, don’t worry about this long list.  In fact, some are difficult to find.  I have 11 of them but you can buy just two or three of them.  The key is to use them consistently and give them time to work. 

However, for simplicity, you may want to buy a few blends that are already prepared.   I like to create my own blends, and the recipes are listed a little later.

• 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 note of caution: Several of these essential oils may cause you to become very relaxed, drowsy, and sleepy when applied directly to the skin and if inhaled often.  Therefore, use them at home or at bedtime.  And, please avoid using them before driving.  The safest way is to use them in an aromatherapy diffuser because they are dispersed in the air with the water over a period of time.

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.  

Blend 1: Just Chillin (Stress Relief)

• 4 drops clary sage oil
• 2 drops lavender oil
• 2 drops lemon balm oil

Blend 2: Tropical Vacation (Stress Relief)

• 4 drops lemongrass oil
• 2 drops orange oil
• 2 drops lemon oil

Blend 3: Decompress (Anxiety Relief)

• 4 drops frankincense oil
• 4 drops lavender oil
• 2 drops bergamot oil

Blend 4: Complexity (Anxiety Relief)

• 4 drops patchouli oil
• 4 drops lavender oil

Blend 5: Sweet Dreams (Sleep)

• 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. 

1. How do you use aromatherapy and essential oils?
2. Which two of my blends will you use this week in your self-care routine?
3. 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.  And, you can join the conversation on the Keep It Tight Sisters Page.

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