If you’re experiencing anxiety, one effective way to find anxiety relief is by using essential oils. Essential oils can be used in aromatherapy, which is a holistic type of medicine involving the inhalation of scents to improve a person’s mental state.
There are also many studies supporting the effectiveness of essential oils in battling anxiety and stress.
Here is a list of the 13 best essential oils that have been shown to help people with anxiety issues.
1. Lavender Essential Oil
The reason why lavender is a popular scent used in many soaps, perfumes, and personal care products is because it has been proven time and again to relieve anxiety and stress. Several studies have found that the calming properties of lavender also help in lowering blood pressure and relaxing the muscles.
2. Jasmine Essential Oil
Do you know that jasmine essential oil has been used as a substitute for Valium? A team of researchers from Germany found that this fragrance can be effective as commonly prescribed medications when it comes to relieving anxiety. Jasmine has also been known to improve mood levels and energy.
3. Holy Basil Essential Oil
Holy basil is another natural element that can help reduce anxiety and depression. This is because all parts of this plant act as an adaptogen, which is a natural substance that aids the body adapt to anxiety and stress.
4. Bergamot Essential Oil
If you love inhaling clean citrusy scents, then bergamot essential oil is for you. This essential oil has been proven by studies to help lift a person’s mood and reduce anxiety. The powerful and fresh scent of bergamot is also used to bring balance to the body as it is said to promote your body’s flow of energy.
5. Lemon Balm Essential Oil
Lemon balm is another citrusy scent that can be used to calm anxiety. This scent is popularly used as an antidepressant as well because it has been shown to soothe the mind, as well as decrease feelings of worry and sadness.
6. Chamomile Essential Oil
Many people suffering from anxiety have lauded chamomile essential oils as an effective way to decrease their anxiety levels. Chamomile has been used for many years as a natural way to relieve stress and depression.
7. Rose Essential Oil
Who doesn’t love the scent of roses? If you don’t have a fresh bouquet to inhale, then substitute the aromatic experience by using rose essential oils. According to one study, a rose foot bath helped reduce anxiety in pregnant women going into labor. Inhaling the scent of roses is also said to have a positive effect on people suffering from hormones, mood swings, and grief.
8. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang ylang can be a natural cure for anxiety as it has been shown to help promote feelings of calmness, joy, and positivity. This scent has also been found by a study to have a positive effect on people suffering from self-esteem issues.
9. Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli is another essential oil that is used for people struggling with anxiety because of its antidepressant properties. Unlike lavender, jasmine, and rose that have flowery scents, patchouli smells musky and earthy so it will benefit those who like this type of scent. Patchouli has also been shown to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
10. Fennel Essential Oil
Fennel is popularly used as an ingredient in many recipes, particularly in Mediterranean cooking. But do you know that it also has anxiety-relieving effects? Fennel has been shown to relieve anxiety in women undergoing menopause as well as help symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, and depression.
11. Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage is an essential oil that is said to promote feelings of inner peace making it suitable for people struggling with anxiety. This oil has an earthy, woody smell that has also been shown to balance your hormones and ease tension.
12. Vetiver Essential Oil
Vetiver essential oil is a therapeutic oil with an earthy and sweet smell. It came from the vetiver plant that is native to India. Aside from its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, vetiver essential oil is also famous in relieving anxiety, stress and depression.
13. Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium oil has a sweet smell, somehow comparable to the scent of roses. This essential oil has been shown to promote positive thoughts as well as reduce anxiety in women who are about to give birth.
How to Use Essentials Oils Safely
Be extra cautious when using essential oil for children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with serious conditions.
Because essential oils are highly concentrated, it is not recommended to use them directly. Avoid applying pure essential oils on your skin or nostrils. You have to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil.
Examples of common carrier oils are:
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Argan oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Sweet almond oil
How to dilute essential oils to carrier oils?
- 6 drops of essential oil for every one (1) tablespoon of carrier oil
- 2 drops of essential oil for every one (1) teaspoon of carrier oil
If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety due to substance abuse issues, help is available. Lighthouse Treatment Center is a drug rehab in Orange County, California that specializes in treating these conditions.
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