11 Relaxing Essential Oils for Anxiety

Do Essential Oils Actually Work for Anxiety?

The use of aromatherapy and essential oils for anxiety has become an increasingly popular natural remedy for anxiety for good reason. According to research, certain scents can trigger positive emotional responses in the brain. It’s believed that this reaction is caused by an interaction with the limbic system, which is the part responsible for your emotions. For example, one study found that lavender oil is the best essential oil blend to reduce anxiety levels and provide stress relief. In particular, it can reduce symptoms of anxiety when used as one component in an overall treatment plan.

More research is still needed to understand the potential of essential oils in managing anxiety fully, but a growing body of research suggests that adding them to your daily routine might have a positive effect. Wondering which essential oils to try for your anxiety? Below are the top 11 best essential oils for anxiety.   

Consult a mental health care professional if your anxiety interferes with your life and your ability to function.

1. Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils for anxiety. Lavender is known for its calming effects on the body and mind. In fact, some research found that lavender oil might be just as effective at reducing symptoms of GAD as some of the commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications, making it potentially one of the best essential oils for anxiety.

There is some research that supports the calming effects of lavender. Inhaling lavender essential oil can reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone released during extreme anxiety. Other research suggests that lavender aromatherapy can reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and skin temperature, all indicators of relaxation.

How to use lavender oil for anxiety relief

You can get the benefits from lavender essential oil in multiple ways:

• Aromatherapy diffuser: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to a diffuser and let the calming aroma fill your space.
• Topical application: Dilute lavender oil with a carrier oil — like coconut or almond oil — gently massage or into your temples, wrists, or behind your ears.
• Bath relaxation: Add several drops of lavender essential oil to a warm bath with some Epsom salt for a relaxing soak.
• Inhalation: You can inhale the aroma of essential oils directly from the bottle. Take slow, deep breaths when you feel anxious or stressed out. You can also place a few drops of oil on a cotton ball and keep it nearby for quick access.

2. Chamomile Oil

Chamomile is another popular essential oil known for its soothing properties. Derived from the chamomile plant, this powerful oil has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and relieve anxiety.

Chamomile flowers have a compound called apigenin, which binds to receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Though more research is needed, some studies suggest that inhaling chamomile might significantly reduce stress levels and promote relaxation or improve mood. 

How to use chamomile oil for anxiety relief

Try using chamomile oil for anxiety relief by:

• Using an aroma, diffuser, or inhaler: Add several drops of pure chamomile essential oil into a diffuser or personal inhaler and breathe in the calming scent.
• Massage oil: Dilute chamomile essential oil with a carrier oil, like almond or jojoba, and gently massage into your neck, temples, or any area where you feel tension.
• Bath soak: Add a few drops of chamomile essential oil to a warm bath for a relaxation experience that can calm you and promote sleep.
• Making tea: Since chamomile tea is made with dried chamomile flowers steeped in hot water, the compounds extracted into chamomile tea could include small amounts of the essential oils naturally present in the flowers, presenting an easy way for you to reap the benefits of chamomile. 

3. Bergamot Oil

Bergamot oil is popular for its mood-lifting properties. Bergamot might help reduce tension and stress and promote a sense of calmness. Bergamot exposure has been found to stimulate positive feelings and promote relaxation. For example, some research found that bergamot aroma can reduce anxiety in highly stressed people. Inhaling this essential oil can reduce cortisol levels, associated with our stress response.

How to use bergamot oil for anxiety relief

Bergamot oil can be used for anxiety relief by incorporating it into your daily routine through any of the following methods:

• Aromatherapy diffuser: Add bergamot oil to a diffuser filled with water and allow the mist to disperse through your living space.
• Inhalation: Place 1 to 2 drops of bergamot oil on a cotton ball or tissue paper and gently inhale directly when you’re anxious.
• Topical application: Dilute bergamot oil with a carrier oil, like coconut or jojoba, and dab it on your temples, wrists, or neck.
• Bath soak: Add 5 to 10 drops of bergamot oil to a warm bath with Epsom salts.

4. Ylang-Ylang Oil

Ylang-ylang oil comes from the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree. Ylang-ylang is known for its calming influence on the mind and body. This essential oil has been used in alternative medicine to help reduce anxiety because of the common properties it offers.

Studies have shown that ylang-ylang can reduce blood pressure and heart rate, which are often elevated during stressful times. It can also promote a sense of well-being.

How to use Ylang Ylang oil for anxiety relief

To reap the benefits of ylang-ylang oil for anxiety, incorporate it into your day through one or more of the following ways:

• Aromatherapy diffuser: Add essential oil to your diffuser and enjoy the scent as it disperses throughout your living space, creating a calming and relaxing environment.
• Massage oil: Using a carrier oil like coconut oil, combine a ylang-ylang oil and use it for massage to relieve tension.
• Bath soak: Add multiple drops of ylang-ylang essential oil to a warm bath. Enjoy the fragrant aroma as you relax after a long day.
• Inhalation: Place 1 to 2 drops of the ylang-ylang oil on a tissue or cotton ball and inhale deeply for instant relaxation.

5. Frankincense Oil

Frankincense oil comes from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It’s been used for centuries and is known for its grounding and calming effect. Frankincense is said to promote relaxation and reduce anxious feelings to balance emotions and create a sense of peace, making it one of the more popular essential oils that help with anxiety.

Frankincense has been found in some studies to counter the effects of stress. It’s thought this is possible by relieving sleep debt, which may increase an ability to manage stress better.

How to use frankincense oil for anxiety relief

To harness the power of frankincense oil to ease anxiety symptoms, use one or more of the following techniques:

• Aromatherapy diffuser: Add 5 to 10 drops of frankincense oil into an aromatherapy diffuser with water.
• Inhalation: Place 1 to 2 drops of frankincense oil on a cotton ball and inhale deeply.
• Topical application: Dilute frankincense oil with carrier oil and apply the essential oil blend to your temples, back of the neck, and wrists when anxious.
• Bath soak: Add 5 to 10 drops of frankincense essential oil to a hot bath and soak for at least 20 minutes to allow the common properties to take effect.

6. Jasmine Oil

Jasmine oil is a popular essential oil with uplifting and mood-enhancing qualities. Extracted from the flowers of the jasmine plant, this sweet-smelling oil has been used for centuries to alleviate anxiety.

In research, jasmine oil has been found to increase feelings of well-being. More research is needed to fully understand how Jasmine can relieve anxiety, but it appears that inhaling Jasmine oil might affect brain wave activities and mood states.

How to use jasmine oil for anxiety relief

Enjoy the effects of jasmine essential oil for anxiety relief through the following:

• Aromatherapy diffuser: Add a few drops of jasmine essential oil to an aromatherapy diffuser when you feel anxious.
• Massage oil: Mix Jasmine essential oil with a carrier oil and use it for a relaxing massage.
• Inhalation: Add 1 to 2 drops of jasmine essential oil on a cotton ball and inhale deeply for anxiety relief.

7. Sweet Orange Oil

Sweet orange oil is derived from citrus peels, known for their uplifting aroma, and has been used for centuries to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. The oil’s pleasant and cheerful scent can instantly lift your mood and create a sense of calm. 

It works by reducing pulse rate, which can elevate when feeling anxious. It’s also known for the feelings of happiness and positivity it spurs. One study found that inhaling it significantly reduces anxiety levels. Orange oil has soothing properties that can help calm the nerves. It also might aid in digestion as a result of the carminative properties it possesses, according to research.

How to use sweet orange oil for anxiety relief

You can enjoy the benefits of sweet orange essential oil for anxiety relief by using any of the following:

• Aromatherapy diffuser: Add around 3 drops of sweet essential oil to a diffuser. Enjoy the refreshing scent, as it creates a positive and relaxing environment that reduces anxious feelings.
• Topical application: Dilute sweet orange oil with a carrier oil and gently massage into your wrists, temples, or neck.
• Bath soak: Add a few drops of sweet orange essential oil to a hot bath for a refreshing yet calming experience.

8. Clary Sage Oil

Clary sage oil is derived from the clary sage plant. It’s known for its balancing properties in promoting a sense of calm. In studies, clary sage oil has been shown to significantly decrease blood pressure. The active compounds in clary sage oil might help modulate mood-related hormones to promote emotional balance.

How to use clary sage oil for anxiety relief

Enjoy the power of clary sage essential oil by using it in any of the following ways is:

• Inhalation: Add clary sage oil to a diffuser and inhale for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Topical application: Mix clary sage oil with a carrier oil at a 1:4 ratio and apply it to the wrists, temples, or behind the ears.
• Bath soak: Add clary sage essential oil to a hot bath with Epsom salts for a relaxing soak.

9. Marjoram Oil

Marjoram oil’s calming effects have made it a popular choice for anxiety relief. Extracted from the leaves and flowers of the marjoram plant, this essential oil has numerous benefits thought to enhance and improve mental health. The calming nature of marjoram includes soothing properties that promote relaxation and balance emotions.

How to use marjoram oil for anxiety relief

Use marjoram oil for anxiety relief by incorporating the following methods into a routine:

• Aromatherapy diffuser: Add a few drops of marjoram oil to an essential oil diffuser or humidifier to dispense its relaxing aroma throughout your living space.
• Massage oil: Combine marjoram oil with a carrier oil to create a soothing massage oil that promotes relaxation.

10. Vetiver Oil

Vetiver oil is derived from the roots of the Vetiveria zizanioides plant, which is believed to have tranquil effects and promote relaxation to alleviate anxiety symptoms. It has a grounding scent that helps you feel centered during stressful situations. More research is needed, but some studies have suggested there are tranquil effects of using vetiver oil for anxiety relief. This essential oil is believed to help relax the mind.

How to use vetiver oil for anxiety relief

You can use vetiver oil in your daily routine through a variety of methods:

• Aromatherapy diffuser: Add a couple of drops of vetiver essential oil to the diffuser to continuously release its tranquil scent.
• Inhalation: Add several drops of vetiver oil to a cotton ball and inhale when you need instant relief from anxious thoughts.
• Meditation aid: Add a drop of vetiver oil to your wrists or temples before meditation, yoga, or any other mindfulness practice to ground and center yourself.
• Bath soak: Mix several drops of vetiver oil and Epsom salts in a warm bath.

11. Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood oil is derived from the wood of the cedar tree. Its warm and calming scent is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and relieve stress. Some research has found that odor extracted from cedarwood can influence psychological and behavioral changes. It’s believed to produce a soothing effect and decrease non-rapid eye movement in sleep, which can reduce anxiety. Another recent study found that inhaling cedarwood can improve mental function and have a calming and positive behavioral impact.

How to use cedarwood oil for anxiety relief

The following are ways you can use cedarwood essential oil to ease anxiety:

• Aromatherapy diffuser: Adding several drops of cedarwood essential oil to a diffuser can fill your space with a calming scent.
• Topical application: After diluting cedarwood oil with a carrier oil, like coconut oil, apply it to the temples, wrists, and bottoms of your feet.
• Bath soak: Add several drops of cedarwood oil to a warm bath for a soothing and relaxing soak.

Help Ease Anxiety Symptoms with Talkspace

The best essential oils for anxiety might offer relief, but it’s always important to consider other options if you need help managing your stress and anxiety. Talkspace is an online therapy platform that connects you with an experienced and licensed therapist specialized in treating the various types of anxiety and other mental health conditions. Finding a holistic balance between therapy for anxiety and other natural remedies can do wonders for your mental health.

Reach out to Talkspace today if you need help managing your anxiety.