Ever get stressed out? Feeling anxious? Of course, you do. Everyone does! According to stress.org, 55% of Americans report feeling stress throughout the day. That’s more than half the population!
Chances are you are looking for safe, alternative ways to deal with occasional stress. Aromatherapy is a great way to combat the feelings of stress and anxiety. Using essential oils is simple to implement and works quickly.
I’m going to share with you 10 essential oils that are known to help with occasional stress and anxiety. Then I’ll give you several recipes for inhalation or topical use that may help you with stress and anxiety.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
How Essential Oils Work
Essential oil use has become very popular in the past decade and because they work, more and more people are looking to using aromatherapy to help with their wellness and health issues. It is important to know how they work. It all starts with a simple act of inhaling.
As you inhale essential oils through your nose, tiny molecules enter your blood stream. Your “smell” receptors trigger a response from your amygdala and hippocampus in your brain. This is your limbic system that is responsible for emotions and memories. The limbic system also regulates heart rate, blood pressure, memory, sleep/wake cycles, addiction, and hormone balance. Because of this the limbic system controls the feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, fear, anger, happiness, and other feelings. Your sense of smell is a powerful tool.
The scent of a fresh baked batch of cookies might bring you to your childhood. The same thing can happen when you inhale essential oils. With repeated use, you’ll benefit from the properties each essential oil has. Lavender is known as a calming essential oil. Breathing in lavender can bring about a feeling of comfort and relaxation.
What Essential Oils Are Good for Anxiety and Stress?
It’s important to know that everyone reacts differently to essential oils. What works for one person may not work for another. Trying different oils or blends of oils can help you find what works for you. The following ten essential oils are some of the most common oils used for anxiety and stress.
Lavender
As mentioned, lavender is a calming essential oil. It may help with occasional bouts of anxiety and stress. Lavender also promotes a restful sleep.
Basil (linalool)
Basil reduces stress and helps calm the mind.
Lemon
Lemon can possibly improve cognitive function and help reduce anxious feelings. It improves mood and may ease symptoms of depression.
Clary Sage
This essential oil may reduce cortisol levels and help decrease stress levels. It’s also very good at relieving tension.
Chamomile
Chamomile has a calming effect like lavender. It may help with lower anxiety and stress levels. It can calm an overthinking mind and lessen irritation.
Sweet Orange, Clementine, Tangerine, Mandarin Orange
These citrus essential oils are refreshing and energizing. They may help reduce anxiety when inhaled. They also help with lowering stress.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang can work as a sedative for some and can help with insomnia. It may decrease feelings of anxiety. It is very relaxing and can even be used as an aphrodisiac.
Bergamot
Bergamot can help get rid of negative emotions. It lessons stress, relieves anxiety, and promotes relaxation.
Frankincense
Frankincense is a grounding essential oils that can help you unwind, ease stress, and possibly lesson feelings of depression. It lifts moods and brings about a feeling of mental peace.
Vanilla
Vanilla is a sweet scent that compliments many of the essential oils in this list. It is very calming and comforting to most.
Looking for information on essential oils? Check out these essential oil reference guides/cheat sheets. They share a wealth of information on each essential oil including the basic information, safety, uses, blending, recipes and more. Visit: www.etsy.com/shop/WindyAnnsHome
Essential Oil Safety
There are a few things to note when it comes to essential oils safety. It’s important to remember that not everyone responds to essential oils the same way. Also, not all essential oils are safe for everyone to use.
Fortunately, I’ve formulated the recipes in this post to be safe for MOST. All these recipes are intended for adult use but are safe for children except for Ylang Ylang which should not be used topically on children under the age of 2. Also, the topical recipes should be cut in half for a 1% dilution if used on children ages 2 and up. I don’t recommend topical use on children under the age of 2. Inhalation is safe for ages 6 months and up. Please see notes below on using a personal inhaler with children.
Pregnant women should not use essential oils in the first trimester. All the essential oils in the following recipes are safe for breastfeeding but should not be used around infants under 6 months of age.
Some essential oils such as bergamot, lemon, lime, and grapefruit are phototoxic. Which means if you apply them topically and then are exposed to the sunlight it may cause skin irritations such as rashes, burns or blisters. Proper dilution is the way to avoid this. All the rollerball recipes in this post are at a safe dilution, however, people respond differently to essential oils so please use caution when using the citrus essential oils in the sun. Sweet orange is not phototoxic.
All the essential oils used in these recipes are safe for use around dogs. They are not intended to be used topically on dogs. Please make sure your dog can leave the room while diffusing incase the scent gets too strong for your dogs.
Keep Reading: 15 Dog Safe Essential Oils and 5 Diffuser Recipes
How to Use Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress
There are two ways to use essential oils for anxiety and stress. One is inhalation either by diffusing or using a personal inhaler. The other is through topical use. The most effective way to get the benefits of essential oils for anxiety and stress is through inhalation. It’s the quickest way to get the relief you desire.
Ultrasonic Diffuser
An ultrasonic diffuser is a small machine that produces a fine mist using water and essential oils. This allows everyone in the room to reap the benefits of the essential oils. To learn more about using an ultrasonic diffuser read How Many Drops Of Essential Oils Should You Put In A Diffuser?
You will need an ultrasonic diffuser, water, and some essential oils from the list above.
Fill your diffuser to the maximum water capacity line. Add the recommended drops of essential oils from one of the recipes below and turn it on. Diffuse for 15-30 minutes at a time to take advantage of the benefits of your essential oils.
Diffuser Recipes for Anxiety and Stress
Peace and Calm
- 3 drops Bergamot
- 2 drops Sweet Orange (or another citrus from the list)
- 2 drops Clary Sage
Relax
- 2 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Basil (linalool)
- 1 drop Sweet Orange (or another citrus from the list)
Deep Sleep
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang
- 2 drops Lavender
- 1 drop Chamomile
Rest and Unwind
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Lavender
- 1 drop Bergamot
Personal Inhaler for Anxiety and Stress
A personal inhaler is a small tube, similar to a lipstick tube, that holds a cotton wick that absorbs your essential oils and allows inhalation through a nasal opening. It’s perfect for individual use and to take with you on the go.
There are two kinds of personal inhalers. The first is made of aluminum with a glass insert and the second is a plastic one. Each has a cotton wick.
I recommend using the aluminum inhalers as essential oils can eat through plastic over time, some more quickly than others. Read the following blog post about how lemon eats through plastic.
Keep Reading: The Shocking Truth About Lemon Essential Oil
Tip For Using Personal Inhalers With Children
Children have developing senses and you may find that a personal inhaler is too strong for them to use. For children under the age of six wave the personal inhaler under their nose a few times and let them breathe the scent in for a few seconds. Do not insert the inhaler into their noses. Repeat the process as needed for best results.
How to Make A Personal Inhaler
To make your personal inhaler, first disassemble the inhaler. Add the drops of essential oils from your recipe to a small glass or metal bowl and roll the cotton wick in the oils to absorb the essential oils onto the wick. Alternately if you are careful, you can place the wick on a paper towel and drop the essential oils onto the wick. Reassemble the inhaler.
To Use:
Simply take 1-3 inhales through the nostril. Place the inhaler at the opening of your nose (or slightly in) and inhale 1-3 times. Do this as often as needed to help calm anxiety or stress.
If you develop a headache or allergy like symptoms discontinue use.
Personal Inhaler Recipes for Anxiety and Stress
Peace
- 7 drops Bergamot
- 5 drops Clary Sage
- 3 drops Sweet Orange (or another citrus from the list)
Relief
- 7 drops Lavender
- 5 drops Basil (linalool)
- 3 drops Lemon
Unwind
- 7 drops Lavender
- 5 drops Chamomile
- 3 drops Frankincense
Release
- 6 drops Clary Sage
- 5 drops Lavender
- 4 drops Vanilla
Relax
- 7 drops Lavender
- 5 drops Bergamot
- 3 drops Frankincense
Topical Use for Anxiety and Stress
Another way for essential oils to get into your blood stream is through topical use. Applying essential oils diluted in a carrier oil is a great way to get a relaxing massage. You could also add essential oils diluted to a rollerball bottle and apply to your wrists, neck or behind your ears. Read on to get a few recipes for topical use.
Relaxing Massage Blend
The following massage blend is a 2% dilution. I do not recommend using this recipe on children. The essential oils are safe for children, but the scent may be to overpowering to them when applied over large areas of skin. Try the rollerball recipes below for small area application.
You will need:
- 2 ounces Carrier oil such as Plant Therapy’s Marvelous Massage. Other options could be fractionated coconut oil or almond oil
- 10 drops Lavender
- 8 drops Chamomile
- 6 drops Vanilla
Combine carrier oil with essential oils in a 2 ounce or large bottle. Swirl to mix.
To Use:
Add a couple teaspoons of massage oil to the palm of your hand. You may want to warm it up with your hands before applying it to the person you are massaging. Rub in gently on the skin in a smooth motion using slight pressure until all oil absorbed.
Calming Rollerball Recipes
The following rollerball recipes are in a 2% dilution. For children you will need to use 4 teaspoons (20ml) of carrier oil with each of the recipes below for a 1% dilution.
You will need:
- 10ml roller ball bottle
- 10ml (2 teaspoons) carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil or almond oil
- One of the recipes below
To make your rollerball recipe add the four drops of essential oil to the empty 10ml rollerball bottle. Fill to the shoulder with carrier oil. Replace rollerball cap and lid. Swirl to mix.
Rollerball Recipes
Clear Mind
- 2 drops Basil (Linalool)
- 1 drop Lemon
- 1 drop Lavender
Peaceful Thoughts
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang
- 1 drop Lavender
- 1 drop Mandarin (or another citrus from the list)
Stressless
- 2 drop Bergamot
- 1 drop Clary Sage
- 1 drop Sweet Orange (or another citrus from the list)
Wrapping It Up
Now you have ten essential oils and many recipes to help you combat anxiety and stress. You’ll be relaxed and refreshed in no time at all. What recipe are you excited to try?
Keep Reading: 5 Helpful Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress
Short on essential oils? Take a look at Plant Therapy. They offer 100% pure, quality essential oils with the GC/MS report right on the website for each essential oil so you know you are getting safe and pure essential oils. They also offer free shipping in the US. Click on the logo below to be taken to Plant Therapy’s website. This is an affiliated link.
This information is intended to educate and inform. Please do not replace this information with the advice and guidance from a doctor. This information is not intended to treat, prevent, diagnose or cure any disease. Please consult your health care professional if you have any questions.
Sources:
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-people-turning-essential-oil-183000064.html
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a30201911/essential-oils-for-anxiety/
https://www.verywellmind.com/essential-oils-to-help-ease-stress-89636