If you’re looking for ways to reduce stress and anxiety, essential oils can be a great way to do it. Not only can they help you unwind, but they can also help you sleep better and feel better.
Here’s a list of the top six essential oils for reducing stress and how to use them.
Introduction
Lots of people struggle with stress and anxiety all the time. It can mess with your mental, physical, and emotional state, whether it’s because of work, family life, health, or something else. But don’t worry; there are natural remedies you can use to help manage stress and anxiety.
In this blog, we’ll look at six of the best stress-relieving essential oils and how to safely and effectively use them.
What are essential oils?
An essential oil is a concentrated extract from a plant that can have a range of healing benefits.
Thanks to your nose, it can affect your mind, hormones, nerves, and emotions. You can inhale or apply them to your skin to feel the effects and create a calming environment.
Benefits of essential oils for stress and anxiety
Essential oils have a range of effects on our bodies and minds, depending on what they contain and how they smell. Here are some of the ways essential oils can help reduce stress and anxiety:
Reducing cortisol levels
- When you’re stressed or anxious, your body releases cortisol.
- This hormone can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, weight gain, and other health issues.
- Essential oils like lavender can help lower cortisol levels and make you feel calmer.
Balancing mood
Certain essential oils, like serotonin and dopamine, can affect the brain’s chemicals that control your mood.
Some oils, like lemon, can make you feel better and more energized.
Improving sleep quality
Stress and worry can mess with your sleep, which can have a negative impact on your overall health and performance.
Essential oils like chamomile can help you get a good night’s sleep by calming your muscles, relaxing your mind, and making you sleepy.
Relieving pain
Pain can also be caused by stress and anxiety, like headaches, muscle tightness, or stomach pain.
Certain essential oils, like peppermint, can help reduce pain by decreasing inflammation, increasing blood flow, and numbing your nerves.
How do you use essential oils for stress and anxiety?
If you’re looking to reduce stress or anxiety, there are a few different ways to do it. It all depends on your individual needs and circumstances.
But some of the most popular methods are:
Inhalation
- Inhaling essential oils is the easiest and most effective way to use them.
- You can take them out of the bottle, into your mouth, or your bloodstream.
- You can also use them in a diffuser, vaporizer, cotton ball, or tissue.
- All of these methods allow you to get the benefit of essential oils into your brain quickly.
Topical application
Another excellent method of using essential oils is to apply them to your skin.
- You can dilute essential oils with carrier oils like coconut or almond oils.
- The oil can then be massaged into your skin.
- For example, apply coconut oil to your temples and massage it into your wrists and neck.
- You can do the same with almond oil on your chest and feet.
- Using the oil on your skin can get localized benefits for your skin and muscles.
Bath
Essential oils can be used for aromatherapy in the bath.
To use essential oils in the bath, add a few drops to the bath water or add a bath salt or an essential oil to the bath water.
You can soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes while inhaling and absorbing essential oils.
6 Best Essential Oils to Reduce Stress and Anxiety
With so many different types of essential oils on the market, knowing which one is right for you can take time. Not all essential oils are created equal regarding stress and anxiety.
Some may even cause you to be more alert or agitated than others. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right one for you.
Here are six essential oils scientifically proven to help reduce stress and anxiety.
Lavender
Lavender is a go-to essential oil for aromatherapy because it has a sweet, calming, relaxing floral smell.
It can help lower your cortisol levels, boost your mood, help you sleep better, and even help with pain. It can be used in any of the ways mentioned above.
Chamomile
Chamomile is another popular essential oil for making aromatherapy products. It’s got a warm, herbal smell that’s calming and reassuring.
It can help you feel better, get a better night’s sleep, reduce inflammation, and soothe digestive issues. It can be used either as an inhalation or a topical application.
Orange
- Orange is a citrus essential oil with a clear and refreshing scent.
- Orange oil has been found to improve mood, decrease anxiety, improve cognition, and combat infections.
- Orange oil can be inhaled or used in a bath.
Sandalwood
- Sandalwood oil is an essential oil derived from the woody species of the same tree.
- It has a solid and exotic aroma. It can reduce anxiety, improve meditation, boost alertness and skin health.
- It can be inhaled or applied directly to the skin.
Clary sage
- Clary Sage is an herbal essential oil with an earthy and musky smell.
- Clary Sage oil can help reduce stress, regulate hormones, reduce menstrual cramps, and promote hair growth.
- Clary Sage Oil can be used in inhalation or as a topical application.
Rose
- Rose is a flowery essential oil with a sweet, romantic smell.
- It can help ease stress and depression and boost your mood and self-confidence.
- It can also help heal wounds and scars.
- It can help keep your blood pressure and heartbeat in check.
- Rose oil can be inhaled or used in a bath.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dilute essential oils for topical application?
All you need to do is add 1-5 drops of essential oils to a carrier oil. For every teaspoon of oil, add 1-5 drops. You can change the amount depending on your skin sensitivity and what you’re trying to do.
How do I choose a diffuser or vaporizer for inhalation?
There are a bunch of different diffusers and vaporizers you can use for inhaling, like ultrasound, nebulization, heat, or even a fan. Each has pros and cons, like how loud it is, how much mist comes out, how big or small the area is, and how much maintenance you’ll have to do. It’s all about finding the best one for you, your needs, and your budget.
How do I store essential oils?
Essential oils can be affected by light, temperature, and air. Store them in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dry place away from the sun or heat to keep them safe. Keep the bottles closed when not using them, and don’t touch the dropper.
How do I know if I am allergic to essential oils?
Some people have an allergic reaction to certain oils or their ingredients. These reactions can range from rashes and itching to swelling, redness, or even breathing problems. You can do a patch test if you’re unsure if you’re allergic to an oil. Just put a small amount of the oil on your skin and wait 24 hours to see if it affects you. If you get any irritation or discomfort from the oil, don’t use it.
How do I blend essential oils for aromatherapy?
Essential oils can be mixed to make them stronger and have a different flavor. Mix other oils, like floral, citrus, or woody, based on their top, middle, or base notes. You can also mix them according to their properties, like relaxing, uplifting, or energizing. You can also use some recipes or tips from aromatherapy books or websites. But most of all, try it out and see what works for you.
Takeaway Message
If you’re dealing with stress and anxiety, essential oils can be a great way to help. They can help lower your cortisol levels, balance your mood, help you sleep better, and even help with pain.
You can use them in different ways, like inhaling, applying them to your skin, or even bathing them. Remember to use them cautiously and follow the correct dosage, dilution, and safety instructions.
Also, if you have any medical issues or allergies, talk to your doctor first. If you experience any side effects, stop using them immediately and see a doctor immediately.
