Aromatherapy makes use of calming essential oils, which are concentrated plant extracts, for their therapeutic benefits. Proponents of this integrative approach highlight the many psychological, physiological, and pharmacological advantages of vitality essential oils. Reducing stress and anxiety symptoms is one of these. When thinking about using organic essential oils to alleviate stress, keep in mind that different oils may have other effects.
The FDA have not yet approve of essential oils, it is crucial to do one’s homework and select high-quality essential oils from plants that may help alleviate stress. We made a list of the top essential oils for stress to save you time and effort in your search.
Science Behind Essential Oil Use
Essential oils operate by promoting the production of olfactory receptors, which in turn activate neural circuits in the brain that are linked to memories and emotions. Natural plant extracts have an emotional impact because they activate the olfactory system, which in turn communicates with the limbic system.
Lowering cortisol levels, the hormone secreted during stress, can relieve anxiety and tension. A study found that specific aromas can have this effect. According to another study, some oils include chemicals with sedative effects similar to those of anxiety medicines. Based on these results, some aromas may be a good natural substitute for pharmaceuticals when dealing with stress.
10 Best Calming Essential Oils
Many different types of OTC drugs are available at pharmacies for stress release and other conditions. All calming essential oils function in essentially the same manner; some alleviate tension, while others improve circulation or promote other health advantages. These 10 aromas could be your best bet when looking for organic essential oils to help you relax.
Chamomile
Not only is chamomile tea a great natural stress reliever, but this flower is also an essential oil that many people use to help them unwind. Chamomile essential oil has a long history of use as a pain reliever, inflammatory remedy, and hay fever remedy. When stress is the result of persistent discomfort or an inability to sleep, chamomile extract therapy can help alleviate the symptoms.
Peppermint
There is some evidence that peppermint oil may alleviate tension and anxious feelings. If you suffer from persistent pain or anxiety due to a medical illness, peppermint may help. It eases anxiety in the hours leading up to a painful operation. Peppermint essential oil diffusers alleviated pain and anxiety during intravenous catheterization, according to a 2019 study.
Orange
Not only is orange delicious, but it also has anti-stress properties when used as an essential oil. However, the calming effects of citrus fruits are not universal. Research conducted in 2018 showed that sweet oranges and another citrus fruit called ylang-ylang might be more efficient in alleviating stress-related symptoms.
Keep orange essential oil out of your hunt for an anxiety-reducing orange essential oil. The bitter orange tree produces this oil. Neroli oil or orange essential oil may alleviate persistent pain, but it is unlikely to have any effect on stress.
Lemon
Citrus fruits may help alleviate anxiety, according to a 2018 study. One such fruit is the lemon. You can reduce your blood stress levels with lemon essential oil combined with other essential oils, such as lavender.
Frankincense
Frankincense oil, a fragrant resin, had spiritual and medicinal uses in antiquity. Many people still use this essential oil because they believe it helps them feel better emotionally and physically. Some people think that frankincense essential oil can lower corticosterone levels and soothe the neurological system.
Rose
The rose may have therapeutic qualities for the mind and body in addition to its lovely scent and widespread use as a decorative flower. According to studies, it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties when extracted into an essential oil. The soothing and mood-enhancing properties of rose oil make it a potential tool for stress reduction and the enhancement of good emotions.
Lavender
Among essential oils, lavender essential oil is probably the most well-known for its calming effects. New research backs up its long history of use as a relaxing aroma. To reduce nervous system activity, lavender essential oil is an anxiety-buster. Lavender may have further health benefits, including regulating mood, lowering blood pressure, and preventing brain damage, according to a study conducted in 2013.
Jasmine
One of the best calming essential oils for lowering stress hormone production is jasmine oil, which has a pleasant floral aroma. A study conducted in 2023 deemed it the top essential oil for individuals dealing with GAD and elevated stress levels. Inhaling jasmine oil may also help lower anxiety-related hypertension.
Bergamot
Another citrus fruit that is commonly used in organic essential oils, bergamot, may help alleviate tension. Aromatherapy therapies utilizing bergamot essential oil were administered to patients receiving mental health care in a 2017 study. Participants’ moods and stress levels were found to be better after fifteen minutes of scent therapy with bergamot essential oil relative to the control group.
Sage Clary
The Mediterranean herb clary sage has a long history of therapeutic usage. The analgesic and sedative effects of clary sage make it a famous choice for use during labor and periods of heavy menstruation. Recent studies show that clary sage oil may alleviate anxiety and tension by calming the limbic and autonomic nervous systems.
How To Properly Use Essential Oils
Essential oils, a type of plant extract with a highly concentrated sample, have numerous applications. Aromatherapy is the most popular method; it entails purchasing a liquid form of an essential oil, diffusing it, and then inhaling the aroma.
Vitality essential oils can also be added to a bath or applied topically to the skin. In the second and third cases, diffusion is the process that needs to be undertaken to combine the essential oil with the barrier material. A few examples of barrier substances are aloe vera gel, certain lotions, and carrier oils such as coconut, almond, and tea tree. Applying even a small amount of essential oil directly to the skin or in a bath without first diffusing it might cause skin irritation.
Special Considerations
Essential oils aren’t risk-free to use. While essential oil diffusers do require frequent cleaning, they are generally safe to use. Since essential oil diffusers contaminated with dangerous pathogens have been recalled by the CDC before, you should only buy from reputable companies.
Essential oils must be diluted before using topically or in the bath for safety reasons. It is crucial to study instructions before using a new essential oil because most product producers address safety on the label or website. Never use pure oils on your skin or in your water.
Due to the lack of FDA regulation, organic essential oils are not uniform in quality. The next time you’re shopping for one, pick an essential oil from a reputable company. Less powerful oils or synthetic oils sold in mass quantities may be available, but they won’t be as effective as stronger oils.
FAQs
What is the best essential oil for anxiety?
When it comes to anxiety, there isn’t one recommended essential oil. When it comes to anxiety, different vitality essential oils may work better for other people. Chamomile oil may help an anxious person get a good night’s rest, while lavender essential oil soothes nervousness brought on by CNS disturbances. It should be noted that there is minimal evidence of the effectiveness of utilizing calming essential oils for anxiety.
How does one apply stress-relieving essential oils?
Prior to applying essential oils, dilute them with a carrier oil, lotion, or aloe vera cream. Because of the potential dangers of using organic essential oils on the skin, you should contact a holistic practitioner as well. A safer option would be to inhale the aroma of calming essential oils diffused in a diffuser.
Which oils are beneficial for depression?
Few studies have examined the use of organic essential oils for the treatment of depression, and none of these oils have received FDA approval for this purpose. Nonetheless, Clary sage, rose, and orange have all shown promise in a few tests.
Could essential oils one day supplant conventional medicine?
There are numerous health advantages to calming essential oils. While they can supplement conventional medication, they should not be used in place of it. Seek advice from medical experts and put your faith in scientific findings.
Which essential oils work best to soothe skin?
Roman and German chamomile oils, when applied topically, help calm redness and inflammation caused by dry skin. One of the most well-known ways that frankincense essential oil rejuvenates old and dry skin is by means of its profound nourishing properties. Natural skin-calming qualities are also included.
Which essential oil soothes your sense of smell?
A lot of people love the smell of lavender, and that’s not surprising. It’s great for unwinding after a long day because of its calming and relaxing effects. For some, just being around the aroma of lavender can alleviate tension and anxiety.
What is the shelf life of an essential oil?
Type and storage conditions determine how long vitality essential oils remain effective. Pure oils kept in a cold, dark place will stay fresh for years. Odors can diminish as oils age. Keep in mind that different calming essential oils have different shelf lives and must be stored correctly to keep them effective.
Which oil is known to calm muscles?
Almond oil has many more uses than just cooking. Because of its high magnesium and vitamin E content, almond oil has a reputation for being both nourishing and calming. When applied as a massage oil, almond oil has a calming effect on muscles, increases blood flow, and hydrates the skin.
