If you have anxiety, you may be looking for natural solutions to help you feel better. Here are some essential oils for anxiety that help relieve tension. It can be used in a variety of ways and provides benefits in a natural and organic way. You can use diluted oils in a diffuser, a few drops in a hot bath, or apply diluted essential oils to your skin.
The American Psychological Association (APA), reports approximately 78% of adults who claim the COVID-19 pandemic is a significant source of stress in their lives. Another 67% report that their stress levels have increased as the pandemic progressed.
What Essential Oils Relieve Anxiety
In this article, we will be talking about the best essential oils for anxiety. According to research, aromatherapy using certain essential oils may aid in relaxation and anxiety relief.
Jasmine Oil
The white flowers of the jasmine plant, also known as Jasminum Officinale, yield jasmine oil. It gives a relaxing and uplifting effect. In a 2016 study, participants inhaled jasmine oil to see how it affected their brain activity. Participants reported a significant reduction in negative emotions as well as an improvement in overall mood.
In a 2017 study, jasmine essential oils were found to increase blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and blood pressure when compared to a placebo. Participants said that they felt more alert as well. The researchers concluded that jasmine oil’s stimulating and activating action could be beneficial for improving mood.
Bergamot Orange
The Citrus bergamia tree produces bergamot orange essential oil. It is extracted by cold pressing the rinds of oranges. Bergamot orange is a popular anxiety-relieving aromatherapy oil. Inhaling bergamot orange has an anxiety-reducing impact, according to a 2019 systematic study. In addition, the study found that aromatherapy with bergamot orange reduces worry and tension in individuals undergoing minor surgery when compared to inhaling water vapor.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the most well-known essential oils in aromatherapy, recognized for its relaxing effects on the body and mind, as well as its ability to reduce anxiety. Participants were exposed to a stressor before performing a memory test in a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Those who inhaled a lavender aroma showed better performance than those who inhaled a placebo aroma.
Lavender spray on clothes was found to be effective in alleviating work-related stress for three to four days in a study published in the International Journal of Nursing Practice. Lavender can be found in a range of aromatherapy items, including massage oil and bath salts. Drinking lavender-infused herbal tea, which is available in many natural-foods stores, is another way to enjoy the relaxing aroma of lavender.
Ylang Ylang
The yellow leaves of the Cananga tree (Cananga odorata), a tropical species found in countries bordering the Indian Ocean, are used to extract ylang ylang essential oils. Linalool is an active ingredient in ylang-ylang, as it is in other essential oils that may help with anxiety. Ylang Ylang’s gently sweet scent and floral notes make it a popular choice for relaxation and aromatherapy.
Lemongrass Oil
Some people use aromatherapy with lemongrass to relieve anxiety. Inhaling the oil’s aroma (or applying it lightly to the skin after mixing it with a carrier oil) is known to promote relaxation and alleviate anxiety.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participants exposed to lemongrass oil experienced immediate relief from tension and recovered quickly from an anxiety-inducing situation when compared to those who inhaled a control aroma (tea tree oil) or a placebo.
Clary Sage
The flowering herb clary sage is native to the Mediterranean basin. Because it can affect cortisol, the stress hormone, it’s excellent for reducing stress. A 2015 study found that when menopausal women inhaled clary sage, it reduced cortisol levels and had an antidepressant-like effect. To create a relaxing effect, you can diffuse it, or inhale it directly from a cotton ball or tissue. When diluted, it can also be administered straight to the skin.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile oil is extracted from the chamomile plant’s daisy-like flowers. It’s known for its calming and soothing qualities, as well as its pleasant aroma. It’s frequently used as a component in herbal beverages aimed at promoting restful sleep. A 2016 study investigated the use of chamomile for people who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Long-term use of Chamomile was found to help people with mild to moderate GAD symptoms.
There are a variety of essential oils with stress-relieving properties, whether you’re looking for anxiety treatment, a natural solution to improve your sleep or something to balance your mood during a meditation session. Essential oils can make a difference in your mood and help you feel more in control over your emotions. Although aromatherapy has been demonstrated in studies to help with anxiety, it is not a substitute for consulting a healthcare expert.
An aromatherapy session or two may be just what you need if you’ve had a difficult day at work or you’re anxious about an important interview.