9 Essential Oils to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

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We all have to deal with stressful situations at some time or another. While it is important to tackle those issues head on, it can also help to relieve the stress you are feeling by using natural remedies. Essential oils contain natural properties that can help reduce anxiety levels and promote a sense of calmness.

what are essential oils

Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in plants. The scientific name for essential oils is "essential oil" because they contain the essence of a plant's fragrance—the characteristic scent that makes it unique from other plants. Essential oils are used by many cultures and have been around since ancient times, when people would use them to heal ailments and relieve stress.

how to use essential oils

Essential oils are an easy way to improve your health and well-being. They can help you feel calmer, reduce stress, purify the air in your home or office, relieve aches and pains, promote relaxation…the list goes on! There are a number of ways that essential oils can be used:

1. Put a few drops in your bath

2. Put some on your pillow before bed

3. Rub it into the bottoms of your feet or wrists to help you relax

4. Add a few drops to an essential oil diffuser for aromatherapy

5. Wear an aromatherapy bracelet

 

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.

Internal use: Follow the directions on the product label. 

Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.

 

 

1. YLANG-YLANG

“Ylang Ylang” essential oil is derived from flowers of “Cananga odorata”. It comes in a light yellow color and has a sweet, floral aroma with hints of spice. The oil is extracted from the flowers through steam distillation process, which takes approximately 30 hours to complete.

Ylang Ylang essential oil is mainly used for its calming and relaxing properties. It can be used to support a healthy immune system. It has also been known to help treat emotional issues such as stress, depression and anxiety. The scent of this oil promotes positivity and optimism while reducing feelings of anger and frustration. As an aromatherapy massage blend it works well with the other oils in supporting healthy sleep patterns

 

2. LAVENDER

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular oils because it promotes relaxation and is excellent for promoting sleep, as well as reducing anxiety and stress levels.

Lavender essential oil is a great way to release stress, anxiety and tension. It's even better if you can fall asleep with the calming scent of lavender in your room. As they say, the most important hours for our body are before we go to bed, so it’s a good idea to make them as relaxing as possible.

Add a few drops of Lavender oil to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet to relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. Due to lavender’s versatile properties, it is considered the must-have oil to have on hand at all times.

 

3. MARJORAM

With its many positive uses, Marjoram was once known as a symbol of joy and happiness in ancient cultures.  Marjoram oil is valued for its calming properties and its positive benefits when used during a soothing massage. It also supports both healthy cardiovascular and immune systems when ingested.

 

4. ROMAN CHAMOMILLE 

Roman Chamomile grows close to the ground, reaching only up to a foot in height. It has gray-green leaves, flowers that resemble a daisy, and smells like apple. The plant has been nicknamed the “plant’s physician” because it has positive effects on plants growing nearby. Ancient Romans used Roman Chamomile oil for courage during war. While the most common use of chamomile is in teas, Roman Chamomile oil can also be found in face creams, drinks, hair dyes, shampoos, and perfumes. Roman Chamomile essential oil is known for its calming effect on the skin, mind, and body.

 

5. BASIL

Basil oil has a warm, spicy, yet herbal aroma known to reduce anxious feelings. Basil oil provides great benefits to both the mind and body due to its high linalool content, making it an ideal application to help reduce feelings of tension when applied to the temples and back of the neck.  The aroma of Basil oil helps promote a sense of focus and a stress-relieving experience.

 

6. FRANKINCENSE

Frankincense oil is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It has a musky, sweet aroma that’s thought to ease anxiety. According to a 2008 study, an aromatherapy hand massage using a blend of frankincense, lavender, and bergamot improved anxiety, depression, and pain in people with terminal cancer.

7. NEROLI

Neroli essential oil is derived from the flowers of the bitterorange tree; in fact, there are three oils derived from this same tree—orange oil is derived from the orange peels, Petitgrain oil from the leaves and twigs, and Neroli oil from the flower. Much research has been conducted regarding the aroma of Neroli essential oil. According to research, Neroli oil instills relaxation, uplifts mood, reduces feelings of anxiousness, and promotes overall well-being. Applied topically, Neroli oil can be used to soothe skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes.

 

8. BERGAMOT

Bergamot essential oil is unique among citrus oils due to its ability to be both uplifting and calming, making it ideal to help with anxious and sad feelings.

 

9. ROSE OTTO

This essential oil is known for its sweet floral aroma, beautiful and romantic. Diffuse Rose oil to uplift your spirits; the blooming floral fragrance brings about feelings of love, care, and comfort. 

 

Cautions:  Essential oils are highly concentrated plant substances, and you should treat them with caution and care.  For any use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes, consult a doctor. Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

 

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