Inhale and Exhale: Discover 19 Aromatic Oils to Ease Anxiety
Essential oils have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and more recently, they have gained popularity as a natural remedy for anxiety. Here's a roundup of some essential oils that are often recommended for anxiety relief.
Patchouli Oil
Associated with the '60s hippie culture, patchouli oil is not just a fragrance but also a key component in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is used to treat anxiety and high stress levels.
Lemon Oil
Lemon oil, with its uplifting aroma, is known to help you feel happier and more relaxed. A 2016 study found that it diminished anxiety in surgery patients, while a 2008 study suggested that lemon oil aromatherapy could improve participants' moods.
Basil Oil
Both sweet basil (tulsi) and holy basil (tulsi) might lead to a reduction in stress levels and could relieve symptoms of anxiety. Sweet basil has a sweet, herbal scent, while holy basil has a spicy, minty scent.
Geranium Oil
Geranium oil is a gentle sedative and might help calm an anxiety-riddled brain. Hospital patients who breathed the scent of geranium had less anxiety than those given a placebo scent, according to a 2017 study. Breathing in the scent of geranium oil can also reduce anxiety and diastolic blood pressure during labor, according to older 2015 research.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is known to relieve pain and nausea, and its aroma can ease pain and anxiety in hospital patients about to be hooked up to an IV. Rubbing diluted peppermint oil on your temples for instant relaxation and tension relief is also a common practice.
Clary Sage Oil
Clary sage essential oil has been used to treat anxiety symptoms for a long time, but there haven't been many studies on how it helps. A 2015 review found that clary sage oil can help regulate cortisol, the hormone that skyrockets when you're stressed.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil, made from the Boswellia tree's resin, has a warm, woodsy scent. It is backed more by anecdotes than science for reducing anxiety, but a 2020 review found that frankincense aromatherapy dramatically reduced the anxiety of women giving birth. You can use frankincense oil by diffusing it or by tubbing hands or feet with diluted oil for an anxiety-soothing massage.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile essential oil can soothe anxiety and depression that cause tension headaches.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is one of the essential oils that might help soothe anxiety symptoms. It can help fire up the parasympathetic nervous system and lower anxiety levels.
Bergamot Oil
Bergamot oil might help reduce stress and anxiety symptoms.
Rose Oil
Rose essential oil has relaxing and anti-anxiety effects, according to some studies.
Jasmine Oil
Jasmine essential oil can create a boost in general sense of well-being and trigger feelings of calm.
Grapefruit Oil
Diffuse grapefruit oil daily in your office or main living space for potential stress relief. In combination with lavender essential oil, grapefruit oil can curb stress levels in folks who diffuse them regularly for 6 weeks.
Vetiver Oil
Vetiver essential oil has a pleasantly woody, dry scent and is often used for relaxation and sleep.
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass essential oil is known for its stress-busting and mood-boosting properties.
Valerian Oil
Valerian oil has a light sedative effect that could benefit folks with anxiety-induced insomnia.
While essential oils for anxiety relief are gaining popularity, it's important to note that their benefits are not fully proven by controlled studies. Using essential oils for anxiety won't cure an anxiety disorder, but they might help manage symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
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