The Top 7 Essential Oils To Treat Anxiety

Aug 06, 2018

Whether you suffer from stress and anxiety or just the occasional bad day, essential oils can help. People have used them for centuries for healing powers and in religious rituals. It's been proven in studies, so don't dismiss the power of essential oils. A 2011 study conducted in Taiwan concluded that aromatherapy lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and balanced autonomic nervous activity. The more stressed the participates were, the greater the benefits.

The reason essential oils work so well is that the fragrant molecules pass quickly through the blood-brain barrier to the parts of the brain that control stress, anxiety, and depression. This is good news because essential oils have virtually no artificial additives or chemicals. They're extracted from plant tissue, leaves, flowers, or bark by a natural manufacturing process. Perhaps that's why they don't have the side effects of prescription drugs.

Check out the following list of seven essential oils used for anxiety.

If you've sipped on Earl Grey tea you've ingested the herb bergamot. It has a citrus-floral aroma. It's totally safe. Researchers found that Bergamot essential oil lowered corticosterone levels in lab rats. Cortisol is that hormone that floods our body when we're stressed. Other proven benefits of bergamot are its ability to treat depression and anxiety. Bergamot essential oil has been diffused in classrooms and other stressful places.

Lavender is a popular flower used to extract essential oil. The fresh floral scent of lavender calms and relaxes. It's good for reducing stress, calming anxiety, and relieving insomnia. Rub lavender oil on your skin so that it can enter the bloodstream.

Frankincense is derived from the resin of a tree native to Somalia, Africa. It's considered to be one of the most calming essential oils of all. A study conducted at a hospice center in South Korea found that when mixed with equal parts of bergamot and lavender, it helps relieve pain and depression in terminal cancer patients. Frankincense has a molecular structure that allows it to pass quickly through the blood-brain barrier to relieve anxiety and depression.

Rose essential oil is second only to lavender for relieving anxiety. It's been effective in extreme cases of shock and panic attacks. An interesting study using first-time pregnant women used rose essential oil for inhalation and footbaths. Anxiety scores were significantly lower for the control group. Rose oil has been used to battle depression. It promotes peace and tranquility.

A perennial grass native to India, vetiver has a tranquil and pleasant aroma similar to rose. Like rose essential oil, it has also been effective when used in high-stress situations like shock and severe panic attacks. 

Ylang Ylang is one of the more come essential oils. It is extracted from the flowers of a tropical tree native to Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Users of Ylang Ylang oil for aromatherapy say it gives them a feeling of joy and optimism. It's especially good for stress related to anger. Side benefits of Ylang Ylang are lowered blood pressure, controlling an irregular heartbeat, and relief from insomnia.

Chamomile has actually been used for thousands of years for anxiety and to settle upset stomachs. People who use chamomile essential oil for aromatherapy say it lowers anxiety, irritability, and worry. Chamomile has an extremely calming effect. Although it is considered safe, be aware that it may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

If you suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, or depression often or only from time-to-time, you should give essential oils a try. They tend to affect different people in various ways. Experiment until you find the one that works best for you. Use them in a diffuser, in massages, or simple dot some on your writs and ankles. You can even put a few drops in a handkerchief and inhale.

What have you got to lose? Make sure your friends and love-ones are enlightened to the benefits of essential oils for people with anxiety, too!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!