Many of us deal with stress and anxiety on a daily basis. Recent studies have shown that essential oils may help reduce anxiety symptoms. You can manage and alleviate anxiety in many ways, like meditation, therapy, breathing exercises, and aromatherapy. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 31% of adults in the US will suffer from anxiety at some point in their lives.
Aromatherapy uses the power of scent to calm the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety. Your olfactory system directly affects the part of your brain that regulates emotion. Aromatherapy is an age-old way of treating your mind and body. When you inhale essential oils, signals are sent to your brain and hit the amygdala to affect your emotions. This is why many often turn to essential oils for mental health remedies, like treatments for anxiety and stress. Research on essential oils has shown many benefits with relaxation and better sleep.
Top Essential Oils for Anxiety
Lavender is one of the most popular oils for relaxation. Inhaling Lavender essential oil helps reduce anxiety levels and promotes sleep and a calmer mind. Add a few drops to your bath before bedtime, apply topically with a carrier, such as fractionated coconut oil, or diffuse in any room, office to inhale throughout the day.
Centering and balancing, the smell of Sandalwood complements meditation practices by promoting a sense of spiritual wellbeing. Sandalwood has a notable effect on our nervous system to reduce anxiety and trigger the relaxation response, demonstrating its powerful ability to support mind-body wellbeing.
When used in aromatherapy, clary sage oil can help alleviate stress by inducing a sense of well-being. In aromatherapy, clary sage is a vast powerhouse for improving mental function. Deeply inhaling its fresh scent can improve anxiety, stress, productivity and mental focus.
For anyone that is under stress, is going through a period of depression, loneliness, intense fear or is challenged by anxiety or post traumatic shock disorder, Roman Chamomile Essential Oil can help bring a sense of calm. Roman Chamomile is also a suggested oil for use during times of anger or irritability.
The mood-boosting effects of orange essential oil are one of its best studied uses. In recent studies in a clinical setting, diffusing orange essential oil among a few other citrus oils was found to reduce stress and depression and improve mood.
Ylang-ylang has been proven to be effective for a variety of things. Studies show that ylang-ylang essential oil can decrease feelings of anxiety and also work as a sedative. Ylang ylang has several benefits proven by scientific research, such as alleviating anxiety and lowering blood pressure in some people.
Bergamot is a fun essential oil that can do wonders for your stress levels. Research shows that bergamot can signal your brain to release dopamine, decreasing stress and boosting your mood. A further study also suggested that bergamot can lower stress levels and be more effective than resting.
Patchouli may ease stress, reduce anxiety, and boost mood. The aroma of this essential oil is grounding and has a calming effect on the nervous system, making it an effective tool for reducing feelings of worry or anxiety. It can be used during meditation, yoga, or other relaxation practices to help create a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
Aromatherapy with different essential oils could alleviate anxiety significantly no matter the reason of anxiety. The possible mechanism of inhalation aromatherapy is that essential oils may communicate signals to the olfactory system and stimulate the brain to secrete neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These agents further alleviate psychiatric disorders.
