There is something about essential oils. Isn’t it? Essential oils are concentrated extracts from different types of flowers and plants. They are used for various medical purposes, from working as a natural mosquito repellent to managing neck and back pain. They are aromatic; they are pleasing; they are soothing, and can improve your health from many different perspectives! Applying as well as inhaling essential oil(s) are associated with some incredible health benefits.
You must remember that essential oils are not medicines, and they don’t treat depression, anxiety or stress. But, yes, they can demonstrate some benefits, especially if used as complementary therapy combined with conventional treatments like antidepressants and behavioural therapy.
In this article, we are talking about some superbly effective essential oils that can induce a “feel-good factor” while you are struggling with anxiety or depression. Let’s know about 11 of the best essential oils, as well as how to use them for the best results.
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Oh, how can’t you fall in love with this aromatic oil? It is one of the most commonly used oils for aromatherapy. It is known to reduce anxiety and induce a calming effect for ages. It works on your brain part that manages your emotions, and only a few drops of it can help you feel better.
How to use it?
- You can add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your bathing water.
- Stir the water with essential oil, and have a calming, appeasing bath.
2. Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine essential oil is very popular for its pleasing floral scent. Inhaling jasmine oil is associated with a sense of well-being and improving romance. Unlike most essential oils, it can help you get rid of anxiety without feeling sleepy.
How to use it?
Inhaling jasmine oil from the bottle or adding a few drops of it to a diffuser – both are the great ways of saying good-bye to anxiety.
3. Sweet Basil Oil
Sweet basil essential oil is prepared with the same herb that people use to prepare the marinara sauce. It is commonly used in aromatherapy and is known for its calming effects.
According to a study, sweet basil contains phenol compounds that help relieve anxiety and is less sedating than diazepam – a common medication for anxiety.
How to use:
Inhale directly through an inhaler tube or bottle, or add several drops to a room diffuser.
4. Holy Basil Essential Oil
Holy Basil, also known as “Tulsi,” comes from the same family from which the basil you regularly use for lasagna comes. It is a very good source of eugenol, a compound making all the basils minty and spicy. A study suggests that holy basil essential oil showed promising results against various physical and mental illnesses, including stress.
How to use holy basil?
Holy basil is famous for its strong fragrance, so using a little amount is enough. You can add a few drops of essential oil to the room diffuser so that you can inhale continuously.
5. Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil is extracted from bergamot oranges and is highlighted by refreshing citrus scent. A study says that trials on both humans and animals showed that bergamot could reduce anxiety and boost mood.
How to use it?
Put a few drops of oil onto a handkerchief or cotton ball. Inhale the scent a couple of times every day to overcome anxiety.
6. Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile is also very well-known for its intoxicating aroma and sedating properties. Research backs the supplements containing chamomile as beneficial for people having mild to moderate anxiety disorder.
How to use it?
Add a few drops to a warm bath or apply diluted chamomile oil on your skin.
7. Rose Essential Oil
Extracted from rose petals, rose essential oil also comes with an enchanting floral scent known for relaxing senses. A 2014 study reveals that footbath with rose aromatherapy can help reduce anxiety, especially in pregnancy.
How to use it?
Fill a basin with warm water, add a few drops of light rose essential oil, and have a footbath. Or, add rose essential oil to your non-scented moisturizer.
8. Vetiver Essential Oil
It is one of the less-known essential oils, especially for anxiety and stress. But there is no doubt about its effectiveness. It is extracted from the grassy vetiver plant from India and has an earthy, sweet scent. It is known for its usage as an aphrodisiac. Vetiver essential oil can be a great choice for aromatherapy and can induce a feel-good factor.
How to Use?
Use diluted vetiver essential oil for a calming massage, or add it to the room diffuser.
9. Frankincense Essential Oil
It is prepared with the resin of the Boswellia tree and has a sweet, musky aroma. A blend of frankincense, bergamot, and lavender essential oils can be massively helpful against anxiety, depression, and different types of pains.
How to use it?
Adding diluted frankincense essential oil to a room diffuser or massaging with hands – both methods are equally effective.
10. Clary Sage Essential Oil
It is not a common herb used to prepare different kinds of stuff at thanksgiving. Famous for its herbal, woody odour, it is often a very preferred aphrodisiac and is also known for its calming effects.
According to a 2015 review, clary sage can effectively control cortisol levels in women and ease mental stress.
How to use it?
When you feel anxious, inhale clary sage essential oil directly from the bottle, or massage on your head with a few drops.
11. Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil is distilled from the geranium plant. A study of 2015 on pregnant women reveals that inhaling geranium essential oil is associated with reduced anxiety. And, at times, it can also reduce high diastolic blood pressure.
How to use it?
Take a few drops of geranium essential oil on a cotton ball, and waft around your nose for a couple of minutes.
So, these are some very effective essential oils to combat stress and anxiety. If you are annoyed by continuously feeling anxious and tensed, add one of these essential oils to your daily routine. You will surely feel better within a few initial days.
GENEROUS ADVICE:
These essential oils are effective only against mild to moderate anxiety. If you regularly suffer from severe anxiety, don’t waste any time using these oils or any other medication. These essential oils are for inducing a feel-good factor, “None of them is the medicines for anxiety or depression.” Get proper treatment from a qualified medical practitioner to completely overcome the anxiety.
Reference:
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/essential-oils-for-anxiety#geranium
