Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress

Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress

Essential oils are substances with strong aroma gotten from plants through distillation. It is possible to get these essential oils from various plant parts like flowers, roots, and leaves. Besides being used for its scents, essential oils can also be used for health benefits. The use of essential oils to improve one's well-being is known as aromatherapy. 

In aromatherapy, essential oils can aid digestion, alleviate stress, and manage pain and anxiety.

The Use of Essential Oils

A popular theory showed how aromatherapy helps the body by stimulating your smell receptors located in the nose, which then send signals to the nervous system. Research has also shown that these oils significantly affect your body's energy levels and chemical system. As a result of this, essential oils are used for relieving anxiety and stress in individuals. It is important to note that essential oils aren't safe for ingestion despite several claims online that say otherwise. Essential oils vary, and some have proven to be very toxic for consumption.

The Best Essential Oils for Anxiety

Valerian

Valerian is a known herb that has been in usage for ages. It is gotten from the root of the valerian plant and has a strong scent that is usually described as earthy, musky, or even woody. This essential oil is believed to contain substances that aid in promoting a good night’s sleep and calming tense nerves; because of this effect, it is used as a remedy for insomnia and people with sleeping disorders. To get the best out of valerian oil, you can add a few drops into your oil diffuser to disperse into the air while you inhale. Valerian oil is also suitable for treating stress, headache, sleep disorder, and anxiety. 

Jatamansi

Jatamansi herb, also known as spikenard, is classified in the same category as the valerian herb. This herb is made from the root of the jatamansi plant and is associated with a woody or earthy aroma. Jatamansi is included in Ayurvedic potions to help ease the mind and promote sleep. 

According to research, this essential oil has helped immensely to reduce signs of anxiety in a person. To relieve stress symptoms, massage diluted Jatamansi oil onto your forehead or temple in a circular motion. Jatamansi essential oil is also proven to reduce inflammation and signs of depression in individuals.

Lavender

One of the most popular essential oils has to be lavender essential oil, and it’s known for its floral aroma with a mix of herbal scents. For centuries, lavender oil has been used in treating symptoms of anxiety and depression; It is also laced with an effect that helps with sleep issues like insomnia. 

Research claims that the scent of lavender oils affects a part of the brain known as the limbic system, which is responsible for controlling emotions. While bathing, you can use the lavender oil by placing a few drops with other essential oils in your bathing tub to create a soothing environment.

Jasmine

As a result of its sweet and strong floral scent, jasmine essential oil is frequently used for perfume production.

Studies have shown that consistent use of jasmine oil tends to heighten your sense of romance and general well-being. Unlike most essential oils used for relieving anxiety and stress, jasmine oil doesn’t have the sleepy effect. Several studies have stipulated the significant effect of jasmine oil on lowering anxiety. Jasmine can be inhaled directly from the source, or you can place a few drops on your pillowcase for a better night's rest.

Holy Basil

Also known as tulsi, holy basil is imbibed with eugenol and gives a spicy yet minty scent. Based on research, holy basil aids in treating mental issues like stress, depression and anxiety. While using this oil, ensure you use it in small quantities because of its harsh scent. Place a small amount in your oil diffuser, and inhale as soon as it disperses into the air. This essential oil can be used in the treatment of cough, upset stomach, and pain; some studies also claim it helps reduce cholesterol levels.

Sweet Basil

Sweet basil oil hails from the same food category as the herb used in preparation of marinara stew. It has a strong crispy and herbal scent. This essential oil is mostly used in aromatherapy, and it helps in calming your mind and relieving stress. You can use this oil by dropping a sizable amount into your diffuser while you inhale it when it dissipates.

Chamomile

Another well-known essential oil is chamomile oil, and it’s extracted from chamomile plants. Coupled with its pleasant aroma, it has a calming and sedating effect. The chamomile scent can also be found in numerous herbal teas that help promote sleep. Lots of research has proven that chamomile is a great source for tackling anxiety and stress in individuals; the best way to get the most out of using chamomile oil is by massaging the diluted version on your skin or even adding it to your bathing water. Chamomile essential oil has a very strong scent; with this in mind, little drops of this oil should be used at a time.

Rose

Yet another superb essential oil is rose oil. Rose oil has been in usage for ages now and is proven to have a soothing and relaxing effect. With its enchanting scent from rose petals, rose oils are believed to be among the best essential oils for tackling acute depression and anxiety.

Vetiver

Although not well known to the public, vetiver essential oil is a secret tool for battling anxiety and stress; it is also referred to as khus oil by some people. These essential oils aid immensely in calming your nerves and helping you get better night rests. You can enjoy this oil by placing it in a diffuser while inhaling it for its effects.