There are plenty of natural remedies for stress relief, including the healing power of all organic essential oils. If you’re looking for a more natural solution, consider the tips we’ve outlined in this article.
So, you may be asking, what is the best essential oil for anxiety? Lavender? Frankincense, maybe?
Due to the complexity of anxiety and depression, and how they vary from case to case, this can be difficult question to answer. Only because you have a variety of options when dealing with anxiety in a natural way. Whether it be stress, depression, or even a severe anxiety disorder, essential oils can help relieve some of that emotional pain.
The power of scent can greatly affect our mood and overall mindset on life. Just think, are there certain smells that may remind you of your childhood? Most likely, there are. That’s why these 100% natural products can be so effective. The University of Maryland Medical Center gives a profound explanation of how this is so:
The “smell” receptors in your nose communicate with parts of your brain … that serve as storehouses for emotions and memories. When you breathe in essential oil molecules, some researchers believe they stimulate these parts of your brain and influence physical, emotional, and mental health. Scientists believe lavender stimulates the activity of brain cells similar to the way some sedative medications work. Other researchers think that molecules from essential oils may interact in the blood with hormones or enzymes.
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Some of the Best Essential Oils for Anxiety
We’ll start with naming off a few of the top organic aromatherapy remedies for stress relief:
- Lavender
- Frankincense
- Wild Orange
- Bergamot
- Patchouli
All of these oils, especially when you combine a few of them together, will help relax you throughout the day and evening. If you suffer from insomnia, or sometimes just have a little trouble sleeping, they can also work as a sleep aid.
Lavender as a Sleep and Anxiety Aid
One of our favorite essential oils for anxiety and sleep is lavender. Some studies by prominent scientists have even compared the benefits of lavender to popular anti-anxiety drugs like Lorazepam (please note, we are not doctors, so we do not prescribe or advocate for any specific drugs).
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Here’s how to apply lavender when you’re having trouble sleeping:
- Diffuse in the air on your nightstand right next to your bed.
- Apply a couple drops to your pillow.
- Sprinkle a couple of drops on your feet right before bed.
It’s that simple! And it can help with those suffering from mild insomnia to more severe sleeping issues.
This holistic method of relieving stress can assist people who are suffering from many different ailments, such as:
- Consistent worry and tension, and the inability to relax
- Difficulties with concentration and a constant feeling of restlessness
- Insomnia: Having trouble with falling asleep or sleeping through the night
- Depression and an unrealistic outlook on life in general
- Constant sweating, twitching, and trembling
- Headaches, light-headedness, and shortness of breath
And the list goes on.
If this is you, you’re certainly not alone. Nearly 7 million adults struggle with some form of anxiety disorder in their lives. There are plenty of drugs out there you can take to help relieve, or at least ease, these symptoms. But you may also consider some natural methods, ones that do not produce sedative effects or side effects that can disrupt your everyday life.
If you’re currently relying on traditional stress-relief solutions, you probably know, they can inflict a torrent of undesirable side effects.
“Essential oils exist not for themselves alone. They produce the chemistries all life needs to live, and they heal other organisms that are ill” – Stephen Harrod Buhner
Want to take the anxiety-relieving benefits of your oils everywhere you go? There’s a way…
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Why Do Lavender Essential Oils Help Anxiety?
Lavender flower has been used for not only decades, but centuries, to treat stress and depression. This herbal method for treatment comes from the steam distillation process of L. angustifolia. There are 16 constituents that work together to produce its healing effects.
The use of lavender, especially in essential oil form, can produce physiological changes, according to some studies. Data shows that by simply smelling the scent of lavender people are able to feel better, perform math faster, and relax easier.
There are countless benefits of using lavender essential oil. Too many to count. And while we don’t prescribe any medications (have to throw in that disclosure), the benefits of using lavender essential oils over traditional benzodiazepines like Valium and Ativan may be worth trying out. Here’s a few reasons:
- You won’t suffer from that hungover feeling from heavier drug types.
- You won’t have to worry about drug abuse or addiction.
- You can have a clear mind that won’t interview with work or socializing.
It is widely understood that when lavender enters your system (generally via inhalation) molecules penetrate the brain and interact with segments relating to emotions: The amygdala and hippocampus.
That’s the scientific explanation. The point is, for most people, lavender can ease a range of stress-related symptoms.
How to Use Lavender Oil For Stress
Diffusing by way of aromatherapy is an excellent method for using lavender essential oils. Aromatherapy is a holistic medicine option that has been used for thousands of years.
French chemist Maurice Gattefosse founded the idea in 1928. And since, aromatherapy has been used in spas, hospitals, and in the personal home. Therapeutic uses of aromatherapy include everything from bathing, massaging, inhalation, and sometimes even therapeutic guidance.
Using lavender essential oils with these methods will help soothe and uplift, leading to decreased anxiety and depression. It also stimulates mental relaxation — hence, it’s use for helping those who suffer from insomnia or anxiety before bed.
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In summary, if you are looking to help with you stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms naturally, we recommend therapeutic grade lavender essential oils as one of the most effective methods. In addition, you can also supplement with natural oils such as frankincense, orange, and others to increase the impact.
