Essential Oils + Aromatherapy for Stress Relief and Anxiety

Mantra Magazine

Essential oils are the essence of natural organic plants; many provide immediate relief from stressful sensations with no negative side effects. Whether your stress is acute or chronic, these natural remedies are here to help while you’re at home, at work or on the go.

Here Are Our Favorites:

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most effective essential oils for stress relief. It is best known for supporting the nervous system and reducing feelings of irritability, nervous energy and tension. It’s great for assisting with sleep issues like insomnia or a restless mind.

Tip: Mix a few drops of lavender oil in a small spray bottle and keep it by your bed. Spritz your pillow before turning in for the night!

Ylang-Ylang

The sweet and distinctive scent of ylang-ylang will immediately relax the senses. Feeling anxious? Fearful? This is the perfect oil to raise you out of any emotions that are not aiding your current state.

Tip: Blend with bergamot oil to reduce cortisol levels.

Chamomile

Known for being an effective antidepressant, its calming properties have the ability to reduce anxiety and irritability.

Tip: Chamomile is not considered safe for people with a known allergy to ragweed.

Rose

Not only does it smell incredible, but it also works well as a base scent in many blends, and helps the mind release feelings of stress and anxiety.

Tip: When blended with lavender and bergamot, the effectiveness of rose oil is intensified.

Bergamot

With its distinct aroma, this essential oil is most effective at treating stress as well as depression and insomnia. In combination with lavender oil, it is even more effective at reducing the symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression as well as reducing pulse rate and blood pressure.

Tip: Only use bergamot oil in the evening, since it may cause skin reactions when exposed to the UV rays of the sun and should not be used within 12 hours of exposure to the sun.

Self-Care Recipes to Try at Home:

To release stress that keeps you from sleeping well, the following blend of essential oils will help: 5 drops of clary sage, 3 drops lemon oil, 4 drops of lavender oil, 1 fl oz (30 ml) oil or cream of your choice.

Stress Relief Bath

Add 4 drops of vetiver and 6 drops of sandalwood. Soak for 15-20 minutes. You can also sprinkle these essential oils into your Epsom salt before getting in.

Soothing Blends to Try in Your Diffuser

1. After a long day at work, combine 2 drops of valerian essential oil with 4 drops of ylang-ylang. Add the blend to your bath water or use it in a diffuser.

2. Is your mind racing a thousand miles a minute? Add 4 drops of lavender with 2 drops of peppermint essential oil. This is also great in the bath.

3. Feeling emotionally drained? Blend 4 drops of lavender essential oil with 3 drops of chamomile oil.

Spray Mist for Headaches or Migraines

Mix the following oils in a medium-sized spray bottle. o 5 drops of chamomile o 3 drops of bergamot o 8 drops of lavender o 5 drops of geranium.