Understanding Anxiety and the Power of Essential Oils
We all experience moments of worry and unease, but when those feelings linger, they can start to weigh us down. Anxiety can manifest in many ways, from constant overthinking to overwhelming panic attacks that take your breath away—literally. While seeking professional support is always important, nature has its own way of helping too. Certain essential oils are known for their soothing properties, helping to ease anxious feelings and bring a sense of calm when you need it most.
How Essential Oils Help with Anxiety
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that can influence our mood and well-being through aromatherapy. When inhaled or applied topically, these oils interact with the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotions and memory. This interaction may help:
- Reduce stress hormones like cortisol
- Lower heart rate and blood pressure
- Promote calm and relieve anxiety
- Improve sleep quality
Essential Oils to Help Manage Anxiety and Panic Attacks
1. Lavender: The Soothing Sleep Aid
Lavender essential oil is renowned for its calming properties and ability to reduce anxiety. Our sleep essential oil, infused with lavender, vanilla musk and lemon, is perfectly blended to help you unwind and relax.
Potential benefits of lavender oil for anxiety:
- Lowers cortisol levels
- Reduces heart rate and blood pressure
- Improves sleep quality
How to use lavender oil to help ease anxiety:
- Add a couple of drops to a ceramic diffuser
- Try a few drops in your bath for a blissful evening
- Inhale the scent of the lavender oil from steam during stressful moments
Shop our Sleep Essential Oil with Lavender
2. Ylang Ylang: The Floral Anxiety Reducer
Ylang Ylang essential oil is widely known and used to help improve mood and reduce blood pressure. It's sweet, floral scent can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Our Bliss essential oil has been scientifically blended to harness the benefits of its natural fragrances. Along with Ylang Ylang, it contains Olibanum, another great stress reliever and mood lifter, and Patchouli, which is widely used to treat skin problems when applied topically, but as a fragrance has been used to treat anxiety and depression.
How ylang ylang oil could help ease anxiety:
- Reduces blood pressure and heart rate
- Promotes a sense of calm
- Helps alleviate stress-related symptoms
Other Ways to use ylang ylang oil for relaxation:
- Add to a diffuser blend with other floral oils
- Use in a relaxing bath oil mixture
- Apply diluted oil to the wrists and neck for all-day calming effects
3. Orange: The Mood-Lifting Citrus
Orange essential oil has a fresh, citrusy aroma known for its uplifting and stress-relieving properties. Our Winter essential oil is perfectly blended with orange, warm lemon and dry amber to promote a sense of calm and also offer a classic wintery scent that warms all winter long.
Why orange oil could relieve anxiety symptoms:
- Contains limonene, which has sedative effects
- Helps interrupt anxious thoughts
- Promotes calmness and relaxation
Best practices for using orange oil to boost mood:
- Contains limonene, which has sedative effects
- Helps interrupt anxious thoughts
- Promotes calmness and relaxation
Shop our Winter Essential Oil with Orange
4. Jasmine: The Emotion Balancer
Jasmine essential oil has a sweet, floral scent that can have a soothing effect on both the mind and body, helping to ease anxiety and improve mood. It’s often used in aromatherapy for its ability to balance emotions, alleviate nervous tension, and even help with sleep. Our Peace essential oil with jasmine is paired with lemon, mandarin, succulent pair and aromatic white tea.
Why jasmine may help with anxiety:
- Calms the nervous system and reduces feelings of stress and tension
- Can create a sense of emotional balance
- Supports a more restful sleep
Best ways to use jasmine oil for relaxation:
- Diffuse in your home or office
- Add to a carrier oil for a relaxing massage
- Add 10-15 drops to your body wash bottle
Shop our Peace Essential Oil with Jasmine
How to Use Essential Oils for Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Aromatherapy Techniques
-
Diffusion: Add essential oil to a diffuser to disperse the aroma
-
Topical Application: Dilute oils with a carrier oil and apply to pulse points
-
Inhalation: Inhale directly from the bottle or a tissue
Incorporating Essential Oils into Your Daily Routine
Morning Rituals
- Diffuse citrus essential oils to boost mood
- Apply a relaxing blend to help manage stress throughout the day
Midday Stress-Busting
- Use a personal inhaler with ylang ylang to help reduce feelings of anxiety
- Massage diluted oils onto temples or wrists for ongoing support
Evening Relaxation
- Add relaxing essential oils with lavender to a warm bath
- Diffuse a calming blend to promote better sleep and relax after a long day
Safety and Precautions
Potential Side Effects
- Skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Interactions with medications
Proper Use
-
Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to your skin
-
Use a 2-3% dilution for general use
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
-
If you have pre-existing health conditions
-
If you’re pregnant or nursing
-
If you experience persistent anxiety symptoms or anxiety and depression
Embracing Aromatherapy for Anxiety Management
While essential oils may help promote relaxation and relieve anxiety, they should complement, not replace, professional medical advice. By incorporating these sweet-smelling essential oils into your routine, you may find a natural way to help soothe feelings of anxiety and improve your overall well-being.
