5 Best Essential Oils for Anxiety
Among the plethora of essential oils in the market today, a few chosen ones are known for helping people deal with anxiety. These include:
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Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil originates from the Lavender flowers, scientifically called Lavandula Angustifolia. This fragrant oil promotes relaxation and reduces stress by engaging the brain's limbic system, which regulates emotions.
Along with its calming effects, lavender oil can improve sleep quality. It is particularly beneficial for those experiencing nighttime anxiety, as it effectively reduces stress and enhances emotional well-being.
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Peppermint Essential Oil
Botanically known as Mentha Piperita, peppermint essential oil reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation. Studies indicate that inhaling the scent of peppermint oil can reduce stress, especially in high-stress places like emergency departments.
Additionally, research suggests that using peppermint oil in aromatherapy can help ease the discomfort and stress of receiving an IV catheter. Its refreshing aroma and therapeutic effects provide a natural way to enhance mental and emotional well-being.
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Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense, also called Boswellia carteri or Boswellia sacra, is an essential oil for anxiety derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree. Its warm and sweet smell brings a sense of peace and helps you feel more grounded.
Some studies even show it can help with pain and feelings of sadness in people with terminal cancer or pregnant women. You can mix this oil with another oil and rub it on your feet before bedtime or use it in a diffuser to spread its soothing scent.
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Lemongrass Essential Oil
An essential oil that helps with anxiety and moisturizes your skin is pretty impressive, right? Lemongrass, also known as Cymbopogon, is a favorite essential oil in aromatherapy and yoga for a reason.
A 2015 study revealed that individuals who received massages containing lemongrass and sweet almond oil experienced lower blood pressure levels. Lemongrass oil also helps combat bacteria and fungi, making it an ideal addition to daily moisturizer routines.
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Rose Essential Oil
Rose, symbolizing love, offers natural relief for anxiety. Botanically known as Rosa Damascena, it has soothing properties and the potential to improve emotions and reduce stress, depression, and panic attacks.
Research indicates that massages using it effectively ease pain during menstrual cycles and pregnancy. Its gentle scent comforts and enhances emotional well-being, making it a preferred natural remedy for anxiety and stress.
How to Use Essential Oils for Anxiety?
There are many ways to use essential oils, and the results may vary based on your chosen method. However, the most effective ones are as follows:
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Aromatherapy Massage
An aromatherapy massage is a soothing and effective way to use essential oils for anxiety. During an aromatherapy massage, a trained massage therapist combines the therapeutic benefits of the best essential oils with relaxing massage techniques to promote physical and emotional well-being. This popular health and wellness method involves adding essential oil to carrier oil for a massage, providing relaxation and rejuvenation.
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Topical Application
It is time to calm your nerves by simply rubbing magic onto your skin. Rather than breathing in, softly rub diluted essential oils over your skin for a spa-like experience. Mix them with carrier oils or lotion for a soothing treat. You can also apply them to pulse points like wrists or temples for quick relaxation. As your skin soaks up the oils, it gradually releases their calming powers. Always dilute your oils properly to keep your skin happy, and do a patch test before using it.
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Inhalation
Using essential oils through inhalation for anxiety is a simple, effective, and most-used method. You can do this by holding the bottle against your nose or adding a small number of drops from the essential oil onto a cotton ball or tissue, then taking deep breaths. The aromatic molecules in the oil interact with your olfactory system, transmitting signals to your brain that can help calm your nerves and alleviate anxiety.
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Use in a Bath
Now, give yourself a soothing hug by adding drops of essential oils to your bath. Simply infuse some drops of your favorite essential oil into your bathwater as it fills up. The warm water then helps disperse the oil, surrounding you in its soothing aroma as you soak. This is an excellent method that will help reduce stress.
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Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation feels like inhaling a deep breath of calmness. Begin by boiling water in a pot or a bowl. Once the water is hot, take it off the stove and add a few drops of the essential oil you like. Then, lean over the pot with a towel over your head to capture the aroma of pot steam, and breathe deeply for a few minutes. The steam carries the soothing scent of the oil into your nose and lungs, helping to relax your mind and body.
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Diffuser
Using a diffuser is an easy way to enjoy the calming benefits of essential oils for anxiety while creating a peaceful atmosphere in your home. First, fill it with water and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Then, turn it on, and the oil will release into the air as a mist. The aromatic molecules from the oil reach your nose and trigger a response in your brain, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
So, which of these five best essential oils are you planning to choose to reduce your anxiety? Remember, everyone is different, and thus, it is crucial to find what works best for you. Whether it's the soothing scent of lavender, the uplifting aroma of rose, or any other oil mentioned here, incorporating them into your daily routine might bring much-needed peace to your life.
Since essential oils for anxiety provide a safe, natural method for managing stress, you can add it to your home relaxation routine. However, you must consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or have a specific health condition and for additional measures to help manage anxiety. Take a deep breath, inhale the calming fragrance, and feel the tension melt away.
