Essential oils are concentrated oils extracted from plants that provide nutrients which nourish the body, reduce inflammation, balance hormones and fight against ageing. But besides being great for physical health they can also offer many benefits for your mental well-being. For centuries, aromatherapy and essential oils have been used for treating problems like anxiety, stress, pain and sleep issues.
Elevated stress levels and anxiety are some of the most common side-effects of the fast-paced lives most of us lead today. This, in turn, leads to a rise in stress-related health issues and negatively impacts the mental, as well as physical health. That being said, in the quest of keeping your mind and body healthy and relaxed, it can be a good idea to try essential oils for anxiety. They can be used in a number of ways which can conveniently fit into your daily routine.
How to Use Essential Oils
● Aromatically – Take a few drops from the bottle into the palm of your hands, cup your hands around your mouth and nose, and take deep breaths. For portable use, you can also put a few drops on a tissue and keep it in your pocket.
● With a diffuser – Through a special essential oil diffuser, you can fill the air with various essential oils for anxiety allowing them to get into your lungs and therefore your bloodstream. The usual dosage is 3-4 drops of essential oil for 100 ml of water. This is a natural and healthier alternative to air fresheners which can fill the air with harmful chemicals.
● Diluted – Add a few drops of the oil of your choice to the bathtub and it will deliver benefits to your skin and your muscles at the same time, along with a relaxing spa-like experience that can put your mind at ease.
● Topically. For unwinding, it’s recommended to place a few drops of oil on your forehead, the area behind the ears, the wrists or the vita flex points.
● Massage. Essential oils can be used as part of a relaxing back massage, either on your own of by a professional.
Keep in mind that essential oils can be dangerous if ingested. So, make sure to use them only in the recommended ways and keep them away from children.
Now that you know how to use aromatherapy safely and effectively, here are the best essential oils for anxiety management.
Lavender
No one can deny that the scent of lavender is calming. Lavender oil is prized for having calming effects on the body and mind, and for the ability to lessen anxiety and reduce stress. Following this, it’s clear why this essential oil is found in so many health and wellness products today, as well as in a diverse range of aromatherapy products, including bath salts and massage oils. If you are a fan of spa centres and massages, it’s very probable that they will use lavender essential oil to soothe you and relax your body.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang extract comes from the Indonesian Cananga tree. This floral-scented essential oil is another anxiety-relieving oil commonly used in aromatherapy. It is known for improving emotional health and promoting feelings of comfort and joy. At the same time, it reduces the heart rate. And knowing how an increased heart rate is a common symptom of anxiety, ylang ylang oil may be the solution you need.
Researches have also shown that Ylang Ylang reduces the body’s stress response as well as blood pressure. Hence, this essential oil may be of some benefit to people with high blood pressure, while those with low blood pressure may want to avoid it.
Bergamot
Bergamot oil is characteristic for its pleasant, invigorating citrus scent since it is produced from the peel of the aromatic citrus fruit. If you have ever tried Earl Grey tea, you’re familiar with the floral aroma and flavour of bergamot. Besides adding it to tea, this essential oil is known for reducing anxiety among people with mild depression and even pain relief.
Sweet Orange
Sweet orange, or just orange essential oil, with its sweet aroma helps alleviate your anxiety. In addition, aromatherapy with orange oil can help boost your happiness and put you in a more energetic mood. This type of oil is commonly used with a diffuser as it also helps improve the aroma of a stale-smelling or smoky room.
Rose
Rose essential oil, or frequently known as the scent of romance, is a stress relief essential oil extracted from rose petals and its scent is known for soothing emotions, headaches and balancing hormones. Inhaling rose oil will promote calmness and can reduce any tension that you might be feeling.
Rose oil is also popular with post-partum women. Women who receive 15-minute aromatherapy with rose are less likely to report symptoms or postnatal depression or general anxiety disorder.
