Seven Natural Essential Oils for Effective Anxiety Relief

Seven Natural Essential Oils for Effective Anxiety Relief

In modern society, anxiety has become an all-too-common challenge for many. This makes the use of essential oil blends as a natural solution particularly significant.

A 2014 study by the American College of Healthcare Sciences involved 58 terminally ill patients who received daily hand massages with an essential oil blend for a week. The blend, diluted in sweet almond oil at a 1.5% concentration, contained equal parts of bergamot, frankincense, and lavender essential oils. All participants reported reduced pain and depression, concluding that aromatic massage with this blend was more effective than massage alone in alleviating these symptoms.

Here are seven of the most effective essential oils for managing anxiety:

Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil

One of the most popular essential oils, lavender has calming, relaxing properties that restore the nervous system. It promotes inner peace, improves sleep, and relieves restlessness, panic, tension, and symptoms of nervous gastritis. Multiple clinical trials, as documented in The Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology, and Applications (2nd edition), have proven that inhaling lavender essential oil reduces stress and anxiety. In one study, when subjects watched anxiety - inducing films, those who took lavender essential oil capsules showed a significant difference in heart rate compared to the placebo group, indicating its anxiolytic effect. Other research has shown that lavender alleviates anxiety in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery and dental procedures.

Rosa damascena Essential Oil

Derived from the Damask rose, rose essential oil ranks second in popularity. It is highly effective in improving mood, relieving anxiety, depression, panic, grief, and shock. A study published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal involved first - time pregnant women who inhaled rose essential oil for 10 minutes and then had an aromatic foot bath, while the control group only had a 10 - minute warm water foot bath. The results showed that aromatherapy and the aromatic foot bath significantly reduced the women's anxiety.

Vetiveria zizanioides Essential Oil

Vetiver essential oil has an earthy, calming energy that enhances self-awareness and stabilizes emotions, often used in treating emotional trauma. As a nervous system tonic, it relieves tremors and hypersensitivity and can be useful during panic attacks and shock. A study in Natural Product Research concluded, based on observations of anxious rats, that vetiver oil can reduce anxiety, though further research is needed to confirm this finding.

Cananga odorata (Ylang - Ylang) Essential Oil

This popular essential oil has mood - calming and uplifting effects, treating anxiety and depression. Ylang - ylang promotes joy, courage, and optimism while relieving fear. It slows the heart rate, alleviates palpitations, and as a moderate sedative, improves insomnia. A 2006 study by Changwon National University in South Korea had subjects use a blend of ylang - ylang, bergamot, and lavender essential oils daily for four weeks. The result was a reduction in "psychological stress responses," lowered serum cortisol levels, and decreased blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Caution is advised when using ylang - ylang as it may irritate sensitive skin and should be avoided by those with low blood pressure.

Citrus bergamia Essential Oil

A common ingredient in Earl Gray tea, bergamot essential oil has a unique floral aroma. It calms the mind, boosts energy in those with depression, treats insomnia, and promotes relaxation while reducing emotional excitability. Experiments have shown that bergamot essential oil reduces the secretion of corticosterone, the "stress hormone." A 2011 study demonstrated that a blend of lavender and bergamot essential oils significantly lowered blood pressure and rate pulse, helping to treat depression and depression anxiety. Participants who used bergamot essential oil generally reported feeling "calmer" and "more relaxed" compared to the control group. While generally safe, bergamot essential oil is highly photosensitive, increasing the risk of sunburn and rashes, so it should not be applied within 12 hours of sun exposure.

Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) Essential Oil

With its soothing, mild fragrance, chamomile essential oil promotes inner peace and reduces restlessness and worry. Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that chamomile essential oil "has clinically valuable antidepressant activity in addition to its previously observed anxiolytic activity." Another study by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health showed that chamomile capsules can relieve anxiety symptoms. Chamomile essential oil is generally safe, but a small number of people may be allergic, especially those allergic to ragweed.