lovesouthernsocial.com

Check out natural essential oil options that can be allies in a time of anxiety

Edited and resized image by Priscilla Du Preez is available on Unsplash

Knowing an essential oil for anxiety that suits your routine and personal tastes can be a way to make your days and nights better.

• 12 tips to wake up well and have a good day

Aromatherapy is the practice of inhaling the scent of essential oils to improve your well-being. One theory of how they work is that by stimulating the smell receptors in the nose, they can send messages to the nervous system. They also have a subtle effect on the body's chemical and energy systems. For this reason, aromatherapy is often used as a natural remedy to relieve anxiety and stress.

• What are essential oils?

Be diligent in your practice. You should only use natural therapeutic oils that do not contain synthetic fragrance.

Essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil (coconut oil, grape seed oil, almond oil, sesame oil, etc.) before being applied to the skin. This reduces the risk of irritation. For adults, every five drops of essential oil should be diluted in one tablespoon of carrier oil. The use of essential oils in children must be under medical supervision. For children, the mixture is much more dilute, with a ratio of one drop of essential oil to one tablespoon of carrier oil.

Essential oils should never be ingested. There is not enough research into the safety of ingesting any essential oil. Each essential oil is very different and some are toxic. Therefore, dilution measures and modes of use may vary. For animals, some essential oils are extremely toxic, such as ylang-ylang essential oil, so be very careful where in the house you will place the diffuser.

18 types of essential oil for anxiety

1. Valerian

Valerian is an herb used since ancient times. It is thought to contain sleep-promoting and calming compounds and may have a mild sedative effect.

How to use valerian essential oil for anxiety: Add a few drops to an aromatherapy diffuser and inhale. It will promote relaxation and sleep.

Learn more about valerian in the article: "Valerian: what it is for, indication and side effects".

2. Jatamansi

Jatamansi essential oil is in the same family as valerian. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to calm the mind and promote sleep. According to one study, jatamansi can alleviate depression by lowering GABA neurotransmitters and MAO receptors in the brain.

• Insomnia: what is it, teas, remedies, causes and how to end insomnia
• Foods that help treat depression

How to use jatamansi essential oil for anxiety: Massage it diluted in carrier oil into the temples or forehead.

3. Lavender

Lavender essential oil is one of the most used in aromatherapy. According to a 2012 survey, lavender essential oil can be used for anxiety as it soothes by affecting the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions.

How to Use Lavender Essential Oil for Anxiety : Enjoy a relaxing bath by combining several drops of lavender essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil, rub into the body and enter the hot bath for heat to increase pore absorption.

• Lavender essential oil has proven benefits

4. Jasmine

Jasmine essential oil has a delicious floral scent. According to a 2013 study, breathing in jasmine essential oil can promote a sense of well-being by relieving anxiety. Unlike some other essential oils used for anxiety, jasmine oil is believed to calm the nervous system without causing drowsiness.

How to use jasmine essential oil for anxiety: Inhale jasmine oil directly from the bottle or allow the perfume to fill the room through a diffuser.

5. Holy basil

Holy basil, also called tulsi, is not the basil you use in making basil sauce. But it's from the same family. It contains eugenol, a compound that gives it a spicy aroma. According to a survey, holy basil is an herb that has shown promise in treating physical and mental stress.

How to Use Holy Basil Essential Oil for Anxiety: Add a few drops to an aromatherapy diffuser and inhale as the oil is dispersed throughout the room.

• Basil: benefits, how to use and plant

6. Sweet basil

Sweet basil essential oil also calms the mind and relieves stress, making it a great essential oil for anxiety. According to one study, the phenolic compounds present in basil essential oil help relieve anxiety. These compounds have been found to be less sedating than diazepam, a pharmaceutical drug used to treat anxiety.

How to Use Sweet Basil Essential Oil for Anxiety : Add several drops to a room diffuser and inhale.

• Basil tea and other recipes to enjoy benefits

7. Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil has an invigorating citrus aroma. According to one study, bergamot helps relieve anxiety and improve mood. But when used topically, bergamot can increase sun sensitivity.

How to Use Bergamot Essential Oil for Anxiety: Put some boots on a cotton ball or handkerchief. Breathe in the aroma two to three times.

• Bergamot essential oil: uses and benefits

8. Chamomile

Chamomile is known for its relaxing and sedative properties. There is not much research on the use of chamomile essential oil for anxiety. But research has shown that chamomile supplements can benefit people with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder.

how to use: Massage chamomile essential oil diluted in carrier oil into the skin.

9. Pink

Rose essential oil is extracted from the petals of roses and has an enchanting floral scent and is known to relax the senses. According to study, making a foot ladder using rose essential oil can reduce anxiety in pregnant women during labor.

• Date: benefits proven by science

How to Use Rose Essential Oil for Anxiety: Soak your feet in a basin of warm water and 15 drops of rose essential oil. You can also dilute rose essential oil in a carrier oil and massage your body.

• Discover 12 types of massage and their benefits

10. Vetiver

Vetiver essential oil may be less well known than other essential oils, but it is no less effective. It is sourced from a grass native to India and has a sweet, earthy aroma and is used as an aphrodisiac.

According to one study, vetiver essential oil is used in aromatherapy to relax, with anti-anxiety properties similar to diazepam.

How to Use Vetiver Essential Oil for Anxiety: Enjoy a relaxing massage with diluted vetiver oil or add it to a diffuser.

11. Ylang-ylang

Ylang-ylang essential oil has a floral scent and is used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation. According to a study of nurses, inhaling a mixture of ylang-ylang essential oil, lavender and bergamot reduced levels of stress and anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate and serum cortisol.

How to Use Ylang-ylang Essential Oil for Anxiety : Apply diluted to the skin, add to a room diffuser or inhale directly.

• What is ylang ylang essential oil and its benefits

12. Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil is made from the resin of the tree. boswellia. It has a sweet aroma that helps relieve anxiety. According to one study, hand massage using a blend of frankincense, lavender and bergamot essential oils improved anxiety, depression and pain in people with terminal cancer.

How to use Frankincense Essential Oil for Anxiety : Massage the essential oil diluted in carrier oil into your hands or feet. You can also add it to a diffuser.

• What is Frankincense Essential Oil for

13. Sage Claria

Sage has a refreshing, woody aroma. Its essential oil has calming properties and is often used as an aphrodisiac.

According to a systematic review, sage clary can relieve tension and help control cortisol levels in women. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. High levels of cortisol can increase the risk of anxiety and depression.

How to use sage sage essential oil for anxiety: Inhale directly when you are feeling anxious or massage it into the skin diluted in carrier oil.

• Salvia: what is it for, types and benefits
• Salvia officinalis: scientifically proven benefits
• What is the essential oil of sage clarifies for

14. Patchouli

Patchouli essential oil is used in Ayurvedic medicine to relieve anxiety, stress and depression. It is often combined with other essential oils such as lavender. It promotes calm and relaxation, although there aren't many studies about it.

How to use: To alleviate anxiety, directly inhale patchouli essential oil or add it diluted to a hot bath or room diffuser.

• Patchouli: what is it for and benefits

15. Geranium

Geranium essential oil has a slightly sweet scent. According to a study of women in the first stage of labor, inhaling geranium essential oil effectively reduced anxiety during labor. It can also help lower diastolic blood pressure.

How to Use Geranium Essential Oil for Anxiety: Apply a few drops to a cotton ball and float under your nose a few times.

• Geranium Essential Oil: Ten Proven Benefits

16. Lemon balm

Lemon balm has a sweet, fresh aroma. It is used in aromatherapy for its calming and restorative effects. Most reports of success in inhaling lemon balm for anxiety are the property of popular knowledge. But according to a 2011 study, taking lemon balm capsules can help people with mild to moderate anxiety disorders. In addition to improving sleep.