Can Essential Oils Help Ease Your Anxious Feelings?

Did you know that the most common mental health issues are anxious feeling disorders? Approximately 40 million adults in the U.S. suffer, and women are twice as likely to be affected. When I heard this, I wanted to research if essential oils for anxious feelings are effective.

Many with anxious feelings seek treatment through their doctors, which often results in a prescription for medication. This is why it costs about $42 million/year in the U.S. As with any medication, side effects, drug interactions and withdrawal symptoms are always a concern. This can be especially problematic for mental health medication.

Essential oils have been used safely for years to support health, including mental health and treatment for anxious feelings.

Essential Oils for Anxious Feelings

Here are the eight essential oils I recommend for feelings of anxiousness:

1. Lavender

One published study found that supplementing 80 milligram capsules of lavender essential oil alleviates anxious feelings, sleep disturbance and depression (source).

Another study found that by diffusing lavender in homes, postpartum women had a significant reduction of postnatal depressed feelings and reduced anxious feelings (source).

2. Bergamot

Extracted from the peel of the bergamot orange, bergamot oil has a light citrus scent with floral notes. Its scent makes it great to diffuse in your home or office. Not to mention the effects it can have on your mood.

According to this 2015 study, both animal and human trials have found that bergamot helps relieve anxious feelings, reduce stress, and improve mood.

3. Vetiver

Vetiver oil is known to promote feelings of calm because it’s rich in sesquiterpenes. This is especially important because sesquiterpenes contain grounding properties. When used on the skin or inhaled, vetiver can help provide a calming and grounding effect on emotions.

After a difficult day, I recommend you apply vetiver to your neck and feet to relax.

4. Ylang Ylang

Many people who suffer with feelings of anxiousness also have high blood pressure (source). Ylang ylang oil is the go-to essential oil to decrease blood pressure, as well as stress-hormone levels. 

Ylang ylang also has uplifting effects, which can help with mood and soothe fears. 

5. Frankincense

I know it seems like I recommend frankincense for everything, but it is known as the “king of essential oils”. Frankincense provides a calm and tranquil energy, as well as spiritual grounding. Because of it’s calming aroma, it’s perfect to help quiet the mind. 

Frankincense is also known to relax the nervous system, as well as support healthy nervous system function. 

6. Clary Sage

According to research, clary sage can ease tension and help control cortisol levels in women. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. And, most noteworthy, high cortisol levels may increase your risk of anxious and depressed feelings.

Another study found that clary sage lead to a significant reduction in anxious behavior in animals (source). 

7. Copaiba

Copaiba essential oil has a calming effect when diffused because of its combination of a sweet and woody smell. Many people use it to lighten the mood in the room. Hence, it’s perfect for the office or classroom. 

I love to diffuse in my favorite diffuser or add 2-3 drops to my bath.

8. Balance Blend

A proprietary blend by dōTERRA, balance blend is formulated with emotionally beneficial essential oils. As a result, these oils work together to create a sense of calmness and well-being. Balance essential oil blend contains the following oils:

• Spruce Needle – soothes away stress and helps lighten emotions
• Ho Wood – has powerful calming and grounding properties
• Frankincense – promotes relaxation and a positive environment
• Blue Tansy – its fruity aroma helps uplift your mood
• Blue Chamomile – is known for being calm and comforting

The wood-like aroma of Balance will help quiet things down, clear your mind, and help you find tranquility.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, these essential oils can be used in three different ways to help ease your anxious feelings: aromatherapy, ingestion or topically.

Still not convinced? In a recent study by the American College of Healthcare Sciences, 58 hospice patients were given hand massages with an essential oil blend. The essential oil blend consisted of bergamot, frankincense and lavender. All patients who received the aromatherapy hand massage reported less pain and depression (source).

Leann Forst, MBA, CHC, CEOC — Holistic Health Practitioner

Leann is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Essential Oils Coach. She holds a Master’s degree from Drake University and a Bachelor of Science from Upper Iowa University. Accredited by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, Leann is an award winning author of 2 books “How to Get Your Kids to Beg for Veggies” and “100 Ways to Lose Weight”.

Born and raised as an Iowa farm girl, she moved to Texas in 1998 where she lives with her husband and 2 kids.

As a wife of a brain cancer survivor, Leann has a special interest in anti-cancer nutrition and detoxification. She works with individuals and groups, and speaks regularly at hospitals, schools and organizations. Leann’s goal is to teach people how to attain optimal health by getting to the root cause of chronic and inflammatory conditions, while using healing modalities such as essential oils. Click here to get Leann’s free report, “37 Cancer Facts You Should Know…But Probably Don’t”

References: Best Essential Oils for Autism and ADHD – The Ultimate Guide

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

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