Last updated: 12th September 2015
Aromatherapy for anxiety relief is something that I have taken quite an interest in recently, though aromatherapy itself has been around since the early 1900’s. It’s considered an alternative medicine and is basically the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils in order to achieve a desired effect, be it altering a person’s mind, mood or general well-being.
When used correctly aromatherapy supports the mind and body so that a person can better cope with any ailments they may have. And, unlike prescribed medication, aromatherapy is one of the best natural remedies for anxiety relief.
As this blog focuses on anxiety and how to control anxiety, today I’m going to focus on detailing 10 of the best essential oils that are specifically used in anti-anxiety aromatherapy.
What are the Best Essential Oils for Anxiety Relief?
- Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
A fresh, fruity and sweet smelling essential oil derived from cold-pressing the rind of the bergamot orange fruit. Bergamot promotes a happy, uplifting and relaxed feeling. - Atlas Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica)
Said to be one of the first essential oils to be extracted, atlas cedarwood is a clean, woody scent that combats negativity and aids in calming and balancing energy. - Lavender (Lavendula officinalis)
More than likely you’ll be familiar with the aroma of lavender. It’s one of the most best essential oils simply because of it’s versatility. Lavender has a sweet, floral scent that soothes and relaxes and also promotes healing. It is an essential essential oil when using aromatherapy for anxiety relief. (Pardon the pun!) - Neroli (Citrus aurantium)
Derived from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, neroli has a strong floral smell with a touch of citrus and is refreshing and soothing. It is also proven to aid in insomnia. - Rose (Rosa damascena)
Rose oil is frequently listed as a stress natural remedy which makes it one of the best known and top-selling essential oils. Rose emits a warm, rich and rosy aroma that is uplifting, supportive and widely associated with love. - Sandalwood (Santalum album)
A versatile rich and woody scent that blends well with other essential oils, especially bergamot, lavender, rose and neroli. Sandalwood is calming and emotionally centering. - Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata var genuina)
With an aroma that is sweet, exotic and a little spicy, ylang ylang (pronounced ee-lang) is derived from the flowers of the cananga tree. It is said to soothe the mind as well as relieve restlessness and agitation. - Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Geranium has a sweet, floral and slightly fruity scent that is often used in skincare products. It relaxes and soothes and also found to assist in balancing hormones. - Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
Known to help with relieving stress, roman chamomile has a sweet, crisp aroma and is useful during periods of intense fear or anxiety. It is calming and relaxing and also acts as an anti-inflammatory. Another must have for using aromatherapy for anxiety attacks. - Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)
Giving off a warm, earthy and woody scent, vetiver is a great essential oil for anxiety due to it’s emotionally soothing properties. It is also known to combat fear and insecurity as well as insomnia.
And there they are, 10 of the best essential oils for anxiety relief!
What do you think? Have any of the above worked for you?
‘On The Go’ Aromatherapy for Anxiety Attacks
TIP: I carry around with me in my bag a small bottle containing a mix of essential oils and whenever I start to feel an anxiety attack coming on, I spritz it in front of my face, close my eyes and breathe in through my nose. More often than not my anxiety instantly dissipates, which is awesome!
Instead of relying on medication such as valium, aromatherapy is a natural remedy for anxiety relief and perhaps it might work for you?
The blend I use is called ‘Peaceful’ and is by Mmink (though it appears they’re no longer in business).
Not to worry. The beauty of aromatherapy is that you can always create your own recipes dependent on your need.
The main ingredients for ‘Peaceful’ are as below – though you’re not limited to using the same oils.
Aromatherapy Recipes for Anxiety and Mental Health
Peaceful
Pure water, Australian bush flower essences, essential oils (Lavender, Valerian and Ruta) and Rosemary extract.
Stress Relieving
Pure water, 2 drops Roman Chamomile oil, 2 drops Geranium oil and 1 drop Vetiver oil.
Decision Making
Pure water, 2 drops Lime oil, 1 drop Cedarwood oil.
Please note: I am not a qualified aromatherapy practitioner and the above aromatherapy for anxiety relief compilation is based on my own research and is for educational purposes only.
