6 Best Essential Oils for Anxiety (Science-Backed)
Looking for essential oils for anxiety, but not sure which ones are best? Since ancient times, Mother Nature has provided a plethora of offerings to help and now science is showing why and how they work. Below, we’ll go over six of our favorites, what they’re known for, and details you should know before trying them in your aromatherapy diffuser. Feel free to use them solo or mix and match to create your own unique stress-busting blend.
1. Lavender
Trusted for generations, the quintessential essential oil for anxiety is lavender. Undeniably feminine, the plant’s fragrant purple blossoms give off a soothing aroma—a balanced mix of floral and herbal notes—which are carried through in the extracted oils. Researchers have likened the effects of lavender oil to the potent anti-anxiety medication diazepam (Valium), indicating it can help create a sense of calm even in actively stressful situations. Research also shows lavender is a powerful sleep aid, speeding the onset of sleep and increasing the duration of sleep too.
2. Peppermint
Mint was trusted by Ancient civilizations in Greece, Rome, and Egypt to treat a myriad of conditions, but the peppermint we know today is actually a naturally-occurring cross between watermint and spearmint that first gained steam in the 1700s. Much of the research surrounding peppermint has to do with ingesting it, particularly where digestive concerns exist, or with topical use, as is the case with its purported ability to alleviate headaches. However, researchers have also found that the scent can help create a sense of calm while enhancing alertness in studies involving test-takers and drivers thanks to its ability to slow the release of cortisol. It’s also been shown to diminish pain and anxiety during uncomfortable medical procedures. The only caveat here, according to Johns Hopkins, is that you may not want to use peppermint oil in aromatherapy if a child under 30 months old will be present, as it can sometimes make little ones restless rather than creating a sense of calm focus like older children and adults report.
3. Orange
Citrus is rarely mentioned in relation to stress reduction, perhaps because it can be so invigorating, but it’s actually loaded with something called d-limonene. Without getting too technical, d-limonene is a terpene, or naturally aromatic compound that’s found in all sorts of stuff, from lavender, which we covered earlier, through pine and even cannabis . It’s in a whole lot of aromatic oils. Terpenes are believed to serve an essential purpose—to deter herbivores from eating the plant and attract predators that might keep any remaining herbivores at bay. In other words, Mother Nature specifically designed it to attract us and make us feel good. There are many types of orange, each with its own unique level of d-limonene. However, sweet orange oil is comprised of up to 98%, making it a real powerhouse. Researchers have tested citrus under a myriad of particularly stressful conditions—with people preparing for a surgery and with leukemia patients—and discovered it reduces anxiety in a big way.
4. Lemon
D-limonene makes lemon one of the best essential oils for anxiety too. Although it’s not quite as potent as sweet orange, topping out at about 76% d-limonene, lemon oil blends beautifully with all sorts of other essential oils for those who like DIY scent mixes and is a solid contender on its own. Plus, it can make your house smell like you’ve just cleaned it top to bottom without lifting a finger, which no doubt is a major stressbuster too.
5. Jasmine
Some scents like lavender are great to help you relax and catch some ZZZ’s, but Jasmine is one you’ll only want to use to reduce daytime stress. The traditional Thai remedy has been shown to reduce drowsiness and negative emotions while making people feel more active, fresh, and even romantic, as well as increasing the sense of overall well-being when used in aromatherapy. It’s perhaps best described as floral and sweet.
6. Rose
Much like lavender, rose oil carries a gentle floral fragrance, though albeit with less spice. However, it is much more expensive to press and produce, so unfortunately many companies that sell it either dilute it considerably or use inferior similar scents and market it as rose. That said, it was also found to have the same diazepam-like qualities as lavender in the aforementioned study and has been associated with calming properties in many more.
Get High-Quality Essential Oils for Anxiety at Zenbelle
If you’re hoping to create a Zen-like experience, pop over to the Zenbelle shop. Our 100% pure essential oils are mindfully crafted and tested to ensure the highest quality, bringing you yet another step closer to the peaceful state of mind you crave.
