Which Essential Oils Help with Anxiety?

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. In the United States, about 40 million people ages 18 and older report experiencing symptoms of anxiety regularly. That’s about 18 percent of the adult population.

Plenty of treatment options are available for anxiety sufferers. There are prescription medications, which many patients say help them live a normal life despite their anxieties. There are also psychotherapies that help patients work through their problems and achieve a calm, relaxed center of gravity in a stressful world.

However, many patients struggle to find success with conventional anxiety treatments. As a result, only a little more than a third of patients with anxiety receive treatment. For those resistant to prescription medication and related treatments, essential oils may be a good alternative.

Certain essential oils have helped many people remain calm and work through their anxiety. Here are some of the most common oils used for treating anxiety.

Bulgarian Rose Oil

Although it’s not as well-known as other essential oils, Bulgarian rose oil is positively wonderful for treating anxiety. It’s known for creating a sense of self-confidence, harmony, and positivity. These are all traits that those with anxiety struggle to embody.

The relaxing fragrance also has other health benefits, such as eliminating acne breakouts and relieving stress.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most used essential oils around. It’s the go-to oil for most suffering from anxiety. One study examined the effects of lavender essential oil on treating anxiety, and the results were as positive as those who were being treated with the prescription drug lorazepam.

Lavender oil does not have any of the negative side effects of common anxiety medications, which makes it even more enjoyable for its users. Plus, it promotes sleep and relaxation.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood is effective at treating anxiety because it promotes sleep. Those who suffer from anxiety need a good night’s rest to face their biggest stressors, yet anxiety often keeps them awake at night. It’s a catch-22 that lavender oil seems to solve.

Most importantly, the use of sandalwood diffused before bed seems to increase the amount of time spent in REM cycles. This essential restorative phase will help you wake feeling more refreshed so that your day involves less stress and anxiety.

Valerian Root

Here’s another less common essential oil with wonderful anxiety-reducing features. It’s best known for reducing tension, particularly when it’s rubbed into the skin above your tight and sore muscles. As your muscles relax, stress tends to diminish and you’ll feel less anxiety.

It also promotes a good night’s sleep with longer cycles in the REM phase of sleep. In all, it promotes a more peaceful, rested life with lower anxiety levels.

Applying Essential Oils for Anxiety Relief

Any of these essential oils, as well as a few others such as lemon, geranium, ylang-ylang, clary sage, and peppermint, can enhance treatments you receive for anxiety. Depending on your needs and tastes, some of these oils may work better than others.

You have many ways to apply to these oils as well, and you can choose the one you believe are most effective. There are lotions, roller balls, and droppers that allow you to apply the oil topically so it soaks into your skin. You can apply the oil anywhere on your body, looking for the sweet spot that triggers stress release.

You can also use diffusers to send the oil into the air. When breathed in, the oil gets into your lungs and bloodstream, promoting health and healing from within. Try multiple strategies for applying essential oils to develop a less anxious, happier lifestyle.