The 10 Best Essential Oils For Reducing Stress
We all find ourselves faced with situations or challenges (stressors) that can burden our body and mind. While a small amount of these stressors can be good for you, helping you to stay alert and avoid danger, the more stress and anxiety you experience, the greater the toll on your emotional, mental and physical states.
Using essential oils as an aromatic therapy can be a great way to support you and help reduce the weight of these stressors on your overall wellbeing. There are a group of specific essential oils that are proven, both empirically and scientifically, to help.
Below are the 10 essential oils I recommend you turn to when you’re stressed out. Be sure to read 5 Things To Look For When Buying Essential Oils to ensure you get the safest, highest quality oils possible for the best results.
1. Bergamot (Citrus aurantium var. bergamia)
While you may recognize this fruit for its flavor in Earl Grey tea, the essential oil is prized for its anxiety-relieving and calming properties. Scientific studies have shown that inhaling the aroma of bergamot essential oil, along with lavender and ylang ylang (see both below) reduced mental stress responses, serum cortisol levels, as well as blood pressure in patients. Just be sure to dose appropriately on skin because the oil can be phototoxic. Read What Are Phototoxic Essential Oils and How Can I Use Them? to stay safe.
Create this room diffuser blend to create a relaxing atmosphere:
Bergamot (Citrus aurantium var. bergamia) 5 drops
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 4 drops
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) 3 drops
2. Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Native to the Mediterranean basin, this essential oil is extensively used in perfumery, but finds even more application in aromatherapy. Like its sisters bergamot and lavender, the oil contains two primary chemical components - linalool and linalyl acetate - known to provide anti-anxiety and sedative therapeutic effects. The oil has a warm, sweet, herbaceous-woody, tea-like aroma that's loved by many for helping to calm the mind and feel less anxious.
Create this personal inhaler blend for on-the-go stress relief:
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) 6 drops
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) 5 drops
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) 2 drops
3. Geranium (Pelargonium x asperum)
While there are many varieties with varying aromas, this species of geranium has a fresh, lightly floral, rich, leafy green, herbaceous smell, which has been scientifically shown to reduce anxiety. You might be surprised to learn that the oil is extracted primarily from the leaves and not the flower itself.
Create this calming massage oil blend for muscle relaxation:
Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) 1oz / 30ml
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) 4 drops
Geranium (Pelargonium x asperum) 4 drops
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) 4 drops
4. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Perhaps the most widely studied essential oil for stress relief, true lavender essential oil is your best friend, always at your side, when stress builds on your body and mind. Like its sisters bergamot and clary sage, the oil contains two primary chemical components - linalool and linalyl acetate - known to create anti-anxiety and sedative actions.
Create this stress-relieving massage oil blend to help you fall asleep:
Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) 1oz / 30ml
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 5 drops
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) 3 drops
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) 4 drops
5. Lemon (Citrus limon)
Citrus essential oils such as lemon are high in the chemical component d-limonene, which is known for its mood enhancing and relaxing effects. Its fresh, sharp, and zesty scent make it a favorite to inhale simply to feel good. And studies have shown its ability to reduce stress along with lavender, and rose. A word of caution that, just like with bergamot, be sure to dose appropriately on skin because the oil can be phototoxic.
Create this room diffuser blend to create a mood-enhancing atmosphere:
Lemon (Citrus limon) 5 drops
Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) 5 drops
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) 5 drops
6. Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
A precious essential oil, the flowers are harvested manually early in the morning when just opened, but not yet in full bloom, to yield the highest quality oil. Its scent is a powerfully fresh, sweet, floral delight where a little goes a long way. And, like its sisters bergamot, clary sage, and lavender, the oil contains two primary chemical components - linalool and linalyl acetate - known to create anti-anxiety and sedative actions. The oil is wonderful for emotional support to relax the nerves and soothe the heart.
Create this personal inhaler blend for on-the-go emotional support:
Lemon (Citrus limon) 3 drops
Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) 2 drops
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) 3 drops
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) 2 drops
7. Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
This essential oil has a very distinctive smell that’s warm, earthy, woody, rich and deep. And that aroma, along with its anxiety-relieving and sedative action makes it particularly beneficial to relax you at night.
Create this relaxing massage oil blend to relieve muscle tension before sleep:
Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) 1oz / 30ml
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) 4 drops
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 4 drops
Geranium (Pelargonium x asperum) 4 drops
8. Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
Arguably one of the most enjoyable essential oil aromas, bringing a smile to adults and kids alike, sweet orange essential smells like sunshine in a bottle. And, like its citrus sisters lemon, grapefruit, and lime, the oil contains the known anxiety-relieving chemical component d-limonene to calm tension and soothe an overwhelmed mind.
Create this room diffuser blend to create a soothing atmosphere:
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) 5 drops
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) 3 drops
Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara) 2 drops
Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) 3 drops
9. Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides)
This essential oil is derived from the roots of the plant and is often referred to as “the oil of tranquility.” Its deep, earthy, woody aroma naturally invites you to put your worries aside and anchor yourself in spite of the ever changing tides of life.
Engage in an essential oil meditation:
What to do:
- Find a comfortable spot to sit in a quiet room.
- Apply a few drops of vetiver essential oil on a scent strip, cotton ball or tissue and place it near you.
- Close your eyes and relax your shoulders; breath normally.
- Now focus on the scent that is diffusing.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Mentally describe the character of the scent.
- What color and sound is the scent? Make an association.
- Does the scent recall any memories?
- What emotions do you feel?
- How is your body responding to the scent?
10. Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
A quintessential “spa” aroma, this balancing oil is scientifically shown to help reduce your blood pressure, heart rate, and induce feelings of calm. But be sure to dose sparingly as the aroma is strong and application on skin can be sensitizing for those with sensitive skin.
Create this stress-relieving massage oil blend to help you gently fall asleep:
Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) 1oz / 30ml
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) 1 drop
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) 2 drops
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) 3 drops
Looking for more ways to reduce stress? Check out the 5 Ways To Reduce Stress Through Mindful Aromatherapy and 5 Benefits of Aromatherapy Massage for Stress Relief.
Note: essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be used with care, and kept out of the reach of children, and never used internally. The information in this post is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. If you are pregnant or undergoing any medical treatment, please seek more individualized advice from a certified aromatherapist or a qualified health professional before using essential oils.
