The past two years have been stressful, to say the least. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and all the nerve-wracking things that come with it—worry about our jobs and our health, to name a few—it feels like there’s way too much to be anxious about and lose sleep over. While you should always talk to a professional if you feel your mental health is getting to a not-so-great place, essential oils for sleep and anxiety can be a great place to start. But what essential oils are best for stress and anxiety? We have the answers, so let’s take a closer look.
How to use essential oils for anxiety
Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy, which is a form of alternative medicine that uses plant extracts to support health and wellness. Certified aromatherapist and founder of THARA SACRA Tara Gangadharan says there are benefits to using the oils. “When we inhale an aroma, the molecules hit our olfactory bulb and travel through the limbic system to our primitive brain where emotions are processed and our memories are formed," she explains. “This is why a specific scent can sometimes strongly conjure up a specific memory. That’s also why certain scents can bring us to our immediate present or transport us back in time. The use of aromatics helps transport our emotions to a safer space where we can better manage our emotional responses to anxiety.” Aromatherapy is an individual experience, so various scents can be emotional triggers and evoke personal memories. “Aromatherapy is not one-scent-fits-all.” Gangadharan adds, saying that you shouldn’t be afraid to try new and different scents to see what calms your anxiety specifically. She suggests floral scents like lavender, rose, jasmine, bergamot, and vetiver, which can be soothing and supportive, while fruitier scents can be uplifting. “Wood or root-based essential oils can also be supportive and help us ground and find roots when we are feeling unbalanced.”
Where to put essential oils
Gangadharan suggests ensuring essential oils are diluted via carrier oils like jojoba or coconut before applying it directly to your skin. She suggesting trying patch tests first to ensure the oils are safe for your skin and consult your physician if you have concerns. Exactly how you use essential oils, though, is up to you. “The three ways to use essential oils include inhaling it directly from the bottle, diffusing it, or applying it to the skin. If you are using them energetically, you may want to consider putting them on the appropriate chakra, like your heart, throat, or crown [chakras].” Gangadharan explains, adding that even if you don’t like the oil the first time around, you can try it again when you’re in a different emotional state or even during a different time of day.
Essential oils for anxiety
Peppermint
Gangadharan says peppermint has a fresh, minty aroma that can help freshen a fatigued mind or help us cool off when we’re feeling the heat of anger or other strong emotions. It can also aid digestion.
Lavender
Lavender is one of the more well-known essential oils used to relieve stress. It has a strong floral aroma that is calm and relaxing.
Tea Tree
Gangadharan says tea tree has a warm, camphorous aroma that can be calming and refreshing. “It has purifying properties that can help assist us with energetically purifying our emotional body.” It’s also good for boosting immune support.
Bergamot
Bergamot is used to reduce stress and even improve skin conditions like eczema. According to Gangadharan, it has a sweet citrus aroma with a touch of floral notes. It is uplifting and relaxing and blends well with lavender.
Ylang ylang
Ylang ylang is known for its sedative qualities. “It also energetically connects to the heart chakra, which makes it a wonderful balm for soothing matters of the heart,” Gangadharan adds.
Chamomile
Chamomile is used to improve moods and is a relaxant. It has a fruity, herbaceous aroma that’s calming, especially before bed.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus has a cool, slightly sweet aroma that is both energizing and relaxing and may help decrease symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Vetiver
Vetiver has a rich, earthy aroma that is both grounding and relaxing. It’s best to use this before rest or meditation.
Rose
“Rose has a deep and slightly sweet floral aroma that can be soothing and relaxing to an anxious mind, especially when dealing with matters of grief and loss,” Gangadharan says.
Sandalwood
This wooded classic scent is used to reduce anxiety and helps with focus. Next, here are the acupressure points that might help you sleep.
Sources
Tara Gangadharan, certified aromatherapist and founder of THARA SACRA
