10 Best Essential Oils for Stress & Anxiety

In today's busy world, feeling anxious is something many of us experience. Whether it's the pressure of work or the constant buzz of notifications on our phones, finding peace can be tough. But there's good news: essential oils can help. 

Essential oils are natural extracts that smell great and can also calm our minds and help us relax. In this guide, we'll explore the top 10 essential oils that are known for easing anxiety and promoting relaxation. 

If you're looking for ways to feel calmer and more at ease, stick around. We'll take a closer look at these amazing oils and how they can make a real difference in your life. 

Best Essential Oils to Help With Anxiety and Stress 

1. Lavender Oil 

Lavender oil is a popular essential oil known for its soothing properties. It is derived from the lavender plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region. The oil has a sweet, floral aroma that is both calming and refreshing. Lavender oil is widely used in aromatherapy for its ability to promote relaxation and alleviate stress. 

Lavender oil works by interacting with the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotions and stress response. When inhaled, the aroma of lavender oil can help reduce nervous tension and promote relaxation by calming the mind and body. Studies have shown that lavender oil can lower heart rate and blood pressure, inducing a sense of calmness and well-being. 

2. Chamomile Oil 

Chamomile oil is extracted from the flowers of the chamomile plant, which is native to Europe and Asia. It has a sweet, apple-like scent and is well-known for its calming effects. Chamomile oil has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. 

The compounds in chamomile oil, such as bisabolol and apigenin, have been found to have anti-anxiety properties. These compounds interact with receptors in the brain that regulate mood and stress response, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation. Chamomile oil is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from the effects of stress and anxiety. 

3. Bergamot Oil 

Bergamot oil is derived from the peel of the bergamot orange, a citrus fruit grown primarily in Italy. It has a fresh, citrusy aroma with floral undertones. Bergamot oil is known for its uplifting and balancing properties, making it a popular choice for reducing stress and anxiety. 

Bergamot oil contains compounds such as limonene and linalool, which have been shown to have mood-boosting effects. When inhaled, the aroma of bergamot oil can help reduce cortisol levels and promote feelings of relaxation and well-being. Bergamot oil is also believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it an effective remedy for anxiety and depression. 

4. Ylang Ylang Oil 

Ylang ylang oil is extracted from the flowers of the ylang ylang tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. It has a sweet, floral fragrance with fruity undertones. Ylang ylang oil is prized for its calming and sedative effects, making it a popular choice for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. 

Ylang ylang oil works by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, promoting a sense of calmness and well-being. Ylang ylang oil is also believed to have a regulatory effect on the nervous system, helping to lower blood pressure and heart rate. 

5. Frankincense Oil 

Frankincense oil is derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, which is native to the Middle East and North Africa. It has a warm, woody aroma with spicy undertones. Frankincense oil has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies and rituals for its grounding and calming effects. 

Frankincense oil contains compounds such as alpha-pinene and limonene, which have been shown to have anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties. When inhaled, the aroma of frankincense oil can help quiet the mind and promote feelings of peace and relaxation. Frankincense oil is also believed to have a balancing effect on hormones, making it an effective remedy for mood swings and emotional imbalances. 

6. Vetiver Oil 

Vetiver oil is extracted from the roots of the vetiver plant, which is native to India. It has a deep, earthy aroma with smoky undertones. Vetiver oil is prized for its grounding and stabilizing effects, making it a popular choice for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. 

Vetiver oil works by calming the nervous system and reducing feelings of nervousness and tension. It has a grounding effect on the mind and body, helping to promote feelings of security and stability. Vetiver oil is also believed to have a sedative effect, making it an effective remedy for insomnia and sleep disturbances. 

7. Clary Sage Oil 

Clary sage oil is derived from the leaves and flowers of the clary sage plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region. It has a sweet, herbaceous aroma with floral undertones. Clary sage oil is prized for its calming and euphoric effects, making it a popular choice for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. 

Clary sage oil contains compounds such as linalyl acetate and linalool, which have been shown to have antidepressant and anxiolytic properties. When inhaled, the aroma of clary sage oil can help balance hormones and reduce cortisol levels, promoting feelings of calmness and well-being. Clary sage oil is also believed to have a regulatory effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

8. Roman Chamomile Oil 

Roman chamomile oil is extracted from the flowers of the Roman chamomile plant, which is native to Europe and North Africa. It has a sweet, apple-like aroma with floral undertones. Roman chamomile oil is prized for its calming and soothing effects, making it a popular choice for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. 

Roman chamomile oil contains compounds such as chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. When inhaled, the aroma of Roman chamomile oil can help calm the nervous system and promote restful sleep. Roman chamomile oil is also believed to have a regulatory effect on the digestive system, making it an effective remedy for stress-related digestive issues. 

9. Sandalwood Oil 

Sandalwood oil is derived from the wood of the sandalwood tree, which is native to India. It has a rich, woody aroma with sweet undertones. Sandalwood oil is prized for its grounding and calming effects, making it a popular choice for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. 

Sandalwood oil contains compounds such as santalol and alpha-santalol, which have been shown to have anxiolytic and sedative properties. When inhaled, the aroma of sandalwood oil can help quiet the mind and promote feelings of inner peace and tranquility. Sandalwood oil is also believed to have a balancing effect on the emotions, making it an effective remedy for mood swings and emotional imbalances. 

10. Patchouli Oil 

Patchouli oil is extracted from the leaves and stems of the patchouli plant, which is native to Southeast Asia. It has a rich, earthy aroma with sweet and spicy undertones. Patchouli oil is prized for its grounding and stabilizing effects, making it a popular choice for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. 

Patchouli oil contains compounds such as patchoulol and pogostol, which have been shown to have anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. When inhaled, the aroma of patchouli oil can help calm the mind and promote feelings of peace and well-being. Patchouli oil is also believed to have a grounding effect on the emotions, making it an effective remedy for stress-related issues such as insomnia and fatigue.