Anxiety and Stress: 5 Soothing Essential Oils for Natural Relief

Difficulties concentrating, palpitations, a knotted stomach, loss of appetite, anxiety attacks, sleep disturbances… Stress and anxiety are, unfortunately, part of the daily lives of many people.

Fortunately, you can rely on essential oils to take control and manage your stress naturally.

Discover our top 5 essential oils for stress, how to use them effectively, and some simple ways to regain your inner balance.

1. Roman Chamomile Essential Oil: a Versatile Natural Calm

Not to be confused with German or Moroccan chamomile, this essential oil is extracted from the flowers of Chamaemelum nobile. Pale yellow to bluish in color, it has a light, fruity, and sweet aroma.

Roman chamomile is known for its sedative properties. It works on the central nervous system, promotes calm, and helps relieve mild anxiety. It has no known contraindications.

It is particularly recommended for:

• Helping children fall asleep more easily.
• Improving sleep quality for adults.
• Relaxing tight or tense muscles.
• Soothing temporary irritability.
• Managing intense stress after emotional shock.

This is a go-to anti-stress oil that is easy to use in many daily routines.

How to Use Roman Chamomile Essential Oil?

Prefer topical application or diffusion. Add two drops to a tablespoon of carrier oil to gently massage the solar plexus. For quick relief, inhale directly from the bottle.

Note: The yield from Roman chamomile flowers is low, which makes the oil expensive. Use it topically for the most cost-effective and powerful results.

2. Marjoram Essential Oil: Physical Relaxation for Stress Relief

Extracted from marjoram flowers, this oil has a subtle and summery scent, ranging in color from pale yellow to light amber. It is especially effective for easing physical symptoms of stress.

• Soothes digestive discomfort and relaxes the stomach.
• Calms rapid heartbeat and helps lower stress-induced blood pressure.
• Improves mood and reduces irritability.
• Helps relieve anxiety attacks and inner agitation.

How to Use Marjoram Essential Oil?

Diffuse it into the air or add a few drops to a carrier oil for body massage, especially around the solar plexus area.

3. Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil: Nerve-Soothing and Mood-Lifting

Extracted from the flowers of Cananga odorata, ylang-ylang oil is famous for its exotic and captivating scent. With calming and mildly euphoric properties, it supports emotional balance.

• Regulates breathing and calms heart palpitations.
• Great for those prone to panic attacks or emotional fatigue.
• Reduces both mental and physical exhaustion.
• Promotes deep relaxation and inner peace.

How to Use Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil?

Use topically (diluted in carrier oil) on the wrists or solar plexus, or diffuse it for ambient relaxation. For a spa-like experience, add to bath water or shampoo to perfume your bathroom while benefiting hair health.

Warning: Use in moderation. Its strong aroma may cause headaches. Not recommended for breastfeeding women.

4. Red Mandarin Essential Oil: Sweet Sedation for Restful Nights

Cold-pressed from the zest of the fruit, red mandarin essential oil has an orange-red to deep red color and a sweet citrus aroma. It is particularly effective for easing nighttime stress and anxiety.

• Prepares the mind and body for sleep.
• Encourages restful, restorative sleep.
• Acts as a gentle sedative to calm nervous tension.

How to Use Red Mandarin Essential Oil?

Best used in atmospheric diffusion. Add a few drops to your nebulizer or diffuser before bedtime. It can also be applied during pregnancy (2nd and 3rd trimesters) under professional guidance.

Note: Like other citrus oils, it may cause photosensitivity. Avoid sun exposure after topical use.

5. True Lavender Essential Oil: Nature’s Relaxant

Derived from Lavandula angustifolia, true lavender essential oil has a clean, floral scent and a long-standing reputation for promoting relaxation and well-being.

• Relaxes muscles and eases physical tension.
• Balances the nervous system and reduces stress.
• Improves sleep by reducing nighttime awakenings.
• Creates a calm and serene atmosphere at home.

How to Use True Lavender Essential Oil?

Diffuse a few drops in the evening to calm the mind and prepare for sleep. It can also be used in bathwater for deep relaxation.

Our Relaxing Essential Oil Synergy: An Easy DIY Blend

Mix the following for an effective anti-stress synergy:

• 1 drop of marjoram essential oil
• 1 drop of ylang-ylang essential oil
• 1 drop of Roman chamomile essential oil
• 1 drop of red mandarin essential oil

Massage the blend (diluted in a carrier oil) into the soles of your feet and wrists up to 3 times per day.

Best Application Methods for Anti-Stress Essential Oils

Unless contraindicated, choose massage or inhalation. For inhalation, pair your oil with deep abdominal breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth 3 to 4 times to calm the nervous system.

Topical massage, especially around the solar plexus, also promotes emotional balance and physical relaxation.

Use Essential Oils with Care

Always consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in the case of chronic conditions. Some oils may interact with medications or be unsuitable for certain health issues.

We recommend diluting essential oils to 2% in a suitable carrier oil.

Natural and Accessible Solutions to Ease Anxiety

Essential oils offer a gentle, effective, and natural way to manage anxiety and stress. Choose the right ones, use them safely, and rediscover calm and emotional harmony day by day.