Courtesy of pictures / Danielle Carson
There’s no doubt that essential oils smell incredible – but they shouldn’t be devalued as pretty bottles lying around in spa rooms. In fact, depending on the oil, they can help relieve a wide variety of symptoms, including nausea, stress, and even pain management. Most importantly, however, doctors and naturopaths have been using essential oils to partially treat anxiety for decades.
A recent study found that of 20 patients who inhaled lavender oil, for example, all later reported that they felt more relaxed; Researchers also found that the oil significantly lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature. While more research is needed to substantiate this association, the researchers also used EEG charts to measure electrode levels to determine that the benefits were not solely psychological.
“When inhaled, essential oils work through the olfactory system and target the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain,” says holistic wellness practitioner Valerie Oud, Director of Vibrational Healing at THE WELL. Oud adds that treatment providers have used oils to combat symptoms related to stress, anxiety, and sleep problems such as insomnia, as well as inflammation.
While oils have been used in holistic treatments, they’re not a panacea – and it’s hard to find scientific evidence to back up most claims about their benefits. A lack of conclusive data is likely why essential oils are not regulated by the FDA. In most cases, you will need to work with an expert to find and determine the best oils for your needs. after discussing essential oil usage with your family doctor.
“The last thing you want to do is buy an essential oil that you later find that has been infused with artificial colors or flavors,” says doctor Ruvini Wijetilaka, MD, an internal medicine specialist at Parsley Health. “You should make sure you can read the ingredients list clearly – the oil’s Latin name should be there and it should be chemical or synthetic-free.”
If you have discussed sensitivity to essential oils with your doctor, most experts recommend diluting the oils with each use to get the benefits without causing irritation. To dilute an essential oil, mix it with a few drops of almond oil (or jojoba oil) – about three drops of carrier oil on each drop of essential oil. You can put this mixture in a diffuser of your choice.
publisher’s Note: Because of their highly concentrated nature, essential oils are known to be irritating to some individuals and have the potential to cause severe skin irritation, burns, or other reactions, among other immune responses. They can cause breathing problems if inhaled without a diluent, and often the oil itself can cause rashes. Using oil around pets and young children is not recommended as it can easily irritate sensitive skin and respiratory tract.
Fear and anxious feelings cannot always be resolved on your own. It is vital that you seek a professional treatment option when anxiety has made it impossible to see your day through – a therapist or licensed psychiatrist can help you resolve any symptoms.
Best essential oil overall for anxiety
$ 13.00
“I use lavender oil for both myself and my patients for anxiety; it really helps!” Says Naturopath Serena Ma, ND, MS, LAc, who runs an independent practice in the New York City area. “I sometimes suggest that clients put some oils in their bedroom or bathroom.”
Public Goods uses therapeutic grade lavender essential oil that comes with a dropper for easy use. A comprehensive research study examined the benefits of lavender for stress and anxiety, and found that several animal and human studies suggested that inhaling lavender calms the nervous system and generally works incredibly well as a mood stabilizer.
- Lavender blend backed by strong research
- Therapeutic oil
Best fragrant essential oil
$ 20.00
Vetiver oil, which has been used as an all-natural anxiety medication in South Asia and rarely elsewhere, has a rich, smoky scent that reduced anxiety symptoms in a 2015 animal study. Oud recommends this brand because the product consists exclusively of a. consists of pure oil blend, responsibly sourced from China.
- Pure essential oil (unique ingredient)
- Unique aroma profile
- Requires carrier oil or diffuser
- Strong smell can trigger sensitivities
Best budget essential oil
$ 6.95
Despite its low price on this list, every bottle of this uplifting essential oil comes with a GC / MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) report confirming the quality of its contents. It is used to determine the quality of essential oils by using biochemistry to differentiate between the compounds in the oil.
The product also includes explicit instructions on how to dilute it for best results, an important trait for those who have never used essential oil, says Oud. “Essential oils should be used with a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond oil,” she adds. “You can also add a drop to an unscented lotion because a little goes a long way… If you want to use essential oils in the bath, add the salts first, stir well, then add the salt mixture to your bath. ”
- Clear instructions for first time oil users
- Does not contain organic oil wells
- Too strong to be used without dilution
The most popular essential oil for anxiety
$ 7.50
This floral essential oil is one of Amazon’s most popular oils with buyers. It is made entirely from fresh rose petals and has a relaxing scent that takes you straight to the spa. It’s unadulterated, affordable, and organically grown. Finally, it has been suggested that rose essential oils reduce the most common symptoms of anxiety, including high blood pressure, high heart rate, rapid breathing, high levels of cortisol, and low blood oxygen levels.
- Organically grown
- 100% pure oil
- Must be diluted before use
Best travel friendly essential oil
$ 20.00
THE WELL’s oil blend soaks carrier oils like sweet almond and avocado with essential oils like ylang-ylang and lavender to create an option to take with you whenever you need a quick shot of rest. As part of the brand behind this product, Oud previously advised customers to put a single drop of the oil in the palm of their hand before rubbing both hands together and gripping them near their face. “Take a gentle breath in and out and let it help you sit back,” she advises.
- The packaging is designed to increase the flavor quality by blocking UV rays
- Can be used economically without a diffuser or carrier oil
- Strong odor due to mix composition
The most luxurious essential oil
$ 36.45
Dr. Wijetilaka sources doTERRA branded products because of their quality control standards. “They have such a rigorous testing process where every batch of oil is checked along with third-party testing to make sure you’re getting the purest oil,” she explains. “This mixture of lavender, ylang-ylang, chamomile and much more creates a calming mixture that will definitely keep you calm – and ensure that the oil stays true to its name.”
- Proprietary mixture for relaxation effects
- Strict quality control standards
- The most expensive of the market picks
- Complex odor profiles can trigger olfactory sensitivities
Best roll-on essential oil
$ 27.95
If you don’t have to worry about finding a diffuser or carrier oil, this roll-on option is for you. Dr. Wijetilaka recommends this oil to customers who suffer from anxiety headaches, as they can simply roll it to their pulse points (and let the aroma linger over time) and feel their tension subside.
- A single oil profile for people with sensitive olfactory reflexes
- Can be used without a diffuser or carrier oil blend
- High price point
- Contains ingredients other than essential oil
Trendiest essential oil for anxiety
$ 18.00
Gwyneth Paltrow is just one of many celebs who are delighted with the favorite millennial brand Vitruvi, which offers pure blends of a wide range of essential oils. “My favorite, frankincense, is a Nervine, which means that it has a relaxing effect on the nervous system. When you are more relaxed, you actually have more energy available in your system, ”explains Oud, who recommends this mix because of his commitment to transparent procurement.
- Increased price point for comparable market options
- Requires a diffuser
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