The best essential oils for stress – which ones are we talking about?

Our bodies’ physiological response to stress manifests itself in many ways. Headaches, and anxiety are just two of them. Stress itself plays a positive role in all our lives, improving the body’s ability to adapt to unusual circumstances. However,, when stress becomes too intense or prolonged,, it exhausts the body. In such situations, essential oils for stress, can be helpful, as they are a 100% natural anti-stress remedy. Which oils are we talking about?

Reduce stress with essential oils

We can all experience persistent stress, and even feel overwhelmed by its intensity. The problem with stress is not just about feeling it in this way, it is often accompanied by other symptoms, especially when it is long-lasting and chronic, with a tendency to recur at short intervals.

Scientific research conducted over the last dozen or so years has shown, that certain essential oils possess relaxing or anti-anxiety properties, which means, that they are able to help with various symptoms associated with stress.

When stress is triggered in our bodies by, for example, sleep problems, nervousness, gastric problems, back pain, or skin reactions, we can help ourselves with essential oils. What’s more, they can also help us strengthen the immune system, which also suffers when exposed to stress. Which essential oils for stress are we talking about? With quality and eco-friendly production of the extracts in mind, we have prepared a ranking showcasing the 7 best and most effective essential oils for stress.

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is a ‘universal’ oil. Known for its soothing properties, it alleviates all nervous disorders, including persistent stress. Applied to the skin or used in a diffuser, it has a relaxing effect and helps you fall asleep. Essential oil extracted from fresh lavender is particularly suitable for reducing stress levels and associated symptoms such as insomnia.

A few drops of the oil added to a bath or massage can provide a moment of relaxation, which we will all certainly appreciate. It is also suitable, if:

• We wake up during the night, and cannot get back to sleep
• We need to relax and clear our minds
• We feel noticeable pain in the solar plexus area (the body’s reaction to excessive stress)

To enjoy the power of lavender, simply place a single drop of the oil on a handkerchief and breathe deeply for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also apply the oil to the skin, by mixing it with a carrier oil, or use a diffuser for inhalation.

Lemon balm

The anti-stress properties of lemon balm essential oil are attributed to the active compounds present in the leaves and above-ground parts. Thanks to beta-caryophyllene and germacrene-D, lemon balm helps to lower high blood pressure, gently calming us during times of excessive stress.

The calming effect of lemon balm is comparable to that of benzodiazepines, but is significantly less anxiolytic than a sleeping pill or painkiller. For this reason, lemon balm essential oil is useful for people, who, in addition to stress, also suffer from:

• States of negative, tangled thoughts
• Strong, stress-filled emotions
• Insomnia

For the essential oil to be effective in combating stress, simply dilute it with a vegetable oil (, e.g. olive oil) and massage it along the spine. You can also add a few drops to a bath, or use wet or dry inhalation via a diffuser.

Geranium

Geranium rose essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the flower buds. Geranium oil has an excellent effect on the human psyche. It plays a major role in promoting neuropsychological regeneration, and thus also in managing stress. It has a soothing effect, restores balance, harmonises and tones.

In addition, geranium is characterised by:

• Blood pressure regulation
• A calming and analgesic effect,

Geranium extract is primarily applied topically. Simply apply a diluted drop to a cotton pad, and then spread the oil over the body. In addition, geranium essential oil for stress can be inhaled via a diffuser or by inhaling steam.

Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil is extracted from the fruit’s peel. Its distinctive, sparkling citrus aroma is very appealing, and, what is more, it has proven calming properties.

The scent of bergamot inspires enthusiasm, spurs one into action and motivates. It is undoubtedly an interesting antidote to a bad mood. As for its medicinal properties, the most notable are its relaxing and anti-anxiety effects, but that is not all. In addition to these:

• It has antidepressant effects
• It has analgesic properties

According to clinical studies, the scent of bergamot improves mood after just 15 minutes. It promotes good mental health, and also reduces the sensation of various types of pain.

Bergamot essential oil owes its anti-stress effects to two substances,, limonene and linalool, which affect dopamine levels and GABA receptors. To enjoy the benefits of the oil, apply 2 drops of the extract mixed with a little olive oil to the skin 3 times a day for a period of two weeks. You can also place a few drops in a diffuser or nebuliser.

Basil

The anti-stress properties of basil essential oil stem from its complex biochemical composition and the resulting interactions between the molecules of basil. Basil, although mainly known in the kitchen, is also very popular in aromatherapy. Essential oil made from 100% basil affects the central nervous system, characterised by:

• Balancing the overactivity of neural pathways
• Regulation of the nervous system
• Reducing the physical effects of stress

To enjoy the benefits of basil, simply massage a few drops of vegetable oil scented with 3–4 drops of basil essential oil into the solar plexus, which is known for its connection to stress.

In addition, dry inhalation, and diffusion for 10–15 minutes up to three times a day will be beneficial. For stress-related headaches, it is worth massaging a few diluted drops of the oil into the temples and the back of the neck.

Marjoram

Marjoram essential oil contains triterpenes and several monoterpene alcohols, which give it anti-infective and immunostimulant properties. Thanks to these, marjoram extract also has analgesic and, most importantly,, anti-stress properties.

Marjoram essence for stress is useful when symptoms such as the following appear:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Weakened immune system
• Chronic mental exhaustion

Marjoram essential oil can be used in many different ways to treat a wide range of conditions and symptoms. However, the most recommended methods for combating stress involve applying the oil to the skin, e.g. massage along the spine or temples, as well as wet inhalation during a bath and diffusion (of 5 drops mixed with a neutral carrier oil).

Neroli

Neroli essential oil is a linalool-rich source of relaxing and anti-anxiety properties. Obtained by distilling the small flowers of the bitter or sour orange, neroli has an extremely interesting fragrance.

The essence extracted from neroli acts on the central nervous system with intense strength, similar to that, with which it affects our sense of smell. Neroli is a powerful sedative with a sympathetic, anti-stress, effect, the action of which is marked by a reduction in heart rate and blood pressure. It is therefore useful for people, who suffer from:

• Anxiety, often chronic,
• Sleep disorders manifesting as excessive insomnia
• Abnormal reaction to psychological and physical stressors

How to use neroli essential oil? Simply place a drop of pure oil on the inside of your wrists and breathe deeply with your eyes closed up to five times a day or at times, when stress is building up. We also recommend a 15-minute diffusion, using 3–5 drops of the oil, up to twice a day.

How to use essential oils effectively for stress?

Essential oils can be used in many ways. Here are the most recommended techniques, that we particularly recommend:

• Aromatic diffuser or nebuliser – it is recommended to use them for around 15 minutes three times a day, adding a total of 8 to 15 drops of essential oil;
• Direct inhalation of essential oil – an option particularly recommended in times of crisis, when we are experiencing excessive stress. Simply apply a few drops to the inside of your wrists, or place the drops on a handkerchief;
• In a soothing bath – by adding up to 15 drops diluted in your favourite shower gel or mixed with bath salts, you’ll ensure not only a pleasant scent, but also a nerve-soothing experience;
• Massage with essential oils – simply dilute the essential oil in a good-quality vegetable oil, e.g. almond, jojoba or olive oil. The anti-stress effect is enhanced by the relaxing action of the massage.

Combating persistent stress doesn’t have to be difficult, especially, when we have an effective ally, at our disposal: 100% made from natural, organically sourced ingredients. What’s more, essential oils for stress are always to hand, and their anti-stress effects are backed by dozens of scientific studies.