Top-tier essential oils for calming anxiety symptoms
In the realm of aromatherapy, essential oils have gained popularity as a potential natural remedy for anxiety. These scented liquids derived from plants, flowers, and fruits can provide meaningful relief from symptoms of anxiety, according to scientific research.
One of the most well-studied essential oils is lavender, which has been shown to relax the nervous system, reducing heart rate and blood pressure – physiological indicators of anxiety relief. Its calming effect on mood is widely recognized, and it influences brain areas related to emotional regulation.
Bergamot oil, derived from the Citrus bergamia tree, has demonstrated promise in reducing anxiety and depression. Research including animal studies found that bergamot essential oil produced anxiolytic effects comparable to benzodiazepine drugs, commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders. Clinical trials in postpartum women showed bergamot aromatherapy improved mood and sleep quality.
Geranium oil is another essential oil confirmed by scientific research to relax the nervous system, enhancing its anxiolytic potential by lowering stress markers such as heart rate and blood pressure.
Ylang-ylang and frankincense oils have been reported to reduce anxiety, stress, inflammation, and pain, which can indirectly benefit mental well-being. Frankincense additionally has notable antimicrobial properties that might improve overall health.
Chamomile, a daisy-like herb, and sweet orange are other frequently cited oils with some scientific backing. Both have been shown to reduce anxiety by stimulating brain areas involved in mood regulation.
It is important to note that while essential oils can provide meaningful relief from anxiety symptoms, they are generally recommended as complementary to professional medical or psychological treatments rather than replacements.
Other notable essential oils with anxiety-relieving properties include clary sage, known for its medicinal properties, and neroli, or orange blossom, which can help decrease anxiety and perceived pain during labor.
Lemon essential oil, with its rich citrus scent, may help reduce feelings of anxiety in nursing students with test anxiety. A 2-week clinical trial found that massage with Roman chamomile oil helped decrease anxiety and other symptoms in people with cancer.
Inhalation of these oils can rapidly influence physiological stress markers such as blood pressure and heart rate. The mechanism through which these essential oils act involves the stimulation of the limbic system, the brain region that governs emotions, as well as modulating neurotransmitter activity and autonomic nervous system responses related to stress.
However, essential oils are very pure, concentrated oils that should not be ingested. They should be diluted with a carrier oil, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil, before use. Signs of skin irritation or an allergic reaction to an essential oil can include blotchy skin, itching, pain, redness, and before applying the diluted essential oil to the skin, it is generally best to test it on a small patch of skin.
Chronic anxiety can have a detrimental effect on both a person's mental and physical health. If anxiety causes significant distress or disruption to a person's daily routine, they may wish to consider contacting a mental health or healthcare professional.
In summary, lavender and bergamot are among the most effective essential oils for anxiety, with geranium, ylang-ylang, and frankincense also showing supportive evidence from scientific research. These oils act by calming the nervous system and influencing emotional brain centers to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Anxiety resources are available for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on anxiety. The American College of Healthcare Sciences recommends basil, geranium, grapefruit, lemon, sandalwood, and sweet orange essential oils for providing anxiety relief and lifting mood.
- CBD-infused skincare products such as moisturizers, given their oily base, may include essential oils known for their anxiety-relieving properties, like lavender, bergamot, or chamomile, enhancing their relaxing effects on the skin and promoting mental health.
- In the field of health-and-wellness, scientific research supports the use of CBD oil as a potential natural remedy for anxiety, stating its interaction with the endocannabinoid system might reduce symptoms of anxiety and promote mental well-being.
- For individuals with oily skin, they might benefit from CBD skincare products infused with calming essential oils like lavender or geranium because these oils can help balance sebum production while providing relief from anxiety symptoms.
- In a brain-health context, essential oils like frankincense, known for their antimicrobial properties, and clary sage, noted for their calming effects and anxiety-reducing potential, can indirectly contribute to improved mental health.
- A combination of calming essential oils like lemon, ylang-ylang, and chamomile in a topical MDD (Major Depressive Disorder) care product can potentially help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, contributing to an overall health-and-wellness-focused self-care routine.
