Anxiety is a difficult mental state that affects and aggravates a man’s life. In situations when due to objective life circumstances or hypersensitivity of the nervous system, we have to fight anxiety on a daily basis. Thus, it is of great importance that we also have a natural option available such as essential oils.

In a study from 2014, conducted by the American College of Healthcare Sciences, 58 patients in need of intensive care received hand massages once a day with a mixture of essential oils of 1.5% solution with sweet almond oil. The blend of essential oils consisted of equal amounts of bergamot, incense and lavender oils. All patients who received such aromatherapy confirmed that their pain and depression were significantly reduced.

With that in mind, if you are looking for a natural way to deal with anxiety without risking side effects, essential oils are definitely worth considering.

Best Essential Oils Against Anxiety

1. Rose 

There are a lot of benefits of rose essential oil, it’s dealing with emotional problems, has the ability to reduce anxiety and depression, helps with panic attacks, grief and shock.

In a study on pregnant women first published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, one group of women received 10-minute inhalations and foot massages with rose oil, while another group received 10 minutes of foot massages with warm water.

The results showed that “aromatherapy and foot massage with rose essential oils reduces anxiety in the active phase in depressed women.”

2. Vetiver 

Vetiver oil has down-to-earth and calming energy, which calms and stabilizes. It is a kind of tonic for the nervous system, reduces anxiety and hypersensitivity and also helps with panic attacks and shocks.

A study from Natural Product Research that looked at behaviors similar to anxiety in mice concluded that vetiver oil may be helpful in reducing anxiety symptoms, although more research is needed to confirm this.

3. Chamomile 

Chamomile essential oil has a calming and relaxing scent, thus it reduces anxiety and worry.

A study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine on the activity of antidepressants found in chamomile concluded that this essential oil “may contribute to a clinically significant antidepressant activity that is shown in contrast to the observed anxiolytic activities.”

Another study published in the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health pointed out that chamomile capsules reduce anxiety symptoms.

4. Incense

Incense is great for treating depression because it contributes to relaxation and mental grounding.
In aromatherapy, it helps to go deeper into relaxation and calm the mind.
Together with bergamot and lavender oil in a 1:1 ratio when massaging hands, incense has positive effects on pain and depression in patients with incurable cancer, according to studies at Keimyung University in Korea.

5. Lavender

It strengthens the nervous system and helps to cope with disturbed inner peace, sleep, rest, irritability, panic attacks, nervous stomach and general nervousness.

“The Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology, and Applications, Second Edition” says that there have been many clinical trials involving inhalation of lavender oil which indicate that it brings less stress and anxiety.

Further research demonstrates the ability of lavender to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery and in people going to a dentist.

6. Ylang-ylang

This popular essential oil can cure anxiety due to its calming and uplifting effects. Ylang-ylang helps to encourage cheerfulness, courage, optimism and reduces fear. It can reduce heart anxiety and tremors and is a strong sedative that helps with insomnia.

In a 2006 study conducted by Geochang Provincial College in Korea, ylang-ylang oil was given once a day for four weeks. The therapy reduced the “psychological stress response and cortisol levels, as well as blood pressure in clients with essential hypertension”.

Be careful when using ylang-ylang as it can irritate the skin and avoid using it if your blood pressure is low.

7. Bergamot

Bergamot oil has a soothing effect and is a good remedy for depression, however, it can also help with insomnia because it leads to relaxation and reduces anxiety.

An interesting study from 2011 hypothesizes that applying a mixture of essential oils, which includes bergamot, helps people who are struggling with depression and anxiety. The mixture consists of lavender and bergamot essential oils.

Bergamot is generally harmless but it is photosensitive, which means that it can increase the risk of bites and burns.

8. Melissa

Melissa is an amazing natural remedy for fighting mental problems, depression, anxiety, fear, tension and other disorders caused by stress.

German scientists have shown that Melissa essential oil acts on the part of the brain that controls the autonomic nervous system, thus protecting it from negative external influences.

Aromatherapy against anxiety is a great choice if you want to fight this problem in a natural way.

Caution!

Do not use if you are sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients of these herbs. Use with caution and if any side effects occur, consult a doctor immediately.