Essential oils can be used for many things—especially when it comes to beauty. Oils are always used in our DIY beauty and skincare products, and we even add them to our cleaning products! But aside from using oils for adding a natural fragrance to our beauty products, or using them for specific skin ailments, essential oils can also relieve stress and anxiety.

Check out our master guide on all things essential oils here. 

When using essential oils for stress and anxiety, there are a variety of ways you can use them. Nowadays diffusers come in every shape and size, including in necklaces and small car diffusers. Diffusing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to use an essential oil. You can also create a room spray by mixing a few drops of an oil with water and adding the mixture to a spray bottle. Finally, you can simply add a few drops to your pillowcase or your wrists (after diluting with a carrier oil or water, of course).

Here are the best essential oils for stress and anxiety.

Lavender

Lavender is known to reduce anxiety by impacting the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions. Its soothing scent will also help you fall asleep at night.

Vetiver

Vetiver is a grass native to India. The sweet and earthy scent is often used as an aphrodisiac. Too stressed to get romantic with your partner? Vetiver is the perfect solution.

Ylang Ylang

This floral oil is known for promoting relaxation. One study found that inhaling a blend of ylang-ylang, lavender, and bergamot lowered stress and anxiety and reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and serum cortisol.

Bergamot

Bergamot actually comes from bergamot oranges and has a citrus scent. While this essential oil also helps relieve anxiety, bergamot is best known for boosting overall mood.

Jasmine

Jasmine ignites a sense of well-being and romance when inhaled. Simply unscrew the cap and sniff the floral aroma to instantly feel calmer. Unlike many other calming essential oils, jasmine will calm the nervous system without making you sleepy.

Chamomile

We’ve all used chamomile tea to relieve stress, but the oil happens to work just as well!

Tulsi

This essential oil is also known as holy basil. Tulsi has a minty and spicy fragrance. This adaptogenic herb helps treat physical and mental stress.

Rose

Nothing is quite as romantic and calming as rose essential oil. This oil is derived from rose petals and has a beautiful floral aroma that definitely relaxes the senses.

Frankincense

Frankincense is a musky scent that can also ease anxiety. One study found that a blend of frankincense, lavender, and bergamot reduced anxiety, relieved depression, and reduced pain in people with terminal cancer.

Patchouli

This scent is used in ayurvedic tradition for relieving anxiety, stress, and depression. Try combining it with lavender to feel extremely calm and relaxed.

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