5 Essential Oils for Stress Relief

By Shaina Schelhaas, RN September 03, 2020 Posted in: Mental Health, Wellness

What are some natural steps we can take when having a stressful day? When there is so much going on in the world around us, and we want to bring ourselves to a state of tranquility and relaxation, what is something else we can turn to? While there are many natural remedies, essential oils have become an exceedingly popular tool when it comes to relieving stress. We are going to talk about five oils for stress relief, but first, let us jump back to the basics.

Essential Oil Tips for Beginners

When it comes to using essential oils on ourselves and our families, it is important to choose quality over quantity. Essential oils are becoming more and more sought-after in the world today and they are available everywhere from the gas station to the internet. It is important to do our own research in finding a pure, therapeutic grade essential oil and staying away from an oil that is filled with fragrance and synthetics. A couple of the most common ways to use the oils are by inhaling them (either directly from the bottle or through a diffuser) or applying them topically. When applying topically, it is important to remember to add the essential oil into a carrier oil to dilute. One drop can go a long way. Essential oils are an amazing and powerful tool, but it is always important to do our own research when it comes to safety and efficacy of essential oils.

Now, let us discuss some of the most popular oils for stress relief.

Popular Essential Oils for Stress Relief

1. Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil has been around for centuries. Its woodsy aroma has been said to have a relaxing effect when diffused or applied topically. Frankincense essential oil can help calm the mind and can bring our body and mind back to a state of peace and relaxation.

2. Lavender

Lavender essential oil has a wide array of therapeutic properties and is a very versatile oil. It is common to find this oil in lotions, perfumes, and bath bombs. Lavender is an exceedingly popular oil most widely known for its ability to create a calming atmosphere and promote relaxation. Try by adding a few drops to a diffuser or adding a few drops to your hands and inhaling the oil a couple of times to bring yourself to a feeling of serenity.

3. Vetiver

Vetiver is another versatile oil that has been around since ancient times. Vetiver has a woodsy aroma that can be both calming and uplifting. It can be diffused or diluted and applied topically. Just be sure to do a spot or patch test on a small area of skin before applying on any other area of the body.

4. Bergamot

Bergamot has a citrus aroma that can be refreshing first thing in the morning or can be calming in the middle of a chaotic day. According to one study, Bergamot, when inhaled along with Ylang Ylang and Lavender once daily for 4 weeks, decreased the stress responses of the individuals involved in the study. Bergamot is also a photosensitive oil. Avoid putting this oil on before going out in the sunlight.

5. Chamomile

Chamomile either in tea or used in aromatherapy can have calming effects and has also been used to treat insomnia. Try some chamomile tea or add a drop of diluted chamomile essential oil to the bottom of your feet to bring yourself back to a place of placidity.

Starting Out Slow

If you try any of the oils on this list, a good tip to remember is to start “low and slow”. This means to start by diluting oils and applying to the bottom of the feet or diffusing. Just like anything else, different essential oils work for different people. Also, remember to conduct your own research when it comes to the best and safest practices for essential oil use.

What is your favorite way to support stress relief?

CHI Health does not endorse the use of these products to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.