It is natural, instead evident how stress has crept into the daily routine nowadays and how the hustle and bustles of reality make every individual seek natural ways that help them stay calm and relieve anxiety. A relatively newer method that is gaining a lot of traction nowadays is that of stress relief done through essential oils. Known for their therapeutic effects, essential oils which have been in use for centuries are used for relaxation, enhancing well-being, and reducing anxiety. In this post, we will highlight the best essential oils for stress and anxiety and how well they perform.
Understanding Essential Oils and Their Mechanism
Essential oils are the purest extracts of plants which retain the natural fragrance and characteristics of their source. These are derived through methods like distillation or cold pressing. These oils elicit positive effects by interacting with the brain and nervous system either when inhaled or through topical application. Essential oils have an effect on the lungs, as they can potentially impact the ham limbic system (that handmade system that controls mood), [thus] relieving stress or anxiety.
Of course, lavender oil is well-known for its calming and soothing effects. This is where linalool comes in, according to a study that states that the compound is known for having the ability to work with GABA. GABA is a brain chemical that helps regulate anxiety, mood, and many other functions. Studies on using lavender oil reveal that the inhalation of lavender is able to greatly decrease the stress levels of those with symptoms of stress disorder, which is why lavender is one of the most preferable stress relief essential oils.
Top Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety Relief
Lavender Oil
Lavender Oil — Lavender oil as described is effective for relaxing and having better quality sleep. Diffusing lavender essential oil at home or applying it to body parts could help relieve tension and aid in creating a peaceful environment around you. Lavender aromatherapy also showed lower levels of stress amongst patients after surgery after being reported in "The Journal of Critical Care." As we can see, it is a powerful calming agent.
Bergamot Oil
This particular citrus fruit extract is taken from the peel of the fruit and is known to be uplifting and energizing. It may decrease stress as well as anxiety when increasing the secretion of serotonin and dopamine (the so-called "hormones of happiness"). Bergamot essential oil was found to relieve stress-induced anxiety in rats, as shown in a study published in Phytotherapy Research, providing evidence that the oil may also reduce stress in humans.
Chamomile Oil
Chamomile is perhaps the most famous herb for its calming and soothing properties. Chamomile Essential oil can be used to relieve anxiety, calm down, and sleep. It contains the flavonoid apigenin as well, which attaches to the same brain receptors as benzodiazepine and has sedative effects. Chamomile extract significantly reduces anxiety symptoms therefore it can be a potent natural treatment option as a clinical trial shows.
Ylang Ylang Oil
Ylang-ylang essential oil is known to uplift a person's mood and reduce stress. With its sweet, floral aroma, this sedation-promoting essential oil reduces the body and mind's tendency to whir into overdrive by decreasing blood pressure and heart rate–two markers that increase with stress. Ylang-ylang encourages emotional equilibrium and cultivates tranquillity by promoting calm.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense essential oil is revered for its meditative and grounding properties. It aids in reducing anxiety by promoting deep breathing and relaxation, thus balancing the nervous system. This oil is often used in spiritual practices to help achieve mindfulness and focus, making it an excellent choice for stress relief.
Choosing the Right Stress Relief Essential Oils for You
Essential oils for stress relief should be chosen based on personal preference and effectiveness. For one person, maybe the fresh aroma of lavender helps them relax while for another helper, the bright smell of bergamot is stimulating. Sometimes all you have to do is trial and error with a few different kinds of oils or mixes until you understand what suits you best. Essential oil blends, such as those from Alize Living, include a variety of stress-reducing properties in one combination and can deliver a better-rounded approach to reducing anxiety.
Essential oils can be used in a number of ways as part of daily routines — by diffusing in the house, adding to bathwater, mixing with carrier oils for a relaxing massage, or inhaling directly from the bottle. Use high-quality and pure essential oils every time you follow this tip to get the most benefits and avoid any risks of side effects.
A great complementary tool in managing stress can be essential oils. Used wisely, they provide the soul with an opportunity to nourish its way back to a sense of balance and equilibrium, particularly helpful in a world that can often feel scattered and frenetic.
Reference
15 Best Essential Oils to Relieve Anxiety and Stress:
https://www.cnet.com/health/mental/15-best-essential-oils-for-anxiety-and-stress/#google_vignette
Top 10 Aromatherapy Oils to Help Ease Stress & Anxiety:
https://www.purodem.com/top-10-aromatherapy-oils-to-help-ease-stress-anxiety/
