Today we are looking at essential oils for anxiety – do they work? Many individuals suffer from anxiety. It is normal to feel anxious when you’re under pressure or are feeling stressed about an upcoming test or job interview for instance.
However, anxiety that impacts your daily life is something else and requires treatment once it develops into an anxiety disorder. Commonplace anxiety disorders include OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), GAD (generalized anxiety disorder), separation anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias.
More About Essential Oils
Not everyone gets excited about the effectiveness of essential oils, however, it’s important to note that they work in addition to other treatments. Some healthcare professionals prescribe essential oils as a complementary remedy alongside other treatments for anxiety. Many studies involving essential oils proved to be promising, and due to this, it’s worth trying some of them to see if they work for you as well.
RELATED: 8 Best Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety
Essential Oils For Anxiety
When you use essential oils with aromatherapy, it stimulates your smell senses and the nerves in your nose sends signals to the brain which in turn releases chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for mood and encourages feelings of happiness and calmness.
Dopamine is also a brain messenger that boosts positive feelings. By releasing these two chemicals you’re enjoying an enhanced mood, however, the effects are temporary. For long-term mood-boosting and reduced anxiety levels, you can try any of the following treatments in conjunction with aromatherapy:
- Following a healthy diet
- Talk therapy
- Exercising
- Pharmacotherapy
Some individuals reported that essential oils inspired creativity. By doing things like creative writing or painting that induce relaxation, can also lower your anxiety levels.
RELATED: 5 Top Essential Oils for Headaches
Different Ways To Utilize Essential Oils For Anxiety
Spray
You can add a few drops of your favourite essential oils to a water mixture in a spray bottle and disperse it around the room.
Drops
To induce feelings of calm, distribute a few drops of essential oil in various places around your home. You can also add a few drops of lavender oil underneath your pillow before bedtime, or add it to a saucer and keep it on your bedside table. Another option is to add a few drops to your bath water.
Scented Candles
Many scented candles contain a few drops of essential oil that provide the same calming effect.
Electronic Oil Diffuser
Some individuals prefer electronic diffusers over oil burners to reduce the risk of fire. With an electronic diffuser, the essential oils are expelled in a mist or vapor. You can also set a timer.
Oil Burner
Oil burners come with a ceramic plate and heat is generated with a candle. The essential oil is placed on the plate and once the candle heats the oil it evaporates and is diffused through the room, leaving a pleasant fragranced scent.
Best Essential Oils For Anxiety
Not all essential oils have the same calming effect, so you might want to use some during the night and others during the day.
Chamomile
We all know that chamomile tea provides a calming effect and is a go-to remedy for insomnia. Just like chamomile tea, the essential oil encourages relaxation and better sleep.
Clary Sage
Clary sage is known to reduce cortisol levels while increasing serotonin levels. Generally, individuals who feel anxious have high cortisol levels and low serotonin levels. Once serotonin is released it improves mood, making you feel calmer and more relaxed. Using clary sage might help with lowering anxiety.
Rosemary
If you need a quick pick-me-up after a tough day, rosemary oil might help. The scent can make you feel more refreshed and uplifted. You can use this oil during the day to banish anxiety.
Precautions For Using Essential Oils For Anxiety
- Before using essential oils, first, determine whether you’re not allergic, otherwise, it can make you feel worse instead of inducing a calming effect. You can use small quantities first to see if the scent doesn’t cause allergies.
- Never ingest essential oils because some contain chemicals that are not fit for human consumption.
- Always use a carrier oil like coconut oil or almond oil for topical use or when added to laundry. Essential oils are potent and can cause skin irritation.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If your anxiety is getting worse despite using calming techniques like aromatherapy, you should consult your doctor. Persistent anxiety should not be left untreated, no matter how insignificant your problems may seem. Always be honest with your doctor and speak to him about your anxiety if it’s not going away.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my post about essential oils for anxiety, and that you will consider trying a few in addition to other treatments to see if it helps.
Sending you lots of love, light, and calming vibes
Anthea