The Top 5 Essential Oils for Stress Relief and How to Use Them

In today’s fast-paced world, stress can feel like an unavoidable part of daily life. But there’s good news! Nature has provided us with a powerful, natural remedy: Garden of Green's pure essential oils. These concentrated plant extracts have been used for centuries for their therapeutic properties, and when it comes to stress relief, they work wonders.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the top 5 essential oils for stress relief and explain how they can be used to help you unwind, relax, and reclaim your peace of mind.

1. Lavender Oil for Relaxation

Lavender oil is one of the most well-known and widely used pure essential oils for calming the mind and body. This aromatic oil is famous for its soothing properties and is often used to reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep.

Why It Works: Lavender oil contains linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds known to reduce stress levels and relax the nervous system. Its floral, sweet aroma is perfect for calming an overactive mind and helping to ease emotional tension.

How to Use Lavender Oil:

• Diffusing: Add 4-6 drops of lavender oil to a diffuser and inhale the calming aroma throughout the day or before bed.
• Topical Application: Mix a few drops of lavender with a carrier oil, such as coconut or almond oil, and massage it into your temples, wrists, or the back of your neck. Or try our Lavender essential oil roller.
• Bath: Add a few drops of lavender oil to a warm bath for a relaxing soak that soothes both the body and mind.

2. Frankincense for Stress

Frankincense essential oil has a deep, grounding scent that can calm the mind and relieve stress. This oil has been used in spiritual practices for centuries due to its calming and meditative effects.

Why It Works: Frankincense promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety by calming the nervous system. Its grounding properties make it ideal for anyone experiencing feelings of overwhelmed or mental fog.

How to Use Frankincense Oil:

• Meditation Aid: Use frankincense oil as part of your meditation practice by diffusing it in your space or applying it to pulse points with a carrier oil before you meditate.
• Breathing Inhalation: Inhale the aroma directly from the bottle or place a few drops in a handkerchief to carry the calming fragrance with you.
• Massage: Blend frankincense oil with a carrier oil and gently massage into the chest and neck area for relaxation.

3. Chamomile for Stress Relief

Chamomile isn’t just for your tea—it’s also a powerhouse when it comes to pure essential oils for stress relief. Chamomile oil has a gentle, calming effect that can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

Why It Works: Chamomile contains compounds like chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and calming properties. This oil is particularly helpful for reducing emotional stress and soothing physical symptoms of anxiety, like tight muscles or headaches.

How to Use Chamomile Oil:

• Topical Use: Apply chamomile oil to areas of tension, such as the shoulders or temples, for a relaxing massage.
• Aromatherapy: Diffuse chamomile oil to create a peaceful environment, ideal for unwinding after a stressful day.
• Sleep Aid: Use chamomile oil in a diffuser at bedtime to promote deep, restful sleep.

4. Bergamot for Anxiety Relief

Bergamot oil, extracted from the peel of the bergamot orange, is known for its uplifting and stress-relieving qualities. Its fresh, citrusy scent is both invigorating and calming.

Why It Works: Bergamot is a natural mood booster and has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. It helps to calm the nervous system and promote a sense of peace and well-being.

How to Use Bergamot Oil:

• Diffusing: Add 3-5 drops of bergamot oil to your diffuser to refresh your mind and reduce feelings of anxiety.
• Topical Application: For an instant mood lift, dilute bergamot oil with a carrier oil and apply it to your pulse points (wrist, neck, behind the ears).
• Bath: Add a few drops of bergamot oil to your bath for a spa-like experience that reduces stress.

5. Ylang-Ylang for Calming

Ylang-ylang essential oil, with its sweet, floral fragrance, is a powerful oil for emotional balance and stress relief. Its soothing aroma can help to reduce feelings of nervous tension and anxiety.

Why It Works: Ylang-ylang helps regulate emotions and promote relaxation. It has been found to lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress, making it an ideal choice for calming anxious thoughts.

How to Use Ylang-ylang Oil:

• Diffuser: Use a few drops in a diffuser to create a calming atmosphere and relieve tension.
• Massage: Blend ylang-ylang oil with a carrier oil and massage into the scalp, neck, or shoulders to calm both the mind and body.
• Stress-Relief Inhalation: Place a drop or two on a cotton ball and inhale the scent when feeling stressed or anxious.

How to Choose the Best Pure Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress Relief

When selecting pure essential oils for calming, the key is to choose the ones that best align with your personal preferences and specific needs. For example, if you're looking for a grounding, meditative effect, frankincense might be your go-to. If you're in need of relaxation and a good night's sleep, lavender oil for relaxation is an excellent option.

It's also important to note that pure essential oils can be used in various forms, such as diffusers, massage oils, and bath soaks. When using essential oils for calming, always ensure you are diluting them with a carrier oil, and do a patch test to avoid any allergic reactions.

Final Thoughts on Essential Oils for Stress Relief

Incorporating these stress relief essential oils into your daily routine can help you manage anxiety, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Whether it’s the soothing aroma of lavender oil for relaxation or the grounding effects of frankincense for stress, these pure essential oils can transform your wellness routine into a calming ritual.

Experiment with different oils and methods to find what works best for you—and take the time to breathe deeply, unwind, and prioritize your mental well-being.