Using essential oils for anxiety has gained popularity in recent times. This is unarguably one of the best health trends to occur in a decade. Essential Oils are always effective treatments for anxiety, but it has never gained this much acceptance. Doctors now acknowledge the benefits of essential oils, and some even prescribe them to patients. Beautiful.
However, before we go any further, how would you define anxiety?
First, anxiety is a terrible battle to face. It is a mental condition that causes constant fright and uneasiness in an affected individual. An anxious person spends more than half his day in fear of what may happen in the next minute. Sometimes, it’s what may happen in the next day, month, year, or even a decade later. It isn’t the timeframe that matters. Instead, what you should note is that an anxious person is never at peace.
Sleep eludes an anxious individual. I’ve been there, so trust me when I say it is a horrible place to be. Before falling asleep, your mind makes up ugly scenarios that could happen as soon as you close your eyes. On your way to work, you’re wondering if you’d be able to get anything done today. You’re panicking; you are anxious.
As someone sang, “a paranoid man makes paranoid plans.” I couldn’t agree more with him. It is best to treat anxiety immediately when you notice its symptoms. If left unchecked for long, anxiety can develop into depression. And that is one fellow you should never say hi to.
Anyway, that’s enough for the day. I’ll suppose we’ll be discussing further some other time. Below, you’ll find the best essential oils for anxiety available today. Note that these oils have been in existence for thousands of years. The fact that you just know about them doesn’t affect their potency one bit.
Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender oil is often referred to as the most relevant of all essential oils for anxiety. When applied, it induces calming, soothing, almost hypnotic effects on the nervous system. Consequently, the mind is restored to its purest form, thereby combating issues like irritability, panic attacks, restlessness, inadequate sleep, and knotty stomach.
A study was conducted recently based on oral lavender oil capsules. At the end, it was suggested that lavender oil had anxiolytic properties as it influenced heart rate even more than an anxiety-provoking movie.
More research has been done, and lavender oil has proven useful every time. According to evidence, it is effective in calming visitors to the dentist’s office. What’s more, you can also ease your fears by using lavender oil before a medical procedure.
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)
Ylang Ylang is beneficial against anxiety and depression due to its calming impacts. When taken, it induces a state of cheerfulness, optimism, and courage while alleviating disturbing emotions, such as fear. This excellent oil helps relieve heart palpitations and agitations and could as well improve sleep due to its sedative capabilities.
A research conducted in 2006 by Geochang Provincial College established that a blend of bergamot and lavender oil daily for a whole month would lessen blood pressure, cortisol levels, and psychological stress responses.
Ylang Ylang can have mild side-effects on the skin. Experts, therefore, advise you to keep a moderate dosage.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
Easily identified by its flora flavor and scent, this oil is mostly found in Earl Grey Tea. Bergamot provides the body with some rare energy that uplifts the mind instead of the body. Also, it can calm the mind.
There is enough evidence to suggest that bergamot is effective in battling anxiety. In 2011, an experiment reported that combining bergamot with lavender oil is very useful in facing anxiety and depression. A study on rats meanwhile revealed that bergamot lessens corticosterone response.
Recently, 30 people were divided into groups A and B. Participants of the first group applied this blend of essential oils, while the other used nothing for 30 days. At the end of the study, members of the first group described themselves as being “calmer and more relaxed” than they were, while the other group reported no significant change.
You should be careful with the application of bergamot, however. This is because it is a photosensitizer and may cause you sunburns if applied in the sun.
Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine recently published its exploration of the usefulness of chamomile in combating anxiety and depression. The reports suggested that chamomile can be an excellent antidepressant due to its calming scent and anxiolytic qualities.
The intoxicating aroma of chamomile offers numerous benefits to the mind. When inhaled, chamomile reduces worry, anxiety, overthinking, and irritability while improving inner peace and coordination at the same time.
Another review by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health believes that chamomile capsules considerably ease the symptoms of anxiety and other related conditions.
Save for persons allergic to ragweed; chamomile oil has no adverse effects.
Rose (Rosa damascena)
Arguably the second most popular essential oil after lavender oil, rosa, is an incredibly beneficial oil. Rose oil is primarily known for its extremely settling effect. Some people even say rose oil is chilling.
This aromatic oil helps to manage grief, shocks, and panic attacks as well as relieve anxiety and depression.
In a research made on first-time expectant mothers, 45 women were classified into Group A, B and C. Participants in Group A inhaled rose oil and received a footbath for 10 minutes; those in Group B were treated to only foot-bathing for 10 minutes while the remaining group received no treatment at all. Results showed that the two groups that received treatments were significantly more relaxed and calmer than the last untreated group.
What’s The Bottom Line?
Anxiety is a horrible condition that leaves you without peace. It should, therefore, be fought with every reasonable method. Thankfully, essential oils have proven effective in tackling anxiety and depression for decades now. Anxiety takes time to develop completely, and this gives you an edge over it. As soon as you feel anxious, you should quickly get one of the essential oils for anxiety highlighted above.
