The Best Essential Oils for Stress, Anxiety, and Relaxation
Feeling Stressed? Let’s Talk About the Power of Scent
We all know the feeling—your mind is racing, your shoulders are tight, and no matter how much you try to unwind, the stress just lingers. Maybe it’s work, parenting, or just the general chaos of life pulling you in different directions. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
In a world where stress and anxiety have become the norm, many of us are searching for natural ways to find calm—without relying on endless cups of chamomile tea or scrolling mindlessly on our phones. That’s where aromatherapy comes in.
But does scent really help reduce stress, or is it just another wellness trend? The good news is—science is on our side.Certain essential oils have been clinically studied for their ability to lower stress hormones, calm the nervous system, and even help you sleep better.
Let’s dive into the best essential oils for stress relief and how you can use them to bring more calm, clarity, and balance into your daily routine.
How Essential Oils Actually Help with Stress (It’s More Than Just a Nice Smell!)
Aromatherapy isn’t just about making a space smell good—it works on a deeper level, directly affecting the brain.
Here’s how it works:
- When you inhale an essential oil, scent molecules travel to the olfactory bulb in your nose.
- This then sends signals to the limbic system—the part of the brain that controls emotions, mood, and even hormone production.
- From there, essential oils can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), boost serotonin (the mood stabilizer), and activate GABA (the neurotransmitter that tells your body to relax).
That’s why certain scents can instantly make you feel calmer, happier, or even sleepy—they’re literally changing what’s happening in your brain.
So, which essential oils are best for melting away stress?
The Best Essential Oils for Stress & Anxiety Relief
These essential oils have been scientifically studied for their ability to reduce stress, anxiety, and nervous tension. They’re perfect for those moments when you need to take a deep breath and reset.
1. Lavender – The Ultimate Calming Oil
Best for: Overthinking, racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping.
If stress had an antidote, it would be lavender. This floral powerhouse has been used for centuries to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and even help with sleep.
Science-backed benefits:
✔ Lowers cortisol levels, which helps your body move out of "fight or flight" mode.
✔ Increases GABA, the neurotransmitter responsible for relaxation.
✔ A study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that lavender oil reduced anxiety as effectively as prescription medication—without the side effects.
How to use it: Add a few drops to your pillow before bed or mix with a carrier oil and massage onto your temples for instant relaxation.
2. Bergamot – The Mood-Booster
Best for: Feeling overwhelmed, emotional tension, low energy.
Ever notice how citrus scents instantly make you feel happier? That’s because oils like bergamot can increase serotonin and dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemicals.
Science-backed benefits:
✔ A Molecules study found that bergamot essential oil can lower stress hormones in as little as 15 minutes.
✔ Acts as a natural antidepressant by stimulating serotonin production.
How to use it: Diffuse in the morning to start your day with a sense of balance and energy.
3. Frankincense – The Deep Breath in a Bottle
Best for: Stress that feels heavy, mental fog, grounding.
Frankincense has a warm, resinous scent that’s often used in meditation. It slows down breathing, creating an almost instant feeling of calm.
Science-backed benefits:
✔ Reduces heart rate and blood pressure, helping to slow anxious thoughts.
✔ Promotes deep, steady breathing, which naturally activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” mode).
How to use it: Rub onto your chest before meditation or deep breathing exercises to feel more centered.
4. Ylang Ylang – The Heart-Opener
Best for: Emotional stress, nervous tension, low self-confidence.
Ylang ylang has a sweet, floral scent that helps lower blood pressure and promote relaxation. It’s often used to lift the spirit and promote feelings of joy.
Science-backed benefits:
✔ A Journal of Physiological Anthropology study found that ylang ylang reduced stress and boosted feelings of well-being.
✔ Works as a natural mood stabilizer by balancing cortisol and serotonin levels.
How to use it: Mix with a carrier oil and massage onto your wrists when you need a little emotional reset.
How to Use Essential Oils for Maximum Stress Relief
Now that you know which essential oils help with stress, here’s how to actually use them in your daily routine:
🌿 Diffuse them: Add 5-10 drops to a diffuser to fill your space with calming scents.
🌿 Apply topically: Dilute with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut) and apply to pulse points (wrists, neck, behind ears).
🌿 Bath Therapy: Add a few drops to a warm bath with Epsom salts for a deep relaxation soak.
🌿 Mindful Breathing: Place a drop in your palms, rub together, and inhale deeply to reset your nervous system.
Making Stress Relief a Daily Ritual
Stress is part of life, but that doesn’t mean we have to live in a constant state of overwhelm. Aromatherapy offers a simple, natural way to calm your nervous system, lift your mood, and bring more balance into your day.
Whether it’s diffusing lavender before bed, massaging ylang ylang onto your pulse points, or just taking a deep breath with frankincense, essential oils are a powerful (and science-backed) tool for relaxation.
Ready to create your own calming ritual? Explore our aromatherapy based skincare and wellbeing products and bring more peace, balance, and self-care into your daily life.
If you found this helpful, share it with someone who could use a little extra calm in their life! Let’s bring more moments of relaxation into the everyday. 💛