MENU
SERVICES
BOOK

Favorite Essential Oils for Stress

03/01/2025 | By: Feather and Leaf

Favorite Essential Oils for Stress

 
Stress can feel overwhelming, but finding a moment of calm is more possible than you think. As an acupuncturist, I've seen how everyday anxieties can build up, and I always have a few tricks for finding relief. One of my favorite on-the-go remedies is using essential oils to create a moment of peace, whether for myself or my clients.

Essential oils have been used for centuries for their powerful healing properties. Derived from plants, they have long been a cornerstone of natural healing in many cultures, benefiting the mind, body, and spirit. In my practice, I've found a few essential oils that are especially effective for easing stress and promoting well-being.

My Favorite Essential Oils for Stress Relief

Here are a few of the oils I use most often in my treatments and personal routine.

Lavender

Lavender is a true powerhouse. It's known for its ability to promote emotional balance and a sense of calm. The aroma can directly influence the nervous system, helping to release tension and stress. I often use this oil in my diffuser while a patient is relaxing during a session. If you want to apply it topically, it's a good idea to mix it with a carrier oil, like jojoba or almond oil, to avoid any potential skin irritation.

Roman Chamomile 

This lovely flower is famous for its calming effects, especially in tea form, which helps with stress and insomnia. Roman chamomile brings the same relaxing benefits through aromatherapy. I love using it in a diffuser or as a room spray to create a serene environment. To make a spray, just add about 10 drops of chamomile oil to every ounce of water in a glass spray bottle, shake well, and spritz.

Sandalwood

The deep, rich aroma of sandalwood is one of my all-time favorites. Traditionally used to enhance meditation, it has a grounding effect that can help balance emotions and ease feelings of depression. For a quick dose of calm, I place a drop or two in my palms, cup my hands over my nose, and inhale deeply. I hold the breath for five seconds and repeat this five times, breathing slower and deeper with each repetition. I instantly feel my stress decrease.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil is fantastic for an instant pick-me-up. I often combine it with lavender to create a synergistic blend. The soothing properties of lavender are perfectly balanced by peppermint's invigorating aroma, which creates a sense of peaceful alertness. I use this mix in a diffuser or as a hand inhaler. It's also great for tense muscles after a long day; just mix one to two drops of each oil with a carrier oil and massage it into your shoulders or neck.

Clary Sage

This herb has been used for centuries to calm the nervous system. Clary sage acts as a nerve tonic, helping to regulate your nervous system and promote relaxation. It's also a mild sedative, which can support better sleep. I often add it to my diffuser, either alone or combined with Roman chamomile, for an extra boost of calm.

These are just a few of my go-to essential oils. I use them interchangeably throughout the day, both in my office for patients and at home for myself, to manage stress and anxiety. Give one or two a try and see how these ancient plant remedies can help you find a sense of peace in the midst of a hectic day.

Feeling overwhelmed by stress and tension? Acupuncture can provide a natural path to relief, helping to restore balance to your body and mind. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a calmer, more centered you, book a consultation with me today to discuss how acupuncture can help you manage your stress.

Breathe In, Calm Down: Essential Oils for Stress Management

In our fast-paced, often overwhelming world, stress has become a constant companion. But what if there was a natural, aromatic way to find a moment of peace? Enter essential oils, nature's fragrant gift, offering a powerful tool for stress management.

The Science Behind the Scents:

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts that contain volatile aromatic compounds. These compounds interact with the olfactory system, which is directly connected to the brain's limbic system, the area responsible for emotions and memory. This connection explains why certain scents can 1 evoke strong emotional responses and promote relaxation.  

How Essential Oils Can Help with Stress:

  • Calming the Nervous System: Certain essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, have sedative properties that can calm the nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety.
  • Promoting Relaxation: Inhaling essential oils can trigger the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA, which promote relaxation and improve mood.
  • Reducing Stress Hormones: Studies have shown that some essential oils can help lower cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone.
  • Improving Sleep: Stress often disrupts sleep, but essential oils like lavender and cedarwood can promote restful sleep.
  • Grounding and Centering: Earthy scents like frankincense and sandalwood can help to ground and center the mind, reducing feelings of overwhelm.

Top Essential Oils for Stress Management:

  • Lavender: Known for its calming and relaxing properties, lavender is a go-to oil for stress relief.
  • Chamomile: Roman chamomile is particularly effective for reducing anxiety and promoting sleep.
  • Frankincense: This grounding oil can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of peace.
  • Bergamot: A citrus oil with a calming and uplifting aroma, bergamot can help to reduce stress and improve mood.
  • Ylang Ylang: This floral oil has a relaxing and euphoric effect, helping to reduce stress and promote feelings of joy.
  • Cedarwood: Known for its grounding and calming properties, Cedarwood can help to reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep.
  • Clary Sage: This oil can help to balance hormones and reduce stress, particularly for women.

How to Use Essential Oils for Stress Relief:

  • Aromatherapy Diffuser: Diffuse essential oils into the air to create a calming atmosphere.
  • Topical Application: Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) and apply them to pulse points, such as the wrists, temples, and neck.
  • Inhalation: Inhale essential oils directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a cotton ball or tissue.
  • Bath: Add a few drops of essential oils to a warm bath for a relaxing soak.
  • Massage: Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and use them for a relaxing massage.
  • Pillow Spray: create a light mist of water and a few drops of lavender to spray on your pillow before bed.

Safety Precautions:

  • Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before topical application.
  • Perform a patch test before using a new essential oil to check for allergies.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with a healthcare professional before using essential oils.
  • Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
  • Purchase high quality essential oils from a trusted source.

By incorporating essential oils into your daily routine, you can create a sanctuary of calm and find a natural way to manage stress. Breathe deeply, and let the power of nature's aromas guide you to a more peaceful state of mind.

Schedule A Consultation
Previous Post

Archive

2025 Feb Mar
CLOSE
SERVICES
BOOK