The 15 Best Essential Oils for Anxiety
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Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:Essential oils are aromatic substances that can be extracted from plants using distillation. It’s possible to obtain essential oils from many different parts of a plant, including, but not limited to the leaves, flowers, and roots.
In addition to being used as scents for a variety of consumer and natural products, some essential oils may be used for various health applications. When essential oils are used to promote well-being, it’s referred to as aromatherapy.
Some of the possible uses of essential oils in aromatherapy include things like managing pain, helping with digestion, and reducing stress and anxiety. While scientific evidence for many of these uses is lacking, research is ongoing to learn more about the benefits of essential oils.
The article below will examine 18 essential oils that may help with symptoms of anxiety. We’ll discuss:
How essential oils are used
One theory of how aromatherapy works is that essential oils can stimulate the smell receptors in your nose, which then sends messages to your nervous system. Some also believe that essential oils can have a subtle effect on the body’s chemical and energy systems.
Because of this, aromatherapy is often used as a natural remedy to help relieve anxiety and stress. Topical applications and inhalation are some common ways that essential oils can be used for aromatherapy.
Essential oils should never be ingested, despite claims on the internet that suggest otherwise. There’s not enough research on any one essential oil to prove it’s safe to swallow. Each essential oil is very different, and some are toxic.
It’s important to know that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate essential oils, so be diligent in your practice. You should only use therapeutic-grade oils that don’t contain synthetic fragrance and only purchase from a trusted source.
Once you have an essential oil picked out and on hand, you’ll want to make sure you consider who is going to inhale it.
Some essential oils are dangerous for children, others are not safe for pregnant and breastfeeding parents, and there are a number that are potentially toxic to pets. When applicable, consult a medical professional, like your pediatrician, OB-GYN, and veterinarian, before implementing use.
How we chose
We had a few considerations in mind as we pulled together our list of the best essential oils for anxiety.
First, we looked for reputable companies that manufacture unadulterated, therapeutic-grade oils. While there isn’t an industry standard for that term, some companies use it to differentiate between higher quality essential oils, and others that are made synthetically or that come blended with carrier oils, which are made from nuts or seeds. (Note that if you apply essential oils topically, you’ll want a carrier oil to dilute it.)
We also prioritized essential oils that come with certifications about their purity. Typically, that means gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) testing to confirm botanical origins and detect contaminants.
Finally, we looked for companies that are transparent about their production methods and botanical sourcing. High quality essential oils that offer therapeutic value should be produced by steam-distilling or cold-pressed, and made with plant material only.
Price Guide
Prices vary depending on the amount of essential oil in a bottle. In our guide, we’ve listed the price per fluid ounce.
Healthline’s picks for the best essential oils for anxiety
Edens Garden Valerian Essential Oil
Price: $$$
Valerian is an herb that has been used since ancient times. Valerian essential oil comes from the roots of the plant and has a bold scent that may be described as woody, earthy, or musky. Some individuals may find this scent to be unpleasant.
Valerian is thought to contain compounds that promote sleep and calm nerves. It can have a mild sedative effect on the body. Because of this, it’s often used as a sleep aid.
A 2020 review looked at the benefits of valerian for sleep and other associated disorders. In this review, seven studies on valerian and anxiety were examined. Six of these studies observed positive outcomes when valerian was used as a supplement for anxiety.
We like the oil from Edens Garden because the company tests every batch of essential oils and makes GC/MS reports available to confirm purity and therapeutic value.
Pros
Cons
R V Essential Pure Jatamansi Essential Oil
Price: $$$
Jatamansi is in the same plant family as valerian. You may also see it referred to as spikenard. The essential oil is made from the roots of the plant and has an earthy or woody scent. Jatamansi is used in Ayurvedic medicine to calm the mind and encourage sleep.
According to a 2018 study in mice, a 7-day regimen of jatamansi extract had significant anti-anxiety effects. An increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and monoamine neurotransmitters were also observed in the brain, indicating that the anxiety-reducing effects of jatamansi operate through this pathway.
The jatamansi oil from R V Essential is therapeutic grade and made with no fillers, pesticides, or harsh chemicals.
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Cons
Lavender
Price: $
Lavender is one of the most popular aromatherapy oils. It has a sweet floral scent with a woody or herbal undertone.
Lavender oil can be used to calm anxiety. It also has a sedative effect and may help with sleep troubles, including if feelings of stress or anxiety are keeping you up at night.
According to 2012 research, lavender aromatherapy is thought to calm anxiety by impacting the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions.
A 2019 review evaluated 71 studies that used lavender to ease anxiety. It found that inhaling lavender could significantly lower anxiety levels measured using a clinically validated scale. Massage with lavender oil was also found to help reduce anxiety levels.
Plant Therapy’s lavender oil is 100 percent pure and therapeutic grade. The company’s oils are lab-tested for purity and come with a risk-free, 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Pros
Cons
Rainbow Abby Jasmine Essential Oil
Price: $
Jasmine oil has a gorgeous floral scent and is often used in perfumes and other cosmetic products. You may also see jasmine used as a base for various types of teas. According to a 2013 study, inhaling jasmine oil can promote a sense of well-being and romance.
Unlike some other essential oils used for anxiety, jasmine oil is thought to calm the nervous system without causing sleepiness. In fact, it can actually have a stimulant effect in some individuals.
A 2017 study looked at the effects of jasmine extract on rats. It found that lower doses of jasmine extract significantly lowered anxiety.
We like the oil from Rainbow Abby because it’s 100 percent pure jasmine oil with no additives or fillers.
Pros
Cons
Healing Solutions Organic Sweet Basil
Price: $
Sweet basil essential oil comes from the same herb that you use to make marinara sauce. It has a crisp, herbal scent.
In aromatherapy, sweet basil is thought to help calm the mind and relieve stress. Research into using sweet basil for anxiety is rather limited, with many studies focusing on animal models.
According to a 2015 study in mice, the phenol compounds in sweet basil oil helped relieve anxiety and had a sedative effect. These compounds were found to be less sedating than the anxiety medication diazepam.
A 2018 study, also in mice, looked at sweet basil extract’s effect on stomach ulcers. In addition to showing an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, the mice that were given the extract also showed reductions in anxiety-like behavior.
Healing Solutions sweet basil oil is 100 percent pure. If you don’t love it, the company offers a money-back guarantee.
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Cons
Rainbow Abby Chamomile Essential Oil
Price: $
Chamomile oil comes from the daisy-like flowers of the chamomile plant. It’s well known for its relaxing and sedating properties and pleasant scent. In fact, you may often see it as an ingredient in herbal teas that aim to promote peaceful sleep.
There isn’t much research on chamomile essential oil for anxiety. A 2017 study looked at using chamomile supplements for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Researchers found that chamomile supplementation reduced the symptoms of mild to moderate GAD. However, it did not reduce the rate of relapse of anxiety symptoms.
The chamomile oil from Rainbow Abby is therapeutic-grade quality with no synthetic ingredients.
Pros
Cons
Plant Therapy Rose Essential Oil
Price: $$$
Rose essential oil is extracted from rose petals. Roses have an enchanting sweet, floral scent known to relax the senses.
A small 2011 study looked at the effects of self-massage with a mix of essential oils, including rose oil, on menstrual pain and anxiety. It found that aromatherapy self-massage of the abdomen with the essential oil mixture was associated with lower levels of pain and anxiety.
A 2014 study examined the use of a rose aromatherapy footbath in pregnant women during labor. Women who used the aromatherapy footbath reported lower levels of anxiety than those who used a footbath containing warm water only.
The rose oil from Plant Therapy is undiluted with therapeutic-grade quality. Lab reports are available upon request.
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Cons
Edens Garden Vetiver Essential Oil
Price: $$$
Vetiver may be less known than other essential oils, but it’s not less effective. You may see it referred to as khus oil. Vetiver oil comes from the grassy vetiver plant that’s native to India. It has a sweet, earthy scent.
Vetiver oil can help calm the nervous system and can help with sleep. As such, it may also help alleviate feelings of stress or anxiety.
Like other essential oils we’ve discussed, research into vetiver and anxiety in humans is currently limited. However, there are studies in animals that show that it can help reduce anxiety.
According to a 2015 study on rats, vetiver oil is used in aromatherapy for relaxation. The study showed vetiver has anti-anxiety abilities similar to the drug diazepam. Another 2015 study in mice also found that vetiver extract has anxiety-reducing properties similar to diazepam.
We like that the vetiver oil from Edens Garden is therapeutic grade and undiluted. Plus, the company prioritizes safety, quality, and education.
Pros
Cons
Plant Therapy Ylang Ylang Complete Essential Oil
Price: $$
Ylang ylang comes from the yellow flowers of the tropical Cananga tree. It has a sweet fruity or floral scent.
Ylang ylang can be used in aromatherapy to help lift an individual’s mood. It can also have a calming effect and may help lower blood pressure.
Overall, research into using ylang ylang for anxiety is limited. According to a 2006 study involving nurses, inhaling a blend of ylang ylang, lavender, and bergamot lowered stress and anxiety levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and serum cortisol.
We like the ylang ylang oil from Plant Therapy because it’s undiluted and 100 percent pure.
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Cliganic USDA Organic Frankincense Essential Oil
Price: $
Frankincense oil is made from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It has a musky, sweet aroma.
A 2019 study looked at the effects of topical frankincense oil on rats. Researchers found that the topical application of frankincense oil appeared to counteract the effects of stress in the rats. They suggest that using frankincense oil may be helpful for managing stress.
Few studies on frankincense oil and anxiety have been carried out in humans. A 2020 review notes that two studies of frankincense aromatherapy significantly reduced anxiety in women during labor.
The frankincense oil from Cliganic is USDA-certified organic and contains no additives or fillers. Plus, the company offers a money-back guarantee.
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Cons
Aura Cacia Pure Clary Sage Essential Oil
Price: $
Clary sage is different from the common herb used to make stuffing at Thanksgiving. It has a woody, herbal odor. The essential oil is derived from the leaves of the plant, which have a purple tint to them.
According to a 2015 systematic review, clary sage can help ease tension and help manage cortisol levels in women. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. High cortisol levels may increase your risk for anxiety and depression.
We like the clary sage essential oil from Aura Cacia because of the company’s commitments to fair trade and eco-friendly practices. Plus, its oils are lab-tested, vegan, and cruelty-free.
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US Organic Patchouli Essential Oil
Price: $$
Musky patchouli is used in Ayurvedic medicine to address a variety of conditions, including stress and anxiety. It’s made from the leaves and stems of the patchouli plant, which is a type of herb.
Patchouli can be used on its own but is often combined with other essential oils such as lavender. It’s thought to promote calmness and relaxation, though most evidence is anecdotal.
A 2020 study assessed the effects of inhaled patchouli oil on emergency room nurses. Compared to the control group, nurses who inhaled the patchouli oil reported lower levels of stress and higher levels of compassion.
We like this oil because it’s USDA-certified organic and ultra-concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way.
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Cons
Majestic Pure Geranium Essential Oil
Price: $
Geranium oil is distilled from the geranium plant and has a sweet, floral scent. It’s often used as a scent in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes.
This essential oil has sedative properties. Due to this, it may be used to help reduce feelings of stress or anxiety.
According to a 2015 study on women in the first stage of labor, inhaling geranium oil effectively reduced their anxiety during labor. A significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure was also observed.
A small 2017 study looked at the effects of geranium oil on anxiety in individuals who had been hospitalized due to a heart attack. It found that people who inhaled geranium oil reported significantly lower anxiety than those who inhaled a placebo scent.
The geranium oil from Majestic Pure is steam-distilled, unfiltered, and undiluted.
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Cons
Artizen Lemon balm Essential Oil
Price: $
Lemon balm has a fresh, uplifting aroma that smells like lemons. Although it has the word “lemon” in its name, it actually comes from an herb. It also goes by the name Melissa. In aromatherapy, it has a soothing, restorative effect.
Most success stories on inhaling lemon balm for anxiety are anecdotal. But according to a 2011 study, taking lemon balm capsules may help people with mild to moderate anxiety disorders. It may also improve sleep. However, it is not recommended to ingest lemon balm unless it is under the guidance of a medical professional.
Additionally, a 2014 study investigated the effects of lemon balm in a beverage. The study participants that consumed a beverage with lemon balm extract reported mood improvement and lower levels of anxiety. Measurements of cortisol in saliva were also lower. Again, keep in mind that you should only ingest essential oils under the care of a medical professional.
The lemon balm oil from Artizen is 100 percent pure, with no dilution or additives. It’s also reasonably priced at less than $10 for one fluid ounce.
Pros
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Edens Garden Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil
Price: $$$
Sweet marjoram is a type of herb that’s native to the Mediterranean and is now grown in many parts of the world. The essential oil is extracted from the flowers of the plant.
A 2017 review notes that sweet marjoram has been used in traditional medicine for nervousness. However, there’s little scientific evidence to back up its effectiveness for anxiety.
Sweet marjoram is also used to ease headaches, a common symptom of anxiety. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, it’s a go-to folk remedy for many aromatherapists.
Edens Garden prioritizes safety and quality in its products. This oil is 100 percent pure and undiluted.
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Interested in other resources for mental health?
We’re here to help. Explore our evidence-driven reviews of top providers, products, and more to support your physical and emotional well-being.
How to choose
It’s important to shop carefully for essential oils, as there may be potential risks with the use of these substances. You’ll want to consider an oil’s chemical composition and purity, as well as how you plan to use it.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
What to do before use
Essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil before they’re applied to the skin. This reduces your risk for irritation. Some popular carrier oils are almond, coconut, and jojoba.
Dilutions are different for adults and for children:
Because essential oils may cause an allergic reaction when used topically, it’s important to do a patch test on a small area of skin before use. To do this:
When inhaling essential oils, make sure that the room you’re in is well ventilated. This can help prevent potential side effects like respiratory irritation or headaches.
Essential oils are not safe for everyone.
Talk with your doctor before using essential oils if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an underlying medical condition. Some are not safe for children. Others should not be inhaled by pets, as they can even be toxic. You should also always consult your doctor, pediatrician, and veterinarian (when applicable) before using essential oils.
When to see a doctor
If you’re exploring ways to manage anxiety, it’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider, too. It’s particularly important to seek professional care if your symptoms of anxiety are impacting your ability to sleep or handle day-to-day responsibilities.
Frequently asked questions
Where should you apply essential oils for anxiety?
In most cases, you can dilute an essential oil with a carrier oil and dab it on pulse points, like the inner wrists, behind the ears, on the ankles, over the heart, or to the temples. If you choose to apply it to your temples, take care to avoid having the oil drip into your eyes.
Do doctors recommend the use of essential oils for anxiety?
Generally speaking, doctors don’t recommend essential oils for anxiety. That’s because there haven’t been rigorous scientific studies that demonstrate their efficacy. At this time, most of the evidence for anxiety-relieving benefits comes from animal studies or small-scale trials.
What are the side effects of using essential oils?
If you enjoy essential oils safely, side effects are minimal. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for safely diluting or diffusing an oil.
It’s important to never ingest essential oils or apply them directly to the skin without a carrier oil. Doing so can cause irritation or burns. Prolonged exposure to essential oils without adequate ventilation may cause headaches or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes.
The bottom line
Although research has shown that aromatherapy may help relieve anxiety, it’s no substitute for seeing a healthcare professional.
If you have a stressful day at work or you’re anxious because you have an important appointment, an aromatherapy session or two might be just what you need.
If you’re looking to find information on specific essential oils for anxiety or you need more information on aromatherapy in general, you can talk with a certified aromatherapist.
But if you experience chronic anxiety that interferes with daily activities, call a doctor or mental health professional. They can work with you to develop a management plan tailored to your needs.
Posted : 2024-05-28 14:16
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