The Benefits of Essential Oils for Anxiety

Do you want to know how essential oils help relieve anxiety? There are many benefits of essential oils, and it depends on the fragrance you prefer.

It is difficult dealing with anxiety. Most times it feels like you can’t control it: your heart racing, your mind churning, the shaking, and the restlessness can be overwhelming. Over the years, there have been a range of treatments for anxiety, and one of the evolving methods is the use of essential oils.

The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) described aromatherapy as the therapeutic application or the medicinal use of aromatic substances (essential oils) for holistic healing. It has also been defined as the practice of inhaling the scent of essential oils to improve one’s well-being.

Essential oils are known to have medicinal effects when absorbed or inhaled. Also, essential oils have existed for centuries, mainly used to relieve stress and, of course, anxiety.

So here, we are going to be looking at the benefits of essential oils for anxiety. We will also discuss how essential oils can help treat other health conditions.

Stress and Anxiety

It has been said that the use of essential oils during a massage may help relieve stress even though the effects may only last for a while.

Studies have shown that aromatherapy and the smell of some essential oils can work alongside traditional therapy to treat anxiety and stress.

Mood

Essential oils can help improve your mood and help you feel relieved by smelling the fragrance. Bergamot oil has been shown to improve mood, reduce fatigue and even lower levels of stress hormones. It is also found that bergamot oil appeared to have calming, anxiety-reducing properties.

You can also use basil essential oil to sharpen concentration and alleviate some of the symptoms of depression. It may relieve headaches and migraines. It should be avoided during pregnancy.

Depression

Improving sleep cycles is one of the many benefits of essential oils. These oils have been proven effective against depression. Although they do not cure depression, a 2016 study showed that inhaled lavender improved the sleep cycle of people at college who experienced sleep disturbances, which can be an effect of depression.

Headaches and migraines

Recent studies, here and here, have emerged supporting essential oils to be effective against a headache pain by reducing their effects after applying peppermint and lavender oil to the skin.

Increased Energy Levels

With essential oils, you can boost energy levels given their therapeutic compounds. The Sweet Basil, for instance, helps calm the mind, relieve stress, making you feel energetic.

Sleep and insomnia

Lavender is arguably the most popular fragrance of them all. The smell of lavender oil has been thought to impact the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for balancing our emotions. It also helps improve sleep quality.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Researchers argue that essential oils may help fight against inflammatory conditions. Some test-tube studies show that they have anti-inflammatory effects.

Now you know the benefits of essential oils. As such, you must understand how to use essential oil best. For starters, do not inhale any essential oil or apply directly to the skin. Hence, it is highly advisable that you, appropriately refer to the product leaflet for instructions, or seek the advice of a professional.