As an aromatherapist another common question I get asked is about essential oils for anxiety and how parents can help their children when they are feelings anxious. Let me share with you some of my favourite essential oils for anxiety and the ‘ABC’ technique that you can do when you feel anxious. I share this with parents so they can use it to help their children when they feel anxious.
What is anxiety?
Does you day go along fine and then all of a sudden you feel a wave of intense emotion that overcomes you? Your heart is pounding, you are sweating, short of breath, your stomach is upset, you are dizzy, shaking, have diarrhoea, insomnia or headaches? Anxiety grows out of the root of fear, fear that something bad is going to happen, fear of lack, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of dying, etc.
Anxiety attacks can be serious and it is important that you speak to your doctor or health professional about them.
What are the Best Essential Oils for Anxiety?
Aromatherapy is a complementary modality. A number of essential oils are currently in use as aromatherapy agents to relieve anxiety and stress*. You can read more about this here.
Some of the essential oils people have found beneficial for mild anxiety include:
Ylang Ylang Wellness Essential Oil (Cananga odorata)
Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- to decrease/reduce/relieve symptoms of mild anxiety
- to helps reduce occurrence of symptoms of mild anxiety
How to use:
Topical: Apply 2–4 drops directly to desired area as needed. Dilution not required, except for sensitive skin. Test on small area of skin on the underside of arm.
Inhalation: Apply 1-6 drops of undiluted essential oil to a tissue and inhale occasionally. Use up to 3 times daily.
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Keep out of reach of children. Not to be taken. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional. The claims listed above are only applicable for Australia.
Orange Wellness Essential Oil
Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- to aid/assist/helps mind relaxation
- to enhance/improve/promote/increase body relaxation
- to decrease/reduce/relieve symptoms of mild anxiety
- to helps reduce occurrence of symptoms of mild anxiety
- to calmative/nervous system relaxant
How to use:
Topical: Dilute 1 drop with 1 drop of V-6™ carrier oil or olive oil. Test on small area of skin on the underside of arm and apply to desired area as needed. Avoid direct sunlight/UV rays to the application area for up to 12 hours.
Inhalation: Apply 1-6 drops of undiluted essential oil to a tissue and inhale occasionally. Use up to 3 times daily.
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional. The claims listed above are only applicable for Australia.
Bergamot Wellness Essential Oil
Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- to help body adapt to stress
- to decrease/reduce/relieve symptoms of stress
- to decrease/reduce/relieve symptoms of mild anxiety
How to use:
Topical: Dilute 1 drop with 1 drop of V-6™ carrier oil or olive oil. Test on small area of skin on the underside of arm and apply to desired area as needed. Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays to the application area for up to 12 hours.
Inhalation: Apply 1-6 drops of undiluted essential oil to a tissue and inhale occasionally. Use up to 3 times daily.
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional. The claims listed above are only applicable for Australia.
Lavender Wellness Essential Oil
Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- to help body adapt to stress
- to enhance/promote body adaptation to stress
- to calm the mind
- to soothe/calm nerves
- to decrease/reduce/relieve symptoms of stress
- to decrease/reduce/relieve symptoms of mild anxiety
- to help reduce occurrence of symptoms of mild anxiety
How to use:
Topical: Dilute 1 drop with 1 drop of V-6™ carrier oil or olive oil. Test on small area of skin on the underside of arm and apply to desired area as needed.
Inhalation: Apply 1-6 drops of undiluted essential oil to a tissue and inhale occasionally. Use up to 3 times daily.
Aromatic: Diffuse up to 30 minutes 3 times daily.
Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist talk to your health professional. The claims listed above are only applicable for Australia.
Angelica Essential Oil 5ml
In Germany, angelica was historically referred to as the “oil of angels,” because of its ability to calm anxiety, restore happy memories, and bring peaceful sleep.
The ABC for when you are feeling anxious
A – Awaken
Awakening is the first step towards making positive life changes. Awaken to what is important in your life and what you can say ‘No’ to. Ask yourself what is the next most powerful step you can take to take care of yourself? You are after all the most important person in your family. Without you what would happen?
Awaken your mind and let go of your fears and any negative thoughts. Awaken to the stressors in your life and find ways to overcome these. When I begin to feel anxious I close my eyes and relax my body. Exercise is another great way to burn off excess energy and gets the endorphins pumping.
The Awaken essential oil blend contains geranium and sandalwood essential oils. Expertly formulated to help you gain awareness of your limitless potential and overcome any fears.
B – Bergamot
When people experience shortness of breath because of anxiety or panic, it can make them feel more anxious, which can worsen their breathing. There are many small blood vessels at the bottom of our lungs that not only helps oxygenate our whole system but also help slow down our heartbeat and decrease our blood pressure, eventually bringing about a state of calmness.
The best way to practice breathing is by lying down and placing one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Next inhale through your nose and allow that breath to go all the way to the bottom of your chest. Notice how your stomach rises when you do this. Try holding your breath for 7-8 seconds. Exhale normally to allow your abdomen to go down.
Breathing in Bergamot Wellness Essential Oil may be useful during times of emotional stress. Try breathing in Bergamot Wellness Essential Oil even when you aren’t feeling anxious.
Bergamot Wellness Essential Oil has a light, citrus aroma that has a relaxing effect, helps build confidence and uplifts moods.
C – Cedarwood
Focus on the positive things in your life. Revisit praises you have received or happy events from your life.
Change your life by learning to prioritise what is important to you. How is your work life balance? Everyone needs some ‘Me time’ from time to time, however few people think of themselves as important enough to grant themselves quality time to do this. If you are finding it hard to make time for you, start with just 5-10 minutes, an extra long shower, a walk around the block, a quick cuppa with a friend or pop some Cedarwood Wellness Essential Oil into your diffuser.
Cedardood Wellness Essential Oil – Traditionally used in Aromatherapy:
- to help body adapt to stress
- to aids/assists the body to cope with environmental stress
- to enhance/promote body adaptation to stress
- to support healthy body stress recovery
- to support healthy stress response in the body
- to decrease/reduce/relieve symptoms of stress.
For 6 more great tips to help when you feel anxious check out “It’s hard not to feel anxious sometimes” and watch the video below.
My top 5 essential oils for when you feel anxious.
*Setzer WN. Essential oils and anxiolytic aromatherapy. Nat Prod Commun. 2009 Sep;4(9):1305-16. PMID: 19831048.
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