Aromatherapy and Baths for Anxiety

Many people are affected by anxiety, me being one of them. According to research, essential oils can help you to alleviate the effects of anxiety. I would like to share with you the oils I have used and ways you can use them to enhance your calm. While oils may help some, if you feel you cannot manage your anxiety, seek professional help. Essential oils cannot replace anxiety medication.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to promote wellbeing. You can use essential oils many different ways. Here are some ideas:

In a roller ball

Add 4 drops (2 percent) of essential oils to a 10 ml roller ball and fill with oil. If it’s for a headache or other pain, you can use 5 percent which would be 10 drops.

In a spray

Add 24 drops of essential oils to a 2 oz spray bottle. Add witch hazel and distilled water.

In an inhaler

You can buy an inhaler specially made for essential oils. Inside is a stick made of cotton on which you put essential oils. You can open and breathe in the fragrance whenever you need to.

In a steam facial

A steam facial is a very calming way to use essential oils while you relax. Boil 2 to 3 cups water. Add in a big handful of fresh herbs or a few tablespoons of dried herbs. If you use dried, boil water with plants. If you use fresh, add plants after water is boiled. Add in essential oils and a little cold water. Lean over the bowl with a large towel over your head. Breathe in for up to 10 minutes.

In a mug

Add boiling water to a mug and then add essential oils. Breathe in.

In a diffuser

Follow directions that come with the diffuser.

In the bath

See below for recipes and essential oil blends.

Essential oil list

Here are some essential oils that may help you to have more clarity and calm.

Lavender – the best overall essential oil for anxiety. Lavender contains linalool which can help calm the nervous system.

Ylang-Ylang – Also containing linalool, ylang-ylang is one of my favorites and a popular choice for many perfumes. Some studies have been done and found that ylang-ylang helps with reducing anxiety, improving self-esteem, and it may help to lower blood pressure.

Bergamot – Bergamot also contains linalool. A study done with bergamot in 2015 found that it can help with mood, the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, and cortisol levels.

Clary sage – Clary sage also contains the calming compound linalool. A study which was published in 2013 done with women having to undergo a stressful medical exam, showed that clary sage helped with feelings of relaxation and reduced their blood pressure.

Lemon balm – Lemon balm is uplifting, comforting during times of grief, and mood boosting.

Holy basil – Holy basil is also known to be calming and stress-reducing, also contains linalool. According to a study on holy basil, it concluded that it helps with stress and anxiety symptoms and regulates mood.

Neroli – Neroli aka orange blossom, contains linalool and a study says that it helped anxiety in pregnant women during the first stage of labor.

Valerian – Valerian contains valerianic acid which helps with insomnia, anxiety, and inflammation. Some research shows that it might help sleep.

Vetiver – Vetiver is earthy, grounding, and warming and is known for its calming properties. Try it with neroli and linaloe wood when you have a tired mind and need rest.

Frankincense – Frankincense is rejuvenating and harmonizing and is helpful in calming anxiety.

Cedarwood – Cedarwood contains cedrol which is thought to have sedative properties. Because of a study done with animals, it is believed that cedarwood is a good mood enhancer, making it good for stress and anxiety.

Roman chamomile – Everyone knows that chamomile is a great tea to drink before bed to help you sleep and help calm and relax. A study in 2013 found that it helped with anxiety and getting to sleep with people who were in the ICU.

Rhododendron

Damask rose – Roses are not only able to lift our mood with their beauty, but the essential oil when used topically, might also help with anxiety, reduced blood pressure, heart rates, and cortisol levels according to a 2009 study.

Peppermint – Peppermint oil is known for easing pain and anxiety in hospital patients. It is also widely used for nausea and headaches.

Aromatherapy Blends for Anxiety

Essential Oil Blends for Anxiety

Depleted nervous system 2 drops violet leaf absolute 2 drops spikenard 6 drops mandarin	Depleted mind 2 drops vetiver 4 drops neroli 4 drops linaloe wood
Emotional overload 2 drops vanilla 4 drops neroli 4 drops orange	Emotional Trauma 2 drops spikenard 4 drops rose otto 4 drops myrrh
Face Adversity 2 drops laurel leaf 4 drops myrtle 4 drops frankincense	Hope 2 drops cinnamon leaf 4 drops orange
Mental anxiety into clarity 3 drops juniper. 3 drops rosemary	Ongoing anxiety and exhaustion 2 drops Ravensara 2 drops rose absolute 6 drops tangerine
Overloaded mind 2 drops lime 4 drops neroli4 drops frankincense	Release Your Emotions 4 drops yarrow 4 drops rose otto 4 drops mandarin
Relieve feelings of inadequacy  3 drops clove bud 3 drops tangerine	Relieve Worry 4 drops Himalayan cedarwood 4 drops Australian sandalwood 2 drops patchouli
Self – confidence 2 drops lemon tea tree 2 drops neroli	Self- love 2 drops juniper 2 drops rose
Self-worth 2 drops west indian bay 4 drops sweet orange 4 drops neroli	Tension caused by anxiety 2 drops German chamomile 4 drops linaloe wood 4 drops lavender

Make Yourself a Cozy Bath

Epsom salt can replenish magnesium. It is a mineral that is known to help with anxiety and depression by increasing serotonin levels.

Floral bath salts

• 2 1⁄2 cups Epsom salt.
• 1 1⁄2 cups sea salt.
• 1⁄4 cup baking soda.
• 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
• 10 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil.
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers.
• 1 tablespoon dried roses.

Minty bath salts

• 2 1⁄2 cups Epsom salt.
• 1 1⁄2 cups sea salt.
• 1⁄4 cup baking soda.
• 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oils in the mint family such as lavender, sage, rosemary, spearmint, peppermint, or melissa.
• 1 tablespoon dried mint.
• 1 tablespoon dried lemon balm.

Bath blends for anxiety:

Here is one of my YouTube videos on baths for stress:

For more ideas, check out my book The Cozy Bath on Amazon.