There are different degrees of emotional stress- all of which can cause unrest to the person experiencing the stress.

Essential oils can help support you during times of emotional stress- whether you are dealing with simpler stresses such as work or school demands or more severe stresses such as bullying, illness, or relationship stress.

What are some of the symptoms of stress? Irritability, loss of sense of humor, feeling angry, feeling blue or depressed, difficulty making decisions, physically and emotionally tired much of the time. Stress can also produce physical symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, or indigestion.

Below is a list of my favorite essential oils to use in times of emotional stress, and a little bit about each one and how they might help you.

 

 

Essential Oils for Emotions and Times of Stress

 

Lavender

Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is probably the most well known essential oils for relaxation. This oil has a ton of uses, including emotional stress.

Breathing in lavender can help racing minds and help you fall asleep more quickly. It is also said to bring calm, relaxation, and stress relief.

 

Geranium

Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens) is one of my personal favorite oils.

I use it for specific health conditions, but I also place a drop in my diffuser necklace before going to the dentist (a major stress for me!) and it helps to keep my anxiety at bay.

 

Bergamot

Bergamot essential oil (Citrus bergamia) is a citrus oil with a very sweet, fresh scent.

It is very soothing and uplifting!

I wear bergamot in my diffuser necklace all day long to help encourage happy thoughts and reduce everyday stress!

All citrus oils are photosensitive, so if you are using citrus oils on your body- in a massage oil or in the bath, don’t spend the day out in the sun right after!

 

Clary Sage

Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea) is great for relaxation and soothing the senses.

This oil can help support anyone with anxiety or depressive disorders. I use it monthly to fight symptoms of PMS/PMDD and in the winter months, especially, for seasonal mood disorder.

 

 

Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata) is said to have natural sedative qualities which make it a great choice for anyone under emotional stress.

It has a sweet, flowery scent that just feels happy!

 

Related Reading: How to Fight Seasonal Depression Naturally

 

Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii) is said to be a great oil for the feeling of fear or worry. I use it in my diffuser blends all the time!

If your stress is in the form of anxiety due to worry or fears give frankincense a try and see if you can breathe a little easier!

 

Sweet Orange

Sweet Orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis) is, of course, a citrus oil. I love the smell of all citrus, and orange is no different.

Sweet orange is uplifting and cheerful and help support a more balanced self.

Remember, orange is a photosensitive oil, so not sunbathing after applying!

 

 

Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile essential oil (Anthemis nobilis) is a very calming oil and is said to act almost like a sedative. These properties make it a useful essential oil for emotional stress.

It can be effective for those with nervous conditions, depression, and insomnia.

It’s also a great choice when you feel angry or irritable!

 

Sandalwood

Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum spicatum) is a very grounding oil that might help you reduce indecision and calm anxieties.

These scents can reach the part of the brain that controls your mood and basic emotions. This is said to release endorphins, increase focus, and improve your mood.

 

How to Choose the Best Essential Oils for You

These are of course not the only essential oils for emotions, but are simply my favorites. Others include: Jasmine, Mandarin, Vetiver, Melissa, Lemon, Grapefruit, and Rose oil to name a few.

How do you choose which oil will support you best?

One of the best ways, it to let your nose decide! Your body has a great ability to choose what it needs and craves the smell of. Open the bottle, and breathe in the scent. How does it make you feel? Do you like the smell? Does it give you a sense of calm? Or give you pleasure? If so, then that oil is a good choice for you.

However, if you dislike the smell or have some other negative reaction, it’s probably not a good choice for you.

Another thing to remember is that your sense of smell has a memory- so it’s best to use different oils or blends of oils for different tasks. For example, if you often use lavender to help you relax and fall asleep, your body will remember that and it might not be as effective at relieving other types of stress or emotional unrest.

After that, you can experiment with different oils and blends for different purposes and see which help you the most.

 

How to Use Essential Oils for Emotions and Stress

There are a few different ways you can use these oil to help support you emotionally in times of stress:

Massage: Mixing your chosen oils into a carrier oil and using it on your skin is a great way to surround yourself with the aromatic benefits of the oil. Using this oil together with a massage can help you even more. After all, we all know how relaxing a massage is!

Air Diffusing: Diffusing is a no-fuss way to get all the benefits of essential oils. Placing 6 drops or so of your chosen oils or blends in a diffuser can help create a calming atmosphere. Place the diffuser in your room to help you unwind after work or at bedtime. Or even place it in your office or main living space to get the effects all day long.

Necklace Diffusing: I am an anxious person, so my diffuser necklace is a life saver when I am out and about. Going to the dentist, chauffeuring kids, work, school, errands, and all those busy times that just make you feel stressed! Just one drop is usually enough and will last for quite awhile.

Inhaling: Sometimes, simply opening the bottle and breathing in the scent is enough to help reset your mind and your day and allow you to calm and reground yourself.

Bath/Shower: Baths and showers are a great way to relax and unwind, so adding in essential oils only compound that effect. Here’s a great article on how to use essential oils in the bath.

 

 

Essential Oil Diffuser Blends for Emotions and Times of Stress

Blend #1:

3 drops Geranium Oil
2 drops Bergamot Oil
2 drops Lavender Oil

 

Blend #2:

2 drops Roman Chamomile
2 drops Clary Sage
1 drop Geranium

 

Blend #3

3 drops Bergamot
2 drops Orange
2 drops Frankincense

 

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only. I do not prescribe, diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult your health care provider before implementing any of the information provided on this site.
The information provided on this site is completely my own opinion and does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of any other entity.
Any statements or claims regarding health benefits of foods, supplements or essential oils listed on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease.