Essential Oils for Stress and Anxiety

Essential oils have been around for thousands of years and even mentioned in the Bible. Before prescription drugs were common, essential oils were blended and used for many medical conditions. There are hundreds of  different essential oils and almost as many conditions that they can help.

I love using essential oils and especially experimenting with my own blends.  To create these blends I have spent a lot of time researching which particular oils  work best together and the amount to be used.  

Keep in mind that all essential oils are powerful and should be used judiciously.  All essential oils are  are highly concentrated and a small amount goes a long way. For example just one drop of lemon essential oils takes almost a pound of lemons, and each drop of lavender oil requires one pound of lavender plant to produce.  Essential oils are beneficial for many conditions.

If you decide to get on the essential oil bandwagon remember this:

1. Use only glass containers
2. Purchase good grade essential oils 
3. All essential oils should be packaged in dark glass
4. Make sure all of your oils are compatible together
5. Some oils that contain citrus like bergamot, lemon and grapefruit should not be exposed sunlight.
6. Always use carrier oils to mix your brews—coconut oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil and apricot kernel oil.

I am going to share a few of my favorite oils for anxiety and stress.  

My favorite oil is Lavender 

Lavender essential oil has more uses than any other oil. It possesses a delightful fragrance and can help relieve stress and anxiety.  And it can readily improve your mood.   Sometimes I just take a whiff of this essential oil and I feel the tension leave my body.  It is compatible with many other essential oils.

Frankincense is another favorite oil.  This oil helps settle the stomach, good for skin ailments and also relieves stress and anxiety.  There are some known allergies to this essential oil so check with your health provider before using

Vetiver is another favorite essential oil which I use for  foot pain and is great for calming restlessness and stress. Vetiver does have a unique grassy scent

Here is one of my favorite recipes using essential oils for anxiety and stress.

5 drops of lavender oil

6 drops of Vetiver

1/4  cup of coconut oil

1 teaspoon of apricot kernel  oil

Directions’

1. Blend all of these ingredients in a glass jar and refrigerate for about an hour.

If the mixture is too solid to use add a small amount of either grapeseed, sweet almond, jojoba oil or  apricot kernel oil and allow to sit out on the counter.

When you feel stressed or anxious dab a small amount on your wrists and behind each ear.

Other popular oils for anxiety and stress are:

Rose

Yiang Yiang

Chamomille

**when using any essential oils that you have not tried before ask your health professional if the oils react with prescription drugs you may take.   Also sample a small drop on your skin to make sure there is no reaction.