What essential oils can relieve anxiety?

Essential oils are treasures of nature. These are the most concentrated substances that it is possible to extract plants, flowers and fruits. In aromatherapy, their use promises many health benefits. Puts many health benefits with certain essential oils can help reduce stress and relieve anxiety.

Here is a small scientific review of the best essential oils to fight anxiety and reduce stress on a daily basis. 

1. Bergamot 

Bergamot essential oil comes from the tree Citrus Bergamia. Bergamot looks like an orange. Its essential oil is obtained by cold pressure from its bark. It is used in aromatherapy to relieve anxiety.

What does science say? 
These relaxing effects have been demonstrated in animals - although we firmly condemn these practices - but also in humans. Indeed, a summer of 2013 [1] dismantled that by inhaling Bergamot essential oil reduced stress and anxiety in people awaiting a minor surgical intervention - compared to water vapor. 

2. Chamomile

Chamomile is a plant resembling the daisy. Manufacturers use steam distillation to extract a fruity essential oil from its flowers with a soft smell.

According to the National Cancer Institute [2], a two -week clinical trial studied the effects of massage with Roman chamomile oil in people with cancer. The study revealed that massage with this diluted oil contributed more to reducing anxiety than massage alone. 

3. Sclared sage

Sclared sage is a medicinal plant used for its anxiolytic properties.

A small study of 2013 [3] explored the effects of essential oil in 34 women suffering from urinary incontinence. The participants inhaled essential oils of sclared sage, lavender or almond during an examination of the bladder.

The study revealed that, compared to those that inhaled essential lavender and almond oils, the participants who inhaled sclared sage oil have known significant drop in blood pressure and respiratory frequency. 

4. Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) is a purple flower plant with a delicate perfume. Aromatherapists commonly use lavender oil for its anti-inflammatory, relaxing muscles and soothing properties for anxiety.

According to a 2017 review [4] Several clinical trials suggest that lavender oil aromatherapy can help reduce anxiety before surgery or aesthetic procedure, as well as during a stay in an intensive care unit. 

5. Lemon

Lemon essential oil can be obtained from lemon leaves or bark. According to a systematic review of 2015, studies in labyrinth in rats and mice suggest that exposure to lemon oil can have an anxiolytic effect in these animals.

Note that citrus essential oils increase sensitivity to sunlight. In the event of use, it is essential to protect your skin from any exposure to the sun.

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Scientific references

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc3877597/

[2] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/aromatherapy-pdq?redirect=true

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc3700459/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc6007527/

[5] https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/20/10/18620/htm