Best Five Essential Oils for Anxiety and Stress Relief

Almost all of us experience stress and anxiety at one time. The reasons for stress may be different but the outcome is the same – health related problems.  One of the most common ways to counter stress is to switch over to a healthy living style that includes a healthy diet, exercise, relaxation, mindfulness and rest. However, these are long-term solutions. Who has the time for all this in the ever-busy world of today? There are solutions that can help us in the short-term as well. Aweganics has come with a solution in the form of essential oils whose ingredients have been in use since thousands of years. Some of them have listed below:

The Oils

Lavender: The Greeks and Romans used this oil in their bathing water, burned lavender as an essence to gods (much like the Indians who do it now even), and also used the aroma of Lavender to tame animals such as lions and tigers. Distilled from the plant Lavandula angustifolia, Lavender essential oil provides relaxation, treats anxiety, depression, insomnia, nausea, and even menstrual cramps. Lavender Essential Oil when applied topically along with thyme, rosemary, and cedar wood can also lead to hair growth in bald people.

Holy Basil: Holy Basil has a history dating back to thousands of years in Indian medicine. Every part of the herb, be it the seeds or the leaves, is beneficial to the human body. An intake of Holy Basil essential oil can help the body adapt to stress of almost any kind, and promote mental balance. Holy Basil essential oil is also useful in solving problems related to sex, sleep, forgetfulness, and exhaustion.

Clary Sage: Clary Sage is a herb native to the Mediterranean Basin. The essential oil is extracted from the leaves and buds of the Clary Sage plant. As the essential oil is used mostly for eyes, it also goes by the name ‘Eye Bright’ or ‘Clear Eye’. Further uses of this oil include 

•  stress reduction
• reducing depression
• reducing symptoms of menopause
• reducing menstrual cramps.

Before you use the oil ensure that you have a doctor’s prescription. Following are the ways to use the oil:

1. Perform a patch test before using the oil to see the sensitivity of your skin to this oil
2. Breath the scent of the oil
3. Mix oil in water and shake. Then use it as a  room spray.
4. Mix a few drops of Clary Sage with some other oil and rub gently on the skin surface.
   
   Blue Tansy: This essential oil extracted from a tiny little flower has gained a lot of positive response in recent times. One factor that has led to its immense popularity is its ability to be used as an anti-aging solution. The plant was harvested wildly in the Mediterranean but is now cultivated in Morocco only. Its immense popularity led to decrease in supplies and surge in its price. A 2-ounce bottle cost around US $100. The benefits of blue tansy include:

1. repairing damaged skin
2. reducing nasal blocking
3. providing calming effects

The essential oil can be used in one of the following ways:

1. As an ingredient in a cream or some other oil
2. In a diffuser but not at public places
3. It can also be used in a spritzer as an anti-inflammatory aid.
   
   Vetiver Essential Oil: The Vetiver essential oil is extracted from the Vetiver plant that grows in India. The smell of the oil is much like the one released by men’s cologne. Vetiver roots are first aged before they are soaked in water. The oil then released is skimmed from the top of the water surface. Benefits of the oil include:

1. Improves mental alertness and brain functioning  
2. Lessens Anxiety
3. Protects from Ticks
4. Helps breathing in sleep

Let’s Wrap It Up