Essential Oils for Stress Relief

Different essential oils in a bottle, herbs and flowers

In previous articles we have talked about how important magnesium supplementation and vitamin D3 with K2 are for us, especially during times of stress.

Today we’re going to take a closer look at some of our favorite essential oils to help against stress, adrenal fatigue, and depression. Of course, every oil does so much more than just stress relief and supporting the adrenals, so we’ll touch on some of that as well.

Before we get into specific oils, it is very important to make sure that you are only using organic oils (never use synthetic), and to look for the latin name for the plant you want.

A great example is lavender. Lavandula Angustifolia is the preferred lavender for clinical aromatherapy – not lavandin (L. Intermedia). Both of these can be labeled as lavender on the bottle, so looking for the latin name will help you get the best product.

Just like with supplements, what brand you use makes a huge difference as well.

Essential oils to combat stress, anxiety, etc:

To combat Adrenal Fatigue: Holy basil (Tulsi), Rosemary, Rose
To combat Anxiety: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, jasmine
To combat Depression: Bergamot, Lavender, Roman Chamomile
To combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, Bergamot
To combat Stress: Bergamot, Jasmine, Lavender
Bergamot – latin name: citrus bergamia

Increased energy and feelings of joy; helps release emotional pain; reduces stress; soothes skin irritations; helps relieve joint and muscle pain; manages food cravings; supports immunity

Special note: Avoid direct sunlight for up to 12 hours after applying topically; if diabetic, monitor your blood sugar levels as they may be affected

Holy basil (Tulsi) – Latin name: Ocimum sanctum

Reduces anxiety; helps you deal with everyday stress; improves memory; regulates cortisol levels; helps reduce inflammation; remedies acne; supports hormone balance

Special note: Holy basil is high in eugenol, this is an anticoagulant – use with caution if you have clotting disorders or have impaired liver function

Jasmine – Latin name: Jasminum grandiflorum

Relieves stress; reduces anxiety and depression; promotes restful sleep; aids in pain relief; against PMS symptoms and cramps; fights wrinkles and aging skin; mood lifting; promotes healthy hormone balance; eases feelings of being overwhelmed

Special note: Avoid during pregnancy

Lavender – Latin name: Lavandula angustifolia

Calms anxiety, migraines, and depression; relaxes the mind; promotes sleep; combats high blood pressure; stimulates healthy blood sugar balance

Special note: None

Roman Chamomile – Latin name: Chamaemelum nobile

Fights stress and insomnia; fights anxiety and depression, serves as natural allergy reliever; supports digestive health; soothes hemorrhoids; reduces symptoms of insomnia; helps alleviate PMS symptoms

Special note: Avoid during pregnancy; for internal use – up to 2 weeks at a time

Rose – Latin name: Rosa damascena

Promotes relaxation and calm; decreases blood pressure; can boost libido; helps with PMS and menstrual symptoms; aids digestion; improves skin conditions; helps fight depression

Special note: Avoid during pregnancy (it stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area)

Rosemary – Latin name: Rosmarinus officinalis

Boosts mood and improves memory; anti-inflammatory properties; regenerates nerve tissue; soothes respiratory conditions; help reduce pain; promotes liver detox and gallbladder function (apply directly topically)

Special note: Use minimally during pregnancy; Don’t use if you have high blood pressure or been diagnosed with epilepsy

Ylang Ylang – Latin name: Cananga adorata

Boosts mood; relieves stress; improves cardiovascular system conditions; regulates blood pressure; may lessen anger and frustration; balance hormones

Special note: Cases of sensitivity to this oil have been noted

If you are looking for further information on these and many more essential oils, check out my favorite resource “Essential Oils Ancient Medicine” by Dr. Josh Axe, Ty Bollinger, and Jordan Rubin. They cover all the specifics of essential oils, how to use them, recipes, all in great detail and it’s very user friendly.