6 Best Essential Oils for Stress (With Recipes)

Alleviating stress is about more than just feeling good; it’s also important to our health.

As more and more research is published about the negative effects of stress on our bodies and brains, we’re better realizing the negative impact that stress can have.

While many lifestyle choices can help to alleviate stress, such as exercise and meditation. 

What are the best essential oils for stress?

Aromatherapists and essential oil aficionados use a number of essential oils. Some, such as lavender oil and rose oil, have been well-researched, while others, such as bergamot essential oil, are only just starting to become a more regular part of research.

Below are some of our the best essential oils for stress relief and our favorite recipes to put them to use! 

1. Lavender Essential Oil

Scientific Name: Lavandula angustifolia
Scent: Floral, sweet, and herbal

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils in the industry. It is best known for its use in relaxation. Lavender essential oil is most commonly used. However, outside of bedtime, lavender can also offer relaxing benefits. In one study, participants exposed to diffused lavender essential oil reported feeling fresher and more relaxed than the control group.[ii] 

Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes Using Lavender

Calm & Soothe Lavender Oil Diffuser Blend

Mental Diffuser Blend

2. Frankincense Essential Oil

Scientific Name: Boswellia serrata
Scent: Warm, earthy, clean, and slightly sweet

Frankincense is an earthy, warmly-scented essential oil taken from the resin of the Boswellia tree. While there is little research done to confirm the benefits of frankincense essential oil, many aromatherapists and essential oil users tout its ability to induce calm. 

Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes Using Frankincense

Frankincense and Myrrh Essential Oil Diffuser Blend

Frankincense Diffuser Blend

3. Ylang-ylang Essential Oil

Scientific Name: Cananga odorata
Scent: Sweet, heavy, fruity/floral

Pronounced EE-lang EE-lang, ylang-ylang is the name of the essential oil obtained from the flowers of the cananga tree. It is made by steam distillation from the yellow flowers on the tree.

While ylang-ylang has been long used for fragrances and perfumes because of its unique and powerful aroma, ylang-ylang is also loved for its ability to increase relaxation.

Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes Using Ylang-ylang

Calm Inducing Ylang-Ylang Diffuser Blend

Ylang-ylang Sleep Well Blend

4. Bergamot Essential Oil

Scientific Name: Citrus bergamia
Scent: Citrusy & Fresh

Bergamot is a sweet, fruity and floral-smelling fruit from Italy. Its thick, bumpy skin hosts essential oils.

Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes Using Bergamot

Calm and Uplift Bergamot Essential Oil Blend

Bergamot Blend

5. Rose Essential Oil

Scientific Name: Rosa damascena
Scent: Deep floral, rosy, honey-like

Rose essential oil is well-known and often studied for its effects. Studies show it helps to produce feelings of calmness and relaxation.[vi]

Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes Using Rose

Garden Paradise Stress Reliever

6. Neroli Essential Oil

Scientific Name: Citrus aurantium
Scent: Light, sweet, floral, citrus

Neroli essential oil comes from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree. While the benefits of this oil haven’t been researched in as much detail as those of lavender or other essential oils, neroli is said to help calm worry and to help promote calm.

Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes Using Neroli

Lavender-Neroli Essential Oil Blend

Calm the Heart Essential Oil Blend

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Read our Disclaimer