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, essential oils can also help play a role in our stress-relief routine. 

What are the best essential oils for stress?

Aromatherapists and essential oil aficionados use a number of essential oils for stress. 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 stress relief 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 to improve sleep.[i] 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] 

Stress-Relieving Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes Using Lavender

Calm & Soothe Lavender Oil Diffuser Blend

Mental Stress Relief 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 anxiety-relieving benefits of frankincense essential oil, many aromatherapists and essential oil users tout its ability to induce calm and relieve anxiety. 

Stress-Relieving Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes Using Frankincense

Tension-Reliving Frankincense and Myrrh Essential Oil Diffuser Blend

Stress Easing 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 and reduce anxiety.[iii] 

Stress-Relieving 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 that are used to help reduce anxiety and help alleviate stress.[iv]

While bergamot essential oil was originally used in traditional Chinese Medicine to help with the flow of vital energy to improve the digestive system, it is more commonly used as a natural remedy to help alleviate symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety.[v] 

Stress-Relieving Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes Using Bergamot

Calm and Uplift Bergamot Essential Oil Blend

Stress Reducer 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 in reducing stress. Studies show that not only does rose oil decrease breathing rate and blood pressure, but also helps to produce feelings of calmness and relaxation.[vi]

Stress-Relieving 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.

Stress-Relieving Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes Using Neroli

Lavender-Neroli Stress-Free Essential Oil Blend

Calm the Heart Essential Oil Blend

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