10 Must-Have Essential Oils for Anxiety

ANXIETY is such a difficult and unsettling emotion to deal with. When anxiety sets in, we experience increased heart rate, sweating, nervousness, restlessness, nausea, decreased concentration, and focus. When prolonged, we end up with decreased energy, decreased appetite, or overeating. We can also end up with insomnia, confusion, numbness, and tingling of extremities. And, sometimes vision changes. We become afraid easily, which many times can lead to paranoia. We can start to make erratic decisions and have emotional imbalances. This often can lead to depression. Let’s take a look at essential oils for anxiety.

Aromatherapy can be an effective way to begin decreasing and managing symptoms of anxiety. With their aroma alone, some essential oils can be beneficial in calming and relaxing the mind and body. However, there is another main factor in why they are effective in easing anxiety symptoms. The oils that I have chosen are based on the chemical components they possess. And this, my friends, is why essential oils work, based on science.

This article will explore ten must-have essential oils to add to your collection to assist with anxiety symptoms.

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. As an Amazon Associate, this post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.“

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

I couldn’t pass up adding lavender essential oil to this list as an essential for anxiety. It’s so well known for calming and relaxing us during stressful situations or when we need to rest. The oil is steam distilled from the flower itself. There are two chemical components found in this essential oil that is naturally found in the plant. They are called linalool and linalyl acetate, and they have been researched a great deal, finding that one of their main actions is the calming effect they have on the nervous system. With this research on the chemical components, we can conclude that essential oils, high in these components, will have a similar effect on our nervous systems. The percentage is high in lavender, with the combination of the two coming in at a whopping 60-70%.

Bergamot Mint (Mentha citrate)

Bergamot mint is steam distilled from the leaves of the mentha citrate plant. The plant itself is sometimes called orange mint. You may have heard of Bergamot. Do not confuse them, as they are from 2 different plants. The aroma is mint-like, with a citrus undertone that really is welcoming. Like lavender, it contains high levels of the same 2 chemical components that help to calm the nervous system; linalool and linalyl acetate. This makes a great substitute for those who don’t like the scent of lavender. The percentage of the two components combined, in bergamot mint alone, comes in at an impressive 70-80%.

Knowing what we know about the chemical components, you can expect this oil to have a calming, relaxing effect. Another interesting action of this essential oil is the assistance it gives for ease of breathing. As we know, deeper breathing is beneficial when reducing anxiety. This is another reason why I really love this oil for helping us to destress. Because lavender and bergamot mint is high in these components, blending them to help reduce anxiety can be very effective. Both aromas complement each other, with lavender’s sweet floral scent and bergamot mint’s citrussy/mint scent.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)

Neroli is a beautiful essential oil that is distilled from the blossoms of the Citrus Aurantium tree. The aroma has a strong floral scent with a citrus undertone. Neroli also has linalool at a decent percentage. But, it also contains a component called d-limonene. This component has many similar actions to linalool and linalyl acetate, specifically in the interest of anxiety and its effects on the nervous system. The actions it takes to obtain this effect are just a different process in the body as the other 2.

That being said, blending this with essential oils that are high in linalool and linalyl acetate, such as bergamot mint, can make a pretty effective aromatherapy blend to combat anxiety symptoms. Neroli is frequently the “go-to” oil for times of trauma and shock; it’s just that soothing. Is there something that you’re anticipating that may cause you anxiety? Maybe a medical procedure or event that is making you worry? Neroli is great in instances like these.

This essential oil is precious, harvested by handpicking the blossoms at a specific time of day. This makes it have a very low yield, meaning that it takes a lot of blossoms to get a small amount of oil. The price reflects this; it’s expensive, but a little does go a long way and, if stored properly, can last for a couple of years. The next oil can be a good alternative to Neroli, as it is not as expensive and is still a great pick for anti-anxiolytic oils.

Neroli/Petigrain (Citrus aurantium var amara)

Neroli Petitgrain essential oil is a co-distill from the Citrus aurantium tree. It is called a co-distill because the tree’s blossoms (where we get Neroli) and the tree’s leaves (how petitgrain essential oil is obtained) are distilled together to create one oil. The oil is an effective substitute for Neroli to use in replacement to help reduce anxiety symptoms. The chemical component make-up is, however, going to be different. There is a considerably high percentage of linalool and linalyl acetate, but not as much d-limonene. Still, using this with other oils, high in the same, can make a harmonizing blend for anxiety symptoms.

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. Amara or Bigaradia)

While we are on the subject, another great oil to help you calm down is petitgrain essential oil. There is linalool and linalyl acetate in this oil, as well as d-limonene. This can make a good oil to use when anxiety and depression exist together, as it is also uplifting and helps when trying to connect with one’s higher self and balance emotions. If pain is a cause of your anxiety, blending with lavender and bergamot mint can help alleviate it, specifically sore muscles and spasms.

Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Sandalwood essential oil is obtained from the wood from the Santalum album tree through the cold-pressed distillation method. The oil is calming and used in restoring one’s emotional balance and vital energy, as it is very grounding. Some essential oils have a chemical makeup that isolates components that don’t necessarily have a therapeutic effect on their own but in combination with the other components of smaller percentages, which cause the plant to have therapeutic effects. This is basically the case with Sandalwood. Santanol is Sandalwood’s main component. In synergy with the other components, this oil is usually used to support meditation, as it quiets the mind, especially when there is a lot of activity. This is very beneficial for anyone having racing thoughts accompanying or causing their anxiety. The oil is also helpful in encouraging self-acceptance.  Sandalwood is effective in reducing irritability and defusing aggressive behavior.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)

Frankincense is steam distilled from the resin of the Boswellia sacra tree. This essential oil is one that really promotes emotional healing on all levels. I chose this to put on the list, not so much for the calming effect, although it does have these actions, when we are suffering from anxious thoughts, feelings, and even physical symptoms, we need to come back to our center, and that, my friends, is what frankincense is really good at. Since ancient times, the essential oil has been used to quiet the mind, in meditation, and bring a person to really focus on the inner self and reflect.

If you are trying to decrease anxiety but require focus, this can be an appropriate addition to a blend with calming oils. As far as chemical composition, this oil contains α-pinene, which has anti-anxiolytic properties, as well as β-caryophyllene, also found in ylang-ylang. This is a great staple oil to add to any blend.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang Ylang is a little different than the others mentioned in this list. The chemical components are not just one or two that give this oil its soothing properties. Various components are making up this essential oil and the different chemical families that it fits into, making it somewhat complex and unusual but effective in any area that requires calming, relaxing, and even sedation. Ylang Ylang helps you to feel pleasure as it relaxes in an almost euphoric way.  B-β-caryophyllene is one of this oil’s main components, making it a bit different from the others. Studies have shown that reducing anxiety may be due to different receptors that it binds to, but that is for an entirely separate blog post. At any rate, blending with other linalool-rich oils (as it also has a percentage of this in its make-up) will sure to have a calming effect where anxiety is present. 

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

We know that drinking a cup of chamomile tea has always been a common practice to promote sleep and relaxation. The same goes for chamomile essential oil. This oil is steam distilled from the flower of the plant and is well known for its calming effect on the nervous system. The sweet, warm, herbaceous aroma alone is soothing. There is a sedative nature to this oil, and like Ylang Ylang, it is due to a variety of components present that work together in bringing it therapeutic responses.

Clary Sage

I can’t end this article without the mention of Clary Sage for anxiety. There is quite a similar chemical make-up to lavender and can be a great substitute. Like lavender, it is steam distilled from a flower. Even the flower itself looks similar. I like it so much because it’s a must-have essential oil to add to an anxiety blend if you are experiencing anxiety and irritability secondary to any hormonal dysfunction, such as PMS, menopause, or thyroid conditions.

Really if a hormonal imbalance of any kind is causing you anxiety, irritability, or stress (which are notable symptoms), adding Clary Sage to your essential oil arsenal is a must, in my opinion. I explain more about this oil for hormones in Six Reasons To Use Clary Sage Essential Oil For Hormone Imbalance. That being said, it’s great for men too! And can be added to blends to help with anxiety or even sleep.

I hope this article has helped you discover essential oils for anxiety that can be calming in times of stress and help you decide which ones are right for you based on their therapeutic actions.

If you would like to learn more about holistic health or using essential oils, book a call with me.