Anxiety is a severe health issue that affects millions of people, often leading to poor quality of life. While anxiety usually occurs in adults, it can also affect children and teenagers. Essential oils are a valuable tool to help address anxiety.
For thousands of years, essential oils have been used as natural remedies for various health conditions; research has shown them to be effective for anxiety.
The liquid, made up of the aromatic compounds found in plants, is highly potent. Dozens of these compounds help give each plant its unique aroma, and when you smell them, they can affect your brain chemistry and make you feel relaxed or alert, depending on what kind of essential oil you choose to use. While you might have a preference for one or another, here are some of the most popular.
Eucalyptus
Often used in vapor rubs to help ease chest congestion, eucalyptus can also help combat anxiety. A 2007 study conducted by the College of Medicine in Iran discovered that people using eucalyptus to treat their anxiety experienced significant improvements.
Ylang-Ylang
This essential oil is derived from the flower of the Cananga. You can use ylang-ylang to help relax and boost your mood.
Jasmine
This oil comes from the flower of the Jasminum officinale plant, but its aroma doesn't come from flowers. It comes from steam distillation. Often used in aromatherapy as a sedative, it's a common component in many body care products.
Cedar Wood Oil
This essential oil comes from the needles and twigs of cedar trees under steam distillation. Cedarwood repels insects, so it makes sense that you'd want to avoid bugs around your home when using this product!
Chamomile Oil
Derived from the flowers of the Matricaria chamomilla plant, this essential oil is a popular alternative treatment for stress and anxiety.
Lavender Oil
According to recent research at the University of Maryland Medical Center, people with anxiety can also use lavender oil to help relieve stress, as it's believed to contribute towards an overall calming effect in your brain when you inhale its scent.
Frankincense Oil
According to researchers at Montclair State University in New Jersey, this essential oil comes from the Boswellia tree. It can help fight stress and anxiety, according to researchers at the college. The study involved a group of people asked to smell the lavender oil for 10 minutes a day. After two weeks, researchers determined that the lavender oil helped lower stress levels and made people feel calmer.
Grapefruit Oil
While you might not typically use grapefruit to treat anxiety, this essential oil can help stimulate happy hormones in your brain when using it. A study published in 2012 by researchers at Montclair State University found that participants who smelled grapefruit oil for 90 minutes had increased levels of the dopamine hormone in their brain. Dopamine is often associated with happiness and pleasure, so it makes sense that this aromatic oil can help people who use it feel more upbeat.
If you're searching for a holistic approach to treat anxiety and stress, don't overlook the benefits of using essential oils!
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