The Best Essential Oils for Stress & Anxiety According to Science

Mental health has been a hot topic as of late - and for good reason. Statistics show mental health issues are on the rise. In a go-go-go culture, it's so important to check in with yourself and make time for breaks.

Essential oils are a great tool for promoting relief on the go, or for supplementing other relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, and massage. According to a study by Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, "Essential oils may affect a number of biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function."

De-Strain tension relief oil is a blend of oils based on Ayurvedic formulas for relieving head strain, tension, and anxiety. It contains such powerful botanicals as peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus, among other anti-inflammatory oils. Click here to see the full ingredient list and suggested uses.

As for individual essential oils, below are just a handful of oils known to aid in easing tension, anxiety, and stress. All of the oils below can be used topically, inhaled through an infuser, or even misted on the shower floor for a rejuvenating experience.

1. LAVENDER. Lavender's effects on the brain and its ability to relieve anxiety have been scientifically proven on many occasions. The best way to use lavender is to apply it topically. In fact, research shows that it can begin working in as little as five minutes of rubbing the oil into the skin.

2. FRANKINCENSE. A known mood-booster, Frankincense also helps to reduce inflammation in the body. In a 2008 study, a hand massage using an oil blend containing frankincense improved anxiety and depression in cancer patients.

3. BERGAMOT. According to a study by Phytotherapy Research, Bergamot is an effective tool for mental health and wellbeing, calming the mind and soothing feelings of tension or anxiety.

4. LEMONGRASS. Lemongrass is a powerful oil for clarifying the mind and reducing stress. A 2011 study showed that mice were impacted positively by lemongrass, as indicated by changes in levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (a neurotransmitter that relieves stress), in the brain.

5. CLARY SAGE. Clary sage has long been used as a natural antidepressant - and this study conducted on rats showed a positive influence on levels of dopamine in the body.

6. JASMINE. Aside from being a popular fragrance for perfumeries, jasmine has a powerful effect on the nerves. In fact, research has shown that jasmine oil is comparable to the drug Valium in its ability to calm the nerves.

7. EUCALYPTUS. Commonly used in spas as a form of aromatherapy, eucalyptus is actually clinically proven to soothe the mind. According to a 2017 study using rats, eucalyptus has the ability to affect brain patterns and reduce anxiety.

8. PEPPERMINT. Peppermint has long been used to lift the spirit and ease tension. In a 2017 study peppermint oil was shown to reduce depression and anxiety in heart attack patients.

What's your go-to way of coping with stressful moments? Let us know in the comments!