13 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Anxiety
Herbal essential oils for anxiety are natural plant-based extracts used to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alleviate anxiety symptoms.
They work by interacting with the brain's chemistry, influencing emotions and mood, and providing a calming effect.
Some of the most effective herbal essential oils for anxiety include lavender oil, which promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety; bergamot oil, which reduces anxiety and stress by its uplifting and calming properties; frankincense oil, which reduces anxiety and stress by its grounding and calming effects; ylang-ylang oil, which reduces anxiety by its soothing and calming properties; chamomile oil, which promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety; and sandalwood oil, which promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety by its grounding and calming effects.
These herbal essential oils can be used in aromatherapy, applied topically after dilution, or inhaled directly to help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
According to "Journal of agricultural and food chemistry", essential oils for anxiety have been shown to have fewer side effects and more diversified application ways compared to traditional drugs, with over 20 compounds derived from essential oils demonstrating anxiolytic effects in rodents.
Below there's a list of the 13 best herbal essential oils for anxiety.
- 1. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
- 2. Valeriana officinalis essential oils
- 3. Melissa officinalis essential oils
- 4. Passiflora incarnata essential oils
- 5. Avena sativa essential oils
- 6. Ginkgo biloba essential oils
- 7. Hypericum perforatum essential oils
- 8. Zingiber officinale essential oils
- 9. Anthemis nobilis essential oils
- 10. Matricaria chamomilla essential oils
- 11. Bacopa monnieri essential oils
- 12. Vitex agnus-castus essential oils
- 13. Silybum marianum essential oils
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1. Lavandula angustifolia essential oils
Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, derived from the flowers of the lavender plant, have been widely used to treat anxiety due to their calming and soothing properties.
The key constituents of this oil, including linalool and linalyl acetate, contribute to its anxiolytic effects, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
The bioactive compounds in Lavandula angustifolia essential oils interact with the brain's neurotransmitters, helping to regulate the body's response to anxiety, and ultimately leading to a sense of calm and tranquility.
Regular use of Lavandula angustifolia essential oils has been found to provide numerous benefits in anxiety management, including reduced symptoms of anxiety and improved sleep quality.
Related Study
According to "Pharmaceutical biology", Lavandula angustifolia essential oils, which are derived from the plant Lavandula officinalis (also known as Lavender), showed anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects in a study using scopolamine-induced anxiety in rats, with a dose-dependent reduction in anxiety-like behavior.
2. Valeriana officinalis essential oils
Valeriana officinalis essential oils, derived from the roots of the valerian plant, have been traditionally used to treat anxiety due to their calming and sedative properties.
The sedative effects of Valeriana officinalis are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including valepotriates and isovaleramate, which interact with the brain's GABA receptors to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
This herbal preparation helps to treat anxiety by reducing stress and promoting a good night's sleep, which is essential for managing anxiety symptoms.
The benefits of Valeriana officinalis essential oils in treating anxiety include improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety levels, and enhanced overall well-being.
Related Study
According to "Current pharmaceutical biotechnology", Valeriana officinalis essential oils for anxiety have been shown to have promising effects in both animal models and clinical studies, indicating potential as a novel treatment option.
3. Melissa officinalis essential oils
Melissa officinalis essential oils have been traditionally used to treat anxiety due to their calming and sedative properties.
The anxiolytic effects of Melissa officinalis essential oils are attributed to the presence of bioactive constituents such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which help to modulate the nervous system and reduce stress levels.
By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, Melissa officinalis essential oils help to alleviate symptoms associated with anxiety, including feelings of unease and restlessness.
The benefits of using Melissa officinalis essential oils to treat anxiety include reduced symptoms of anxiety, improved sleep quality, and enhanced overall well-being.
Related Study
According to "BMC complementary medicine and therapies", Melissa officinalis essential oils may be effective in reducing anxiety severity, as a 12-week clinical trial found a significant decrease in anxiety scores in patients with type 2 diabetes who received the extract, compared to baseline.
4. Passiflora incarnata essential oils
Passiflora incarnata essential oils have been traditionally used to treat anxiety due to their calming and sedative properties, which help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and promote relaxation.
The herbal preparation contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides that work together to produce a calming effect on the nervous system, thereby reducing anxiety and stress levels.
By inhibiting the activity of neurotransmitters involved in anxiety, such as serotonin and dopamine, Passiflora incarnata essential oils help to regulate mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and fear.
The benefits of using Passiflora incarnata essential oils to treat anxiety include reduced symptoms of anxiety, improved sleep quality, and enhanced overall well-being, making it a natural and effective remedy for anxiety relief.
Related Study
According to "Current pharmaceutical biotechnology", Passiflora incarnata essential oils for anxiety showed positive results in clinical studies, along with other natural products such as kava, valerian, St John's wort, and ginseng.
5. Avena sativa essential oils
Avena sativa essential oils have been used for centuries to treat anxiety ailments due to their calming and soothing properties.
This herbal preparation helps to reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation, improving sleep quality, and alleviating stress, which in turn helps to calm the mind and body.
The bioactive constituents of Avena sativa, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and ferulic acid, have been found to have anxiolytic and sedative effects, making it an effective treatment for anxiety.
The benefits of using Avena sativa essential oils for anxiety include reduced symptoms of anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being, making it a natural and effective alternative to traditional treatments.
6. Ginkgo biloba essential oils
Ginkgo biloba essential oils have been traditionally used to treat anxiety due to their calming and sedative properties, which help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
The herbal preparation's ability to modulate the neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, contributes to its anxiolytic effects, while its flavonoids and terpenoids help to stabilize mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
The bioactive constituents of Ginkgo biloba, including bilobalide and ginkgolides, have been shown to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing its availability in the brain and reducing anxiety.
The benefits of using Ginkgo biloba essential oils to treat anxiety include improved mood, reduced stress levels, and enhanced overall well-being.
Related Study
According to "Life sciences", Ginkgo biloba essential oils for anxiety may be effective due to their MAO inhibitory properties, which may underlie their reported anti-stress and anxiolytic activities.
7. Hypericum perforatum essential oils
Hypericum perforatum essential oils, also known as St. John's Wort, have been traditionally used to treat anxiety due to their anxiolytic and sedative properties.
The bioactive constituents of this herbal preparation, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, are responsible for its therapeutic effects, which help to reduce anxiety by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, Hypericum perforatum essential oils help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, including feelings of worry and restlessness.
The benefits of using this herbal preparation to treat anxiety include improved mood, reduced anxiety levels, and enhanced overall well-being.
Related Study
According to "Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior", Hypericum perforatum essential oils for anxiety show anxiolytic activity, as the total extract of H. perforatum increases locomotor activity in the open field and exerts anxiolytic activity in the light-dark test.
8. Zingiber officinale essential oils
Zingiber officinale essential oils, commonly known as ginger essential oil, have been used to treat anxiety due to its calming and soothing properties.
The bioactive constituents of ginger essential oil, including gingerols and shogaols, help to reduce anxiety by acting as a natural sedative and anti-inflammatory agent, thereby promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
The benefits of using ginger essential oil for anxiety treatment include reduced symptoms of anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.
By incorporating ginger essential oil into aromatherapy or topical applications, individuals can experience a natural and effective way to manage anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
Related Study
According to "Alternative therapies in health and medicine", Zingiber officinale essential oils for anxiety may be beneficial due to the fact that V officinalis (which is the same as Zingiber officinale), represents the most thoroughly investigated medicinal plant material that produces anxiolytic, sedative effects.
9. Anthemis nobilis essential oils
Anthemis nobilis essential oils, also known as chamomile essential oil, have been widely used to treat anxiety due to its soothing and calming properties.
The herbal preparation helps to treat anxiety by promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety levels, and improving sleep quality.
The bioactive constituents of chamomile essential oil, including apigenin and luteolin, have been found to bind to GABA receptors in the brain, leading to a calming effect and reduction in anxiety symptoms.
The benefits of using chamomile essential oil to treat anxiety include reduced anxiety and stress levels, improved sleep quality, and a sense of calm and relaxation, making it a popular natural remedy for anxiety relief.
Related Study
According to "Recent patents on biotechnology", Anthemis nobilis essential oils, also known as chamomile, are among the most common medicinal plants used in Iran for the cure of stress and anxiety.
10. Matricaria chamomilla essential oils
Matricaria chamomilla essential oils, derived from the flowers of the German chamomile plant, possess a range of therapeutic properties that make it an effective natural remedy for anxiety.
The calming and soothing effects of Matricaria chamomilla essential oils help to reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving sleep quality.
The bioactive constituents of Matricaria chamomilla essential oils, including apigenin, luteolin, and bisabolol, contribute to its anxiolytic properties by interacting with the body's GABA receptors and modulating the activity of neurotransmitters.
The benefits of using Matricaria chamomilla essential oils to treat anxiety include reduced symptoms of anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.
Related Study
According to "Recent patents on biotechnology", Matricaria chamomilla essential oils for anxiety are among the most common medicinal plants used in Iran for the cure of stress and anxiety.
11. Bacopa monnieri essential oils
Bacopa monnieri essential oils have been traditionally used to treat anxiety ailments due to their adaptogenic properties, which help to balance the body's response to stress.
The herbal preparation contains bioactive constituents such as bacosides and saponins, which have been shown to possess anxiolytic properties, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
The benefits of using Bacopa monnieri essential oils to treat anxiety include reduced symptoms of anxiety and improved mood, as well as enhanced cognitive function and memory.
By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, Bacopa monnieri essential oils provide a natural and effective way to alleviate anxiety and promote overall well-being.
12. Vitex agnus-castus essential oils
Vitex agnus-castus essential oils, also known as chasteberry oil, have been traditionally used to help alleviate anxiety due to its calming and sedative properties.
The herbal preparation contains bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and iridoids, which are believed to interact with the body's hormonal system, particularly the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, to promote a sense of relaxation and reduce anxiety.
By regulating the production of these neurotransmitters, Vitex agnus-castus essential oils may help to calm the mind and body, providing relief from anxiety symptoms.
The benefits of using this herbal preparation to treat anxiety include reduced stress levels, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.
Related Study
According to "Journal of women's health & gender-based medicine", Vitex agnus-castus essential oils for anxiety showed a significant efficacy, as 93% of patients reported a decrease in symptoms or cessation of premenstrual syndrome complaints, including anxiety, after a treatment period of three menstrual cycles.
13. Silybum marianum essential oils
Silybum marianum essential oils have been traditionally used to treat anxiety due to their sedative and anxiolytic properties, which help to calm the mind and body.
The bioactive constituents of Silybum marianum, including flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids, work together to reduce anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
The benefits of using Silybum marianum essential oils to treat anxiety include improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety symptoms, and enhanced overall well-being.
By promoting a sense of calm and reducing anxiety, Silybum marianum essential oils provide a natural and effective solution for managing anxiety and promoting emotional balance.
Related Study
According to the study, Silybum marianum essential oils were found to be effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which may indirectly suggest its potential benefits for anxiety.