10 best herbal essential oils for stress

Herbal essential oils for stress are a natural and effective way to alleviate anxiety, calm the mind, and promote relaxation.

These oils are derived from plants and herbs that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and aromatherapy. Examples of herbal essential oils that help with stress include lavender, chamomile, and bergamot. When inhaled or applied topically, these oils can reduce cortisol levels, improve mood, and enhance sleep quality.

As a result, people who use them report feeling more calm, focused, and resilient to life's challenges, leading to improved mental health and well-being.

The following article describes in detail the most important essential oils for stress, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender essential oils helps with stress because its calming scent has a profound impact on the mind and body.

When inhaled, it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing down heart rate and blood pressure, and promoting relaxation. The oil's sweet, floral aroma also reduces feelings of anxiety and tension, allowing individuals to unwind and destress.

As a result, English lavender essential oils can be used as a natural stress-reliever, providing a sense of calm and tranquility in the midst of chaos.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in english lavender essential oils that aid with stress.

• Anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) property: English Lavender essential oil has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Sedative property: The sedative properties of English Lavender essential oil can help to calm the mind and body, reducing stress and promoting a good night's sleep.
• Adaptogenic property: English Lavender essential oil has adaptogenic properties that allow it to help the body adapt to stress and promote balance in the nervous system, reducing feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make essential oils for stress.

• Roots: The roots are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, making them an effective ingredient for calming anxiety and stress.
• Flowers: Lavender flowers are the most commonly used part of the plant for their calming effects on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for stress.

1. Harvest 10 pounds of fresh lavender flowers at peak bloom in the morning when dew is still present.
2. Dry the harvested flowers for 3-4 days indoors away from direct sunlight and moisture.
3. Crush the dried lavender flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or food processor.
4. Steam distill 1 pound of crushed lavender powder in 10 pounds of water at 100°c for 2 hours.
5. Collect and filter the resulting essential oil through a coffee filter or paper towels to remove impurities.

2. Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm essential oils helps with stress because it contains compounds like rosmarinic acid, which has a natural calming effect on the mind and body.

When inhaled or applied topically, lemon balm oil can help reduce feelings of anxiety and tension, promoting relaxation and serenity. Its sweet, citrusy aroma also has a mood-boosting effect, helping to uplift and calm the spirit.

As a result, lemon balm essential oils are often used as a natural remedy for stress relief and promoting a good night's sleep.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemon balm essential oils that aid with stress.

• Anxiolytic properties: Herbal lemon balm essential oil has anxiolytic properties, which means it helps to calm the mind and body, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress.
• Antioxidant activity: The antioxidants present in lemon balm essential oil help to neutralize free radicals, which can contribute to stress-related inflammation and oxidative damage.
• Gaba-enhancing effects: Lemon balm essential oil has been shown to enhance the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that helps regulate relaxation and calmness, making it easier to manage stress and anxiety.

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make essential oils for stress.

• Leaves: The leaves of the lemon balm plant are often used in aromatherapy due to their calming and uplifting properties, making them an effective remedy for reducing anxiety and stress.
• Flowers: Lemon balm flowers contain high concentrations of citral and geraniol, two compounds that have been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for stress.

1. Harvest fresh melissa officinalis leaves and stems in the early morning or late afternoon.
2. Wash the harvested plant material gently with cold water to remove dirt and debris.
3. Dry the washed plant material using a clean towel or air dryer for 1-2 hours.
4. Steam distill the dried plant material using a still or steam distillation apparatus at 100°c.
5. Collect and filter the resulting essential oil through cheesecloth or a coffee filter within 24 hours.

3. Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile essential oils helps with stress because of its calming and soothing properties.

When inhaled, chamomile oil can slow down a racing mind and promote relaxation by targeting the amygdala, the brain's emotional center. It also has a sedative effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce anxiety and tension.

Additionally, chamomile oil can calm the body's physiological response to stress, such as rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure, allowing individuals to feel more centered and composed in times of turmoil.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile essential oils that aid with stress.

• Anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) property: Chamomile essential oil has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress by promoting relaxation and calming the mind and body.
• Antispasmodic property: Chamomile essential oil's ability to relax muscle spasms and ease tension can help alleviate physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches and stomachaches.
• Sedative property: Chamomile essential oil's sedative properties can promote a sense of calmness and relaxation, helping to reduce stress and anxiety by slowing down the nervous system.

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make essential oils for stress.

• Roots: Rich in apigenin, an antioxidant that helps to calm and soothe the mind and body.
• Flowers: Containing azulene, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for stress.

1. Harvest fresh chamomilla flowers, collecting approximately 500 grams for distillation.
2. Wash the chamomilla flowers gently with cold water to remove dirt and debris.
3. Steam distill the cleaned chamomilla flowers using a still or apparatus for 2-3 hours.
4. Collect the extracted essential oil by condensing the steam vapor into a glass container, yielding approximately 1 ounce of oil.
5. Filter the essential oil through a coffee filter to remove any impurities and sediment, resulting in a clear golden liquid.

4. Tilia x europaea

Lime essential oils helps with stress because of its calming and uplifting properties.

The citrus scent has a way of lifting your mood, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation. When inhaled, it can slow down your heart rate and lower blood pressure, allowing you to unwind and feel more centered. Additionally, lime oil contains natural antioxidants that help combat free radicals, which can contribute to feelings of stress and fatigue.

By incorporating herbal lime essential oils into your daily routine, you can experience a sense of calm and clarity in just a few minutes.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lime essential oils that aid with stress.

• Adaptogenic properties: Herbal lime essential oil helps the body adapt to stress by regulating cortisol levels, promoting a sense of balance and calmness, and reducing anxiety.
• Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties: The oil's anxiolytic properties help reduce feelings of worry, apprehension, and fear, promoting relaxation and reducing stress-related symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and sweating.
• Uplifting and mood-enhancing properties: The uplifting and mood-enhancing properties of herbal lime essential oil help to improve one's emotional state by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood-elevators that can counteract the negative effects of stress.

The list below shows the primary parts of lime used to make essential oils for stress.

• Roots: Rich in antioxidants and adaptogenic compounds, lime roots help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
• Barks: Lime barks contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making them effective in soothing stress-related pain and discomfort.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lime for stress.

1. Harvest high-quality tilia x europaea flowers during full bloom.
2. Dry the fresh flowers in a warm dark place for at least 7 days.
3. Steam distill the dried flowers using 10 kg of flowers and 2 liters of water.
4. Separate the essential oil from the hydrosol by decantation after 30 minutes.
5. Filter the essential oil through a coffee filter paper to remove any impurities.

5. Valeriana officinalis

Valerian essential oils helps with stress because it has a calming effect on the mind and body.

The sedative properties of valerian root extract, found in high concentrations in these oils, work to quiet a racing mind and relax tense muscles. As the body's natural response to stress is reduced, feelings of anxiety and overwhelm dissipate, replaced by a sense of calm and tranquility.

This allows individuals to better cope with stressful situations and promotes a restful night's sleep, further reducing overall stress levels.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in valerian essential oils that aid with stress.

• Anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) property: Valerian essential oil has a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Sedative property: The sedative effects of valerian essential oil can help to slow down an overactive mind and promote a sense of calmness, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
• Adaptogenic property: Valerian essential oil helps the body adapt to stress by reducing cortisol levels, promoting balance in the nervous system, and supporting overall resilience.

The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make essential oils for stress.

• Roots: Valerian roots are a rich source of sesquiterpenes, which have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system and can help reduce anxiety and stress.
• Barks: The barks of the valerian plant contain valerenic acid, a compound that has been found to have a sedative effect and can help alleviate symptoms of insomnia and restlessness caused by stress.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for stress.

1. Harvest high-quality valeriana officinalis roots and flowers in the morning after the dew has dried.
2. Dry the harvested plant material using a food dehydrator on low heat for 24 hours.
3. Steam distill the dried valeriana officinalis roots and flowers at 100°c with a 10:1 ratio of water to plant material.
4. Collect the essential oil that separates from the distilled steam and discard the remaining plant material.
5. Transfer the collected essential oil to dark glass bottles filled to the brim for storage and use.

6. Passiflora incarnata

Maypop essential oils helps with stress because of its calming and sedative properties, which can help to slow down a racing mind and promote relaxation.

The oil's botanical composition, rich in linalool and limonene, works to reduce anxiety and cortisol levels, creating a sense of serenity and tranquility.

When inhaled or applied topically, maypop essential oil can also stimulate the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, helping to alleviate symptoms of stress and promote a state of well-being.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in maypop essential oils that aid with stress.

• Anxiolytic properties: Maypop contains flavonoids and glycosides that have been shown to exhibit anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, which could help alleviate stress.
• Adaptogenic effects: Maypop has been traditionally used as an adaptogen, meaning it may help the body adapt to stress by normalizing cortisol levels and promoting a sense of calm and balance.
• Gaba-enhancing properties: Maypop contains compounds that have been shown to increase GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate relaxation and reduce anxiety.

The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make essential oils for stress.

• Roots: The roots of the Maypop plant contain sesquiterpenes, which have been shown to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety when inhaled.
• Fruits: Maypop fruits are rich in flavonoids, which can help to calm the nervous system and reduce stress when used as a therapeutic essential oil.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maypop for stress.

1. Harvest high-quality passiflora incarnata flowers in the morning after dew has evaporated.
2. Dry the flowers using air circulation or machine drying at 40°c for 24 hours.
3. Steam distill the dried flowers with 0.5 grams of material per 100ml of distilled water for 30 minutes.
4. Cool the essential oil and separate it from the hydrosol by decantation or filtration within 2 hours.
5. Store the passiflora incarnata essential oil in a dark glass bottle at room temperature and use within 6 months.

7. Centella asiatica

Asiatic pennywort essential oils helps with stress because of its calming and sedative properties, which promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

The oil's natural compounds, such as alkaloids and glycosides, have been shown to have a positive impact on the nervous system, helping to calm the mind and body.

By reducing feelings of tension and overwhelm, Asiatic pennywort essential oils can help individuals feel more centered and focused, making it an excellent addition to stress management routines.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in asiatic pennywort essential oils that aid with stress.

• Antioxidant properties: Asiatic Pennywort Essential Oil has antioxidant properties that help protect the body from free radical damage caused by stress, which can lead to chronic diseases.
• Adaptogenic properties: The oil helps the body adapt to stressful situations by normalizing cortisol levels and promoting a sense of balance and calmness, reducing anxiety and fatigue.
• Anti-anxiety properties: Asiatic Pennywort Essential Oil has been shown to have anti-anxiety effects by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain, which can help reduce feelings of tension and stress.

The list below shows the primary parts of asiatic pennywort used to make essential oils for stress.

• Roots: Rich in triterpenoids and flavonoids, which help to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
• Rhyzomes: Contain sesquiterpenes that promote relaxation and soothe muscle tension.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic asiatic pennywort for stress.

1. Harvest fresh centella asiatica leaves from a clean environment and rinse them thoroughly with distilled water.
2. Chop the leaves into small pieces and combine with 20 grams of carrier oil in a clean glass jar.
3. Steep the mixture in a dark place at room temperature for 4 weeks shaking the jar daily.
4. Strain the mixture through a coffee filter or cheesecloth into another glass container discarding solids.
5. Store the resulting essential oil in a dark glass bottle with an airtight cap and use within 6 months.

8. Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn essential oils helps with stress because of its calming and sedative properties, which promote relaxation and reduce feelings of anxiety.

The oil's ability to soothe the nervous system allows individuals to feel more grounded and centered, making it easier to manage stressful situations. Additionally, hawthorn's natural adaptogenic properties help to regulate the body's response to stress, promoting a sense of balance and well-being.

By incorporating hawthorn essential oils into their daily routine, individuals can experience a significant reduction in stress levels and an overall improvement in their mental health.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in hawthorn essential oils that aid with stress.

• Antioxidant properties: Hawthorn essential oil contains powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation caused by chronic stress, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.
• Adaptogenic properties: Hawthorn essential oil has been shown to have adaptogenic effects, helping the body adapt to stress by normalizing blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels, promoting feelings of calmness and relaxation.
• Sedative and anxiolytic properties: The constituents in hawthorn essential oil, such as flavonoids and terpenes, have been found to possess sedative and anxiolytic effects, helping to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality, which are all important factors in managing stress.

The list below shows the primary parts of hawthorn used to make essential oils for stress.

• Roots: Rich in bioactive compounds that help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making them a prime candidate for stress-relieving essential oils.
• Barks: Containing flavonoids and phenolic acids, Hawthorn barks have been traditionally used to calm the nervous system and ease tension, making them an excellent choice for stress-reducing essential oils.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic hawthorn for stress.

1. Harvest high-quality crataegus monogyna leaves in early summer when they are at their peak potency for stress relief.
2. Dry the harvested leaves using a food dehydrator on low heat for 12 hours to preserve their beneficial compounds.
3. Steam distill the dried leaves in a still apparatus with distilled water at a ratio of 1:5 for 4 hours to extract the essential oil.
4. Filter the resulting essential oil through a coffee filter or cotton cloth to remove any impurities or sediment, yielding approximately 0.5ml of oil per 100g of plant material.
5. Store the extracted crataegus monogyna essential oil in dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids and keep it away from direct sunlight and heat for future use.

9. Hypericum perforatum

St John's wort essential oils helps with stress because it possesses a unique blend of constituents that work together to promote relaxation and calmness.

The oil contains hyperforin, which has been shown to interact with neurotransmitters in the brain, reducing anxiety and fear responses. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce cortisol levels, alleviating feelings of tension and overwhelm.

As a result, St John's wort essential oils can be used aromatically or topically to calm the mind and body, promoting a sense of peace and tranquility.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in st john's wort essential oils that aid with stress.

• Antioxidant: St. John's Wort essential oil has antioxidant properties, which help protect the body from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, contributing to feelings of calmness and reducing anxiety.
• Adaptogenic: The adaptogenic properties of St. John's Wort essential oil allow it to help the body adapt to stress, promoting a sense of balance and equilibrium, and reducing the negative effects of stress on the mind and body.
• Mood-enhancing: The oil contains compounds that have been shown to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood, reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make essential oils for stress.

• Roots: Rich in sesquiterpenes and flavonoids, roots of St John's Wort are valued for their adaptogenic properties, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
• Flowers: The flowers of St John's Wort contain a high concentration of hyperforin, a compound known for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for stress.

1. Harvest high-quality fresh or dried st john's wort flowers and leaves in the morning when they are most fragrant.
2. Dry the plant material using a dehydrator on low heat for 24 hours to preserve its medicinal properties.
3. Chop the dried plant material into small pieces and pack it tightly into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Fill a slow cooker with water and add the chopped st john's wort mixture, covering it by at least an inch, and let it steep for 6 hours.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass container, discarding the solids, and allow it to cool before transferring it to dark glass bottles with tight-fitting lids for storage.

10. Scutellaria baicalensis

Skullcap essential oils helps with stress because of its natural adaptogenic properties, which allow it to regulate and balance the body's response to stressors.

When inhaled or applied topically, skullcap essential oil can help calm the mind and body, reducing feelings of anxiety and tension.

Its soothing aroma also promotes relaxation and serenity, making it an effective natural remedy for managing stress and promoting overall well-being.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in skullcap essential oils that aid with stress.

• Anxiolytic property: Skullcap essential oil has been shown to possess anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain.
• Muscle relaxant property: The essential oil has a calming effect on muscle tissue, which can help alleviate physical tension associated with stress, promoting relaxation and reducing muscle spasms.
• Sedative property: Skullcap essential oil contains compounds that have a sedative effect, helping to promote relaxation, reduce restlessness, and improve sleep quality, all of which are compromised by chronic stress.

The list below shows the primary parts of skullcap used to make essential oils for stress.

• Roots: The roots of the skullcap plant are rich in sesquiterpenes, which have a calming effect on the nervous system, making them ideal for reducing stress and anxiety.
• Leaves: The leaves contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe and calm the mind and body during times of stress.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic skullcap for stress.

1. Harvest high-quality scutellaria baicalensis leaves in the early morning after dew has evaporated, collecting approximately 100g of fresh material.
2. Dry the harvested scutellaria baicalensis leaves using a food dehydrator at 35°c for 24 hours or until completely dry and brittle.
3. Grind the dried scutellaria baicalensis leaves into a fine powder using a spice grinder, ensuring uniform particle size and approximately 20g of powdered material remains.
4. Combine the ground scutellaria baicalensis powder with carrier oil such as sweet almond oil in a 1:10 ratio, stirring well to ensure thorough blending and adding approximately 200ml of carrier oil.
5. Allow the mixture to steep for 2 weeks, shaking the container daily, before straining through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to extract the essential oil, resulting in approximately 20ml of scutellaria baicalensis essential oil.

How to best treat stress with herbal essential oils?

The best way to treat stress with herbal essential oils is by blending calming and grounding aromas.

Use a combination of lavender, bergamot, and ylang-ylang essential oils to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Apply the blend topically to pulse points or inhale it through steam inhalation to alleviate stress and tension.

This natural remedy can also be added to bath water for a calming and rejuvenating experience.

What ailments similar to stress are treated with herbal essential oils?

Ailments similar to stress that are treated with herbal essential oils are anxiety/essential-oils.html">anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and mood disorders.

For example, Lavender oil is calming and relaxing for anxiety and insomnia, while Peppermint oil can help alleviate mental fogginess and improve focus.

Frankincense oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce symptoms of depression, while Bergamot oil's uplifting scent can boost mood and reduce stress.