Where to Put Essential Oils for Anxiety

Essential oils are extracted from various plant sources. They are potent, concentrated oils that come from flowers, seeds, leaves, roots, and fruits of plants. Aromatherapy involves inhaling essential oils. They can also be applied topically and absorbed through the skin for a variety of physiological effects. Those who deal with anxiety on a regular basis or even periodically can benefit from using oils to help bring calmness. The key is learning the best spots to apply them to reap the most benefit.

Ways to Use Essential Oils for Anxiety

Please note that essential oils are highly concentrated. Remember to dilute them with a carrier oil prior to applying them topically. But that’s not the only way to use them. Here are a few of the ways you can use them.

• DiffusingEOs in your home is a great way to reap their benefits. If you have a diffuser, you can add the oils you find calming to it so they are slowly released into the atmosphere.
• Inhalingessential oils is a great way to enjoy their benefits. If you are on the go and cannot diffuse them, you can put a few drops on a tissue and keep it close in a pocket or purse. You may prefer to use an aromatherapy necklace or bracelet too.
• Bathingis one way to safely dilute oils. Add a few drops to the running water to help you relax while soaking in the tub.
• Topically,essential oils can be used as part of a massage, or just put on key points on your body. Remember that before applying them topically, they must be diluted with a carrier oil like sweet almond, apricot kernel, coconut oil, or olive oil.

Why apply essential oils to the body?

Chronic stress and anxiety can be damaging to the body. They can keep the body in a constant state of tension. When the body is tense, it produces the stress hormone called cortisol. Too much cortisol in the body can shut down your reproductive and digestive systems. Applying essential oils topically can help relieve the effects of chronic stress and bring healing to the body. When the oils are applied to the skin, it can permeate the dermis and enter the bloodstream. The body can then direct it toward the part of the body that needs the benefit of its healing power. Remember to dilute it with a carrier oil before applying it directly to the skin. Generally, it is safe to mix one teaspoon of carrier oil with three drops of essential oil.

How do I apply essential oils to my body?

Applying specific EOs topically can help reduce stress and anxiety. You may want to mix them with a carrier oil in a small roller bottle so they are handy when you need them. Once you’ve discovered the oils that help you calm down the best, you can apply the diluted oils to pulse points. Apply them behind the ears, on the temples, wrists, over the heart, to the ankles. It should bring almost immediate relief from anxiety. Do not apply essential oils, diluted or not, to areas close to the eyes. Some of the oils contain menthol that can be very uncomfortable in the eyes. If you happen to get an oil blend in your eye, do not flush it out with water!! Use a carrier oil to flush the EO out of your eye instead.

Anxiety Relieving Blends

Every person is different and will respond to essential oils in a variety of ways. What works for one person will not work for everyone. You may need to experiment a bit to find the right oil or EO blend that helps you relax best. Here are a couple recipes to help you get started.

Stress-Buster Roller Blend

• 12 drops of lavender EO
• 9 drops of frankincense EO
• 9 drops of orange EO
• Carrier oil of your choice

Add the drops of EOs to a rollerball bottle and fill the remaining 10 mL with the carrier oil of your choice. Apply this blend to the bottom of your feet, spine, or back of the neck to help reduce stress.

Tension-Buster Roller Blend

• 15 drops of lavender EO
• 15 drops of frankincense EO
• 5 drops of peppermint EO
• Carrier oil of your choice (jojoba, coconut, sweet almond)

Add the oils into a 10 mL glass rollerball bottle or a small amber glass bottle. Then fill the bottle the rest of the way to the top with the carrier oil you prefer. Roll the bottle in between your palms to mix it well. Then apply it to your pulse points to help reduce tension and anxiety.