I use aromatherapy in my office all the time. The molecules in the oil are inhaled and go directly into the brain. They have a direct effect on mood and feelings.

Another option is to use a high quality tincture made by Herb Pharm. You simply put a dropperful in water and drink it down. Follow the directions on the label. These replace meds. Herbs are medicine. You should not take both.

We all feel anxiety in varying degrees on a day-to-day basis. It can feel so overpowering.

Properly blended and administered essential oils, however, have the incredible potential to soothe and reduce the feelings of anxiety. Use of essential oils, however, should not be used as a replacement for proper medical attention and medications as necessary.

Below are four specially formulated essential oil blends may be helpful when feeling anxious. Everyone can respond to essential oils and blends differently. These blends are offered as a starting point and as inspiration in discovering the anxiety blends that may work best for you.

When selecting and using essential oils, be sure to follow all safety precautions and remember that aromatherapy should not be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment.

Anxiety Blend #1

• 2 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
• 2 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
• 1 drop Lavender Essential Oil

Linalyl Acetate is an ester that is found in the trio of essential oils included in this anxiety blend. Linalyl acetate can be helpful in situations of stress, anxiety and depression. Bergamot is a citrus with a beautifully distinctive citrus aroma that contains Linalyl Acetate and smells delightful when combined with clary sage and lavender essential oils.

Anxiety Blend #2

• 3 drops Sandalwood Essential Oil
• 2 drops Bergamot Essential Oil

Sandalwood Essential Oil is not only an aromatically exquisite essential oil, but it can be grounding and help soothe anxiety. Combined with Bergamot Essential Oil, this simple blend can help support those enduring periods of anxiety.

Anxiety Blend #3

• 2 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
• 2 drops Petitgrain Essential Oil
• 1 drop Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil

Roman Chamomile Essential Oil can be especially helpful in combating the feelings of anxiety. Petitgrain Essential Oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree (it is not phototoxic). It helps to balance out the sweet, floral aroma of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil. Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil is moderately grounding, calming and also helps to bring balance to the aroma of this anxiety essential oil blend.

Anxiety Blend #4

• 2 drops Mandarin Essential Oil
• 1 drop Rose Essential Oil
• 1 drop Lavender Essential Oil
• 1 drop Vetiver Essential Oil

Mandarin Essential Oil is a gentle citrus essential oil that is uplifting without being stimulating in this blend. Rose Essential Oil is a powerful essential oil that can help soothe feelings of anxiety, especially due to feelings that may stem from grief, guilt or loss. Lavender Essential Oil works synergistically with the mandarin and rose essential oils to help ease anxiety. Vetiver Essential Oil is a base note that is particularly grounding. It can also help balance the aroma of the blend. If you don’t particularly like the aroma of Vetiver Essential Oil, you can substitute Atlas Cedarwood, Sandalwood or Patchouli Essential Oil.

Directions

Select one of the blends shown above. Then, choose which method you’d like to use and follow the directions below.

Diffuser Master Blend

Multiply your blend by 4 to obtain a total of 20 drops of your chosen blend. Add your oils to a dark colored glass bottle and mix well by rolling the bottle in between your hands. Add the appropriate number of drops from your created blend to your diffuser by following the manufacturer’s instructions for your diffuser brand and model. Some essential oils such as thick oils or citrus oils aren’t compatible with all diffuser types.

Essential Oil Inhaler Blend

Multiply your blend by 3 to obtain a total of 15 drops of your chosen blend. Continue by reading to the Essential Oil Inhaler Blends page and using the 15 drop blend in place of the suggested blends shown on the page.

Air Freshener

Multiply your blend by 6 to obtain a total of 30 drops of your chosen blend. Continue by using the 30 drop blend in the Air Freshener recipe.

Additional Essential Oil Suggestions

Visit the Aromatherapy for Emotional Well-Being article for a list of oils that may help with this condition and for information on using aromatherapy to support and balance your emotional outlook.

For more info about essential oils that can assist with anxiety, methods of use and to view a list of 25 essential oils, read AromaWeb’s Guide to Essential Oils for Anxiety.

General Safety Information

These recipes are offered for educational purposes only. Before using any essential oil, carefully read AromaWeb’s Essential Oil Safety Information page. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young. Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. For general dilution information, read AromaWeb’s Guide to Diluting Essential Oils. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications.