Did you know that anxiety affects around 6.8 million people in the United States? Moreover, the American Psychiatric Association says that 43% of adults feel more anxious in 2024 than in 2023.
All of this points towards effective ways to treat anxiety disorders. For instance, general anxiety disorder (GAD). This is where you experience the following symptoms:
- Irrational worrying
- Uncontrolled thoughts
- Excessive worrying without cause
Interestingly, essential oils are a popular alternative to traditional anxiety treatment. In fact, the latest research suggests that oil extracts can help reduce anxiety and stress symptoms. So, we picked the top 5 oil extracts to help you promote relaxation.
1. CBD Oil
The first extract for anxiety relief is CBD oil. It comes from “hemp” – i.e., the sister plant of cannabis (marijuana). If it comes from hemp, it is considered legal. Otherwise, the FDA does not approve of CBD and THC products coming directly from cannabis.
Unlike THC, CBD oil won’t give you the “high”. Also, it must have less than 0.3% of THC content to fall under the “hemp” category. That’s what makes it a safe and non-addictive option for anxiety relief.
Research suggests that CBD can help with insomnia and stress conditions. It binds with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and promotes relaxation. As a result, it helps you achieve a relaxed mental state.
2. Lavender Oil
Next, we have Lavender oil. It is well-known for relaxation and anxiety relief, according to research. This oil extract can help you reduce stress and achieve a relaxed state based on scientific studies.
Lavender oil extract has anxiolytic effects. That is another way of saying that it can reduce anxiety by influencing the neurotransmitters in your brain. Furthermore, scientific studies confirm it is a safe and effective option for anxiety relief.
You can use lavender oil extracts by:
- Diffussing it into the air;
- Applying it on the skin;
- Adding it to bathwater.
3. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile also provides a potential oil extract for anxiety relief. It is a daisy-like herb. Interestingly, it has been used for centuries to treat:
It comes from the chamomile flowers which are rich in:
- Terpenoids
- Hydroxycoumarins
- Mucilages
- Flavonoids
It is a fruity and sweet-smelling essential oil which can help decrease anxiety. In fact, a clinical trial confirmed anxiety relief in cancer patients who received massages using chamomile oil extracts.
4. Bergamot Oil
Bergamot orange has a citrusy and fruity oil extract. It comes from the “Citrus bergamia” tree. Most producers use the “cold-pressing” technique to get the extract from the rind of the fruits. Meanwhile, it is also a popular oil extract for aromatherapy.
A study suggests that the bergamot oil extract can help reduce anxiety and associated behaviors. According to another scientific study, patients used bergamot orange oil before a surgical procedure. It helped them alleviate anxiety symptoms and create a relaxed mental state.
You can use bergamot oil through:
- Aromatherapy
- Topical skin ointments
Note: Apply it as a topical ointment using caution as it can lead to photosensitivity.
5. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is a popular anxiety relief treatment option. It comes from the resin of the Boswellia trees. It has calming and grounding properties. That’s why it was also a part of traditional medicine for promoting mental clarity.
Research confirms that frankincense oil can reduce anxiety and anxiety-like behaviors. Moreover, it is a common oil extract used for aromatherapy during mindfulness and meditation practices. Since it has calming properties, it helps individuals feel relaxed and focused.
How to use oil extracts for anxiety relief
You can use oil extracts for anxiety relief in different ways. For example, you can use aromatherapy. It is where you diffuse the oil extract into the air. Then, you have options like topical application and ingestion.
Aromatherapy
It is one of the most common ways to use the oil extracts. You can use aromatherapy to diffuse the oils into the air. For this, you can buy special diffusers online or from stores. Diffusing it into the air fills the room with the scent. In turn, it creates a calming environment. Most people use aromatherapy for oils like:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Frankincense
Topical application
Next, you have options like topical ointments. You can apply oil extracts directly onto your skin. These ointments contain “carrier oil” which helps your skin absorb the extracts more effectively. Moreover, it also helps with localized relief of muscle tension and stress. Common oil extracts for topical application include:
Ingestion
Another effective way to use these oil extracts is through ingestion. Many of these extracts can be incorporated into gummies and other edible forms that help alleviate anxiety. For instance, you can find CBD products that harness the calming properties of CBD oil to reduce anxiety and stress. These combine natural CBD (minus the THC or “high” substances) with other beneficial ingredients to support overall well-being.
Final thoughts
So, yes. Oil extracts are a natural and effective way for anxiety relief. You can choose from a range of essential oils, like CBD, chamomile, lavender, and others. Each type of essential oil extract has unique benefits.
In addition, each extract offers varying potency when it comes to stress and anxiety relief. You can combine oil extract with other practices to promote relaxation in your daily routine. And, with reduced anxiety, you can boost focus and improve energy levels.
Make sure you consult your primary healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, like CBD gummies or other essential oil products.
Next, you have options like topical ointments. You can apply oil extracts directly onto your skin. These ointments contain “carrier oil” which helps your skin absorb the extracts more effectively. Moreover, it also helps with localized relief of muscle tension and stress. Common oil extracts for topical application include:
Ingestion
Another effective way to use these oil extracts is through ingestion. Many of these extracts can be incorporated into gummies and other edible forms that help alleviate anxiety. For instance, you can find CBD products that harness the calming properties of CBD oil to reduce anxiety and stress. These combine natural CBD (minus the THC or “high” substances) with other beneficial ingredients to support overall well-being.
Final thoughts
So, yes. Oil extracts are a natural and effective way for anxiety relief. You can choose from a range of essential oils, like CBD, chamomile, lavender, and others. Each type of essential oil extract has unique benefits.
In addition, each extract offers varying potency when it comes to stress and anxiety relief. You can combine oil extract with other practices to promote relaxation in your daily routine. And, with reduced anxiety, you can boost focus and improve energy levels.
Make sure you consult your primary healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, like CBD gummies or other essential oil products.
