I’ve always loved the smell of essential oils but until recently had no idea just how powerful they can be. The University of Maryland Medical Center does a good job of explaining this,
The “smell” receptors in your nose communicate with parts of your brain (the amygdala and hippocampus) that serve as storehouses for emotions and memories. When you breathe in essential oil molecules, some researchers believe they stimulate these parts of your brain and influence physical, emotional, and mental health.
How amazing is that?
I’ve personally dealt with being anxious since I was a child. I had a bit of a tumultuous childhood and am no stranger to these issues. I’ve dealt with it for over twenty years, but have successfully overcome my anxious tendencies. It was difficult and involved a lot of experimentation, but I’m not healthier and happier than I’ve ever been.
Like a lot of anxious people, I start to feel anxious, then freak out about feeling anxious, then it’s just a snowball effect and I’m a having a full-blown panic mode. I dealt with this kind of thing every day for years. It’s actually what led me to essential oils, and it’s the reason I keep using them (and why I don’t leave the house without them – literally).
They’re such a healthier alternative to other options out there, especially because a lot of those options can be addictive. Oils are potent, they’re natural and they’re effective. They worked for me and continue to do so.
Cheer Up Essential Oil Blend
This is a blend of wild orange, lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, bergamot, tangerine, clementine, vanilla bean absolute, spruce, ho wood, frankincense resin, blue tansy and blue chamomile flower in an organic liquid coconut oil base. It is specifically designed to promote a sense of tranquility, leaving you relaxed and serene. It’s a woodsy and citrusy scent that easily creates a sense of calm and well-being. Blue Tansy is a natural nerving (a natural remedy used to calm the promote relaxation). Also known as Moroccan Chamomile, blue tansy is great for inflammation.
You know how Frankincense has been used for centuries in religious ceremonies? Even the wise men brought it to sweet baby Jesus. Turns out, there may be a specific reason for this. Frankincense, also known as Boswellia, has been shown to promote relaxation and relieve feelings of sadness.
An international team of scientists, including researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, describe how burning frankincense (resin from the Boswellia plant) activates poorly understood ion channels in the brain to alleviate [anxious feelings]. Source
Relax, Max! Essential Oil Blend
This blend is made up of organic fractionated coconut oil, lavender, sweet marjoram leaf, Roman chamomile flower, ylang-ylang flower and Hawaiian sandalwood 100% pure essential oils and vanilla bean absolute. As someone who has dealt with anxiety for over twenty years, I’ve always been drawn to lavender. It’s such a calming and attractive scent. I add it to my bath water, to my perfume. In fact, I even add it to my deodorant. Overall, it is a deeply relaxing scent.
A study performed by the University of Clinical Neurology in Vienna examined the effect of aromatic lavender and orange oils on anxious feelings.
Statistical analyses revealed that compared to control condition both ambient odors of orange and lavender reduced [anxious feelings] and improved mood in patients waiting for dental treatment. These findings support the previous opinion that odors are capable of altering emotional states and may indicate that the use of odors is helpful in reducing [anxious feelings] in dental patients. Source
This blend combines lavender, sweet marjoram, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, and vanilla. As a result, these oils bring about a sense of calmness, which is why this oil is also perfect for those who have trouble sleeping. Studies have shown that ylang-ylang is extremely beneficial to the central nervous system.
The best way to apply it is on the bottom of your feet at bedtime. It promotes deep, restful sleep. In addition, on the neck, wrists, and chest throughout the day to promote relaxation.
Essential oils combined with a healthy diet and a magnesium supplement helped me immensely when it came to overcoming my anxious feelings. You can buy these essential oil blends here.
Sources:
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/aromatherapy
http://www.massagemag.com/News/print-this.php?id=3606
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2493463/#__ffn_sectitle
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110415.htm
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/681304/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16095639
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22849536
89 Comments
I hate when I get to a site for real info and then being presented with expensive brand oils, most of these sites present this on the pin so people like me don’t waste our time. I don’t expect you to leave this comment up but I had to voice my frustration, I am on a fixed income and couldn’t afford these oils even if I wanted them.
I don’t think it makes much sense to be frustrated with me because you can’t afford something. I understand that’s frustrating, I’ve definitely not been able to afford things in my life. But essential oils are a much cheaper alternative to going to the doctor, paying a copay and paying for a prescription. Plus, if you signed up as a Wellness Advocate you could promote and sell oils yourself. You could change your circumstances.
Well said – I am on a tight budget but I have found a way to make dOterra a part of my monthly expense. Thank you for sharing!
I too am a low income family. i still would love to use essental oils for anxity and chronic fatigue syndrom. how can i become a wellness adocate. i would love to sell oils. Thank you naomi
You get what you pay for
Yep!
Thank you for sharing. If there is something that can help with my anxiety besides prescriptions I’m all for it. I’d much rather pay for something all natural that works, than some chemical prescription any day!! 😀
That’s awesome!
Definitely.
The primary oil I recommend for anxiety is Serenity. I use it and love it. The others are great additions, particularly Balance and Lavender. Wild Orange and Elevation are great for boosting mood. Let me know if you have any other questions!
i, I am looking for my husband. We love Serenity and helps us all sleep. I am looking for something he can diffuse in his office to help keep him calm, relaxed and focussed without putting him to sleep. Is wild orange the best?
He could try that, Balance, Elevation, peppermint, etc.
Thanks, Dani! Ok so he could use Balance and Serenity at the same time? Do you just rub one on and then the other right after? Where have you found is the best place to put the oil? I’ve read different suggestions like behind the ears, on the feet but to put it in multiple places. His anxiety was fairly well controlled but has been really bad lately and he’s really hoping for some relief from the oils. I’ve never tried them but I do believe God put things on the earth to help us, like the plants these oils are derived from. So, I just want to make sure we are using the oils properly. Oh and how long did it take before you saw relief with the oils? Thanks again!! 🙂
My son is 11 and has extreme night time anxiety stemming from when he saw an attempted break-in next door 4 years ago. It is to the point he will either need therapy or a prescription medication. I’m going to try oils first (he already take melatonin). Would Vetiver be good to try in addition to Serenity?
Yes! I know people have a lot of success with vetiver. You may also want to try a blend of Serenity, Vetiver and Balance in a roller ball for him.
Thank you!
Yep, on ya feet. I do feel relief instantly. I also like to diffuse.
I have most of the oils listed above and would like to try this for my anxiety ( especially my agoraphobia ) ! I like the Clarity blend, but it doesn’t give me a lot of energy. Will the En-R-Gee blend be jittery or anxiety producing? I always thought that the Nutmeg in the blend is toxic and highly stimulating..Is this true?
I simply love the Stress Away blend and it really helps to calm and center me without making me too drowsy during the day…Plus it smells amazing
I’ve actually never heard of any of those blends, they aren’t sold by doTERRA.
I’ve heard so much good about the oils, but never tried. I guess my question is how long it took you to see the results and test what works and what doesn’t? They really will help with my anxiety http://onlinepharmacyreviews.org/medical-conditions/anxiety? Asks Miss Impatience :)))
I saw results immediately. When I felt that familiar anxious feeling, I immediately applied doTERRA and felt better instantly. It seriously works wonders for me.
Great! Thank you very much! 🙂
I see that you mention using oils on your feet, do you dilute it first? I just got my first set of oils and I feel like I’m unclear how to mix them.
I don’t. You should reach out to the person you signed up with, even though I’m more than happy to answer questions, they really should be providing you with training and support. That’s what I do for everyone who signs up with me.
I overhauled my diet and mostly use Serenity for anxiety. I also use Citrus Bliss and Balance throughout the day. A good diet with Serenity is what I highly recommend.
I am currently on a drug for anxiety and i am worried about the essential oils interfering with the drug. Have you any experience with supplementing the drug with the oil? I really cannot find much on the subject. I would love to totally use essential oils for everything but still a little afraid.
Essential oils actually do not interfere with drugs.
Talk to your doctor and work your way off of those bad bad anxiety drugs ! I was on them and got off all and use oils now . I was afraid to come off of drug but Life so much better now !
Thank you so much for sharing this article Dani! My experience with anxiety is similar to yours, beginning when I was 5. I currently take medication so I was so happy to come across this article! I immediately signed up as a consultant and ordered all 5 🙂 I am hoping the welcome kit will tell more about when to use certain ones…
Unfortunately it doesn’t. When people sign up with me I give free wellness consults to go over the products, how to use them and how to achieve your health goals. Hopefully the person you signed up with will provide the same.
Can you apply all 5 of these oils to the skin? If so, which body parts are best (wrists, neck, feet)? My 8 year old son has anxiety, and I want to provide an additional relief for him besides guided muscle relaxation.
Some people make a blend of each and apply to all those places but especially the feet so they can enter the bloodstream quickly.
Dani,
I came across this blog through a Google search and it literally brought tears to my eyes. I have horrible anxiety which stemmed from my mother as well. I do not like medication and have often considered oils but am not educated on them. I would like to try how can I sign up under you? Looking forward to hearing from you. Thanks Meg
Just emailed you!
I feel like I could have been reading about my own anxiety! I’m so glad I found this! Could you possibly email me more about getting started and what your daily routine is?? I’m desperate to finally overcome a lifetime of horrible anxiety/fear/panic. [email protected]
Just emailed you!
I been having anxiety for about 4 years. Im 23 yrs old with a 3 yr old.Sometimes imy anixety comes on stronger then others. I get shaky, nauseous, my heart races, & my thoughts run wild,sometimes my skin even tingles. Id orederd senerity and bargamot. Were these right choices. I been doing alot of research.
The same happens (or happened, rather) to me with my anxiety. They are both great for anxiety, diet and proper supplements make a huge difference as well.
I too, struggle with anxiety and have for most of my life. I have been on medications that have helped some, however I hate the idea of taking chemicals everyday ! I also have a son who suffers from anxiety and I have been searching for a way to help him without giving him medication… I am hoping these oils are the answer for us!
Hi Dani,
I’ve struggled a bit with anxiety for a few years now. It definitely gets worse when I’m trying to wind down and go to sleep at night. Is there one or two specific oils you would recommend to help my anxiety while I’m trying to go to sleep?
Thank you!
Serenity and vetiver. I love Serenity and use it at bedtime every single night, along with magnesium lotion. I know other people love vetiver for this purpose as well.
Thank you so much!!
Dani, My wife suffers terribly from anxiety! How do I sign up?
Thanks
Just emailed you!
Thank you so much for the post! I just recently got into DoTerra oils for anxiety and this was incredibly helpful!
Hi! I’m looking for an oil to help with my anxiety & also with my vertigo. I want something that you can rub on bottom of feet or somewhere on the skin. I don’t want something that I have to sit & inhale. If you could help me & point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it! :). Thank you!
I love Serenity on the bottom of my feet.
Awesome, thanks! I’m gonna try some of that. But I had went ahead & ordered some Peppermint, Lemon, & Lavender. Hopefully one of those will help too! 🙂
I am currently taking celexa for my anxiety. I want to slowly go off of it, as I have gained a significant amount of weight. The five essential oils you mentioned on this article, how long does it take to have affect? Is there any other essential oils for weight management? Thanks in advance
Just emailed you!
I would also like to know how long it took for these oils to work for you and how frequently you apply them. Thanks
They worked immediately for me but I also manage my anxiety with diet. I apply them everyday, several times a day.
please send me info as I do get axiety attacks and would love to order from you.
Thank you so much
Charmaine
Just emailed you!
Not every oil will work. For example some do better with lavender and vetiver, I personally do well with Serenity. You’ll have to do some experimentation with him/her.
Hi Dani,
Just like all the others, I suffer from anxiety. I have medication but I try very hard not to take it, just because of fear of how it’ll make me feel. I’m very skeptical to any types of medications for that matter. Do Do Terra Oils give you any sort of side effects? I desperately need something to control my anxiety thru out the day and also to help me deal with the anxiety as I’m going to bed. Because of the anxiety I find it difficult to fall asleep because my head is just full of thoughts that just don’t seem to stop. I desperately need help. Thank you for your time.
No, no side effects but I’m going to email you so we can chat.
Would like more info on Serenity please and thank you 🙂
Emailed you!
I incorporate essential oils in my cleaning routine for my clients. Your information and products are invaluable. It is easy enough to get a spray bottle, add distilled water and 20 or so drops of lavender essential oils and voila—-a room spray that relaxes and soothes! I also use it in the home made laundry detergent and my clients love it…although I do find I have to use quite a bit to get a nice fresh scent after washing and then drying. Perhaps I will try making lavender dryer sheets too!
Cheers,
Anna
That’s a great idea!
Anna, you don’t need to make fabric softener sheets to soften and scent your laundry, there is a much simpler way. I discovered and purchased ‘Timber Wool Dryer Balls’. They are made out of pure New Zealand Wool, come as a set of 6 XL balls, reduce drying time by up to 25%, reduce static and wrinkles and are totally chemical free! There are other brands, these are just the ones I chose, and they are easily available on Amazon. The best thing about them is that when your laundry is dry, or minutes from being dry, you add several drops of Essential Oils to one or two balls (I use about 5 to 6 drops total) turn the dryer to Air Dry, and turn it on for 10 minutes. When the dryer is done the clothes smell amazing! I marked the two balls I put the oils on by hand stitching an ‘L’ with several strands of colorfast purple thread on them. ‘L’ for Lavender. I plan to purchase another set of the dryer balls very soon so I can keep the ‘Oil’ balls separate from the everyday dryer balls, and I can have some balls for other scents. I just keep the balls in a small basket on top of the dryer, nice and handy, and nothing to make! Hope this saves you some time…good luck!
I’ve recently suffered with horrible anxiety, I sweat, shake and feel nauseous much of the time, I’m on prescribed medication bu t would love to use oils to help with some of these really nasty feelings. I live in the UK are the oils and mixes available here??
Thanks Sur
My mini Schnauzer has severe anxiety and panic disorder associated with a fly in the house. Could you suggest essential(s) oil and how to use them.
I diffuse Balance, lavender or Serenity to calm my cats.
My husband has Alzheimer’s and suffers a lot of anxiety and depression, which oil would be best for him and what is the best area to use it?
I’ve been reading some of the posts (interesting). My question is with regard to application. Suppose you are at work (with socked feet) and need to use it; what’s an alternative application? I just cannot imagine taking one’s socks off, applying the oil, and… ‘know what I mean?
Thanks,
SDK
I also apply to chest, wrists, neck, back of neck, etc. Depends on the oil too but it doesn’t have to just be the feet.
Yay!!
Am I allowed to Pin this article?
Absolutely!
Dani…
Thanks for the info. Poppy is on Prosac, Amitriptilyn and Clonapin. (whatever the spelling) Anywho… she is stopping them, and is weening and withdrawing and all that jazz. We totally will budget to get things to help with anxiety, and your article helps greatly. Any other recommendations for her, to help with w/ds as well? Just wondering? I know that’s a lot of info, but wanted to be straight up with you. Her doctor is NOT helping because she’s not happy she doesn’t want to stay drugged up. Thanks so much!
Derek and Poppy
Awesome! Yes, I have used both of those as well — they’re carrier oils that you would use to dilute essential oils in
Thank you so much for this article- I had no idea bergamot could help with anxiety too.
I must admit, I wasn’t sure of the smell of ‘Balance’ after ordering it, but am totally addicted to it now!
Thanks again for your help! xx
Isn’t Balance awesome?! One of my favorites.
My daughter is suffering from anxiety and depression and has been for some time. We are finally at the point of having her take medication but she does not want to. (I don’t blame her.) Is it safe for her to use the oils being a teenager? Also, could you use the oils as a preventative for the anxiety, so instead of putting it on when you feel the anxiety hit, you use it on a regular basis to prevent the anxiety?
Thanks for any help/advice you can share.
Hi! I’ve been experiencing horrible anxiety for the last year. Its the worst thing I’ve ever experienced! I couldnt imagine dealing with this my entire life… I’m taking medication and slowly getting introduced to essential oils. My question, though, is how do you manage anxiety with your diet? Could you please give me some more info regarding dieting to manage anxiety?
Thank you for the article Dani. My 6-year-old is a little anxious. I used Serenety and he feels alot better.
That’s wonderful!
I’m trying to make a roller ball for my cousin who suffers from anxiety and I have the oils you suggested but how many drops of each do I put in with the coconut oil?
Hi Dani! My husband has anxiety and I would like to know what oils will be best to calm him. Bedtime is the worst to get him to finally fall asleep. Sounds like serenity is where I need to start. Also, what kind of diet do u follow? I am trying to learn how to help him. Please email me when u can. Thank you! Angie
I am allergic to lavender. Many people are sensitive to it. Rosemary in difuser also has a calming effect.
I read your article carefully, amazing information for me! Thank for sharing
Hi I’m interested in finding out more about essential oils for anxiety and depression. I am looking to purchase and learn more
Thanks
Great! You can check out info on the oils here: http://ancestralorganics.com/pages/essential-oils
Can I use Clary Sage for Anxiety on my feet? And do I have to use a carrier oil?
Yes, I would dilute it and apply to the vitaflex points on the bottoms of your feet.
Thanks for sharing, very insightful and helpful!
Thank you Dani for all the information you have posted. All the comments and responses you have given to those of us who are desperately searching for relief of this anxious feeling. Medication is not an option for me, I have found peace in my relationship with my lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I read my bible and meditate on his word. I have also found that oils have helped me to stay focused on what matters. Your information and advice are greatly appreciated. I have tried just few oils but your info is uplifting. Thank you. I would like more info.