We could all use a little more relaxation in our lives right? The absolute best essential oils for relaxation and calming can be diffused or applied topically. Try lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, and many more wonderful, aromatic oils to promote tranquility and destress.
10 Essential Oils for Relaxation, Calming & Stress-Relief
- Lavender
- Roman Chamomile
- Bergamot
- Frankincense
- Jasmine
- Clary Sage
- Ylang Ylang
- Sandalwood
- Lemon
- Rosemary
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There are various brands to choose from but be absolutely sure that the essential oil you are getting is 100% Pure! And remember less is more when diffusing…start with only a few drops and build up to suit your needs.
I have tried a variety of essential oils like Young Living, Piping Rock, and Plant Therapy. I really love these NOW Essential Oils. They smell amazing and are very reasonably priced!
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Said to harmonize mind, body, and spirit, it uses essential oils aromatically to enhance physical and emotional health.
These essential oils can be applied topically when mixed with a carrier oil like sweet almond, avocado, or jojoba or you can use a diffuser for aromatherapy.
I have found that these therapeutic essential oils can bring me a sense of zen on those days I am feeling frazzled and stressed out.
Tap Into Your Senses!
Smell is the strongest of the senses and is best able to influence brain activity. As a part of the limbic system it directly connects to the area of the brain that processes emotion. For instance when you smell that certain smell and it instantly takes you back in time to the memory that you associate with it.
Imagine the smell of a cologne worn by a man you fell in love with or the intoxicating aroma of a freshly baked apple pie that reminds you of your childhood in Mom’s kitchen. Smells are powerful in so many ways. Why not harness that sense and use it to bring a little calm into our hectic lives?
We live in stressful times. Most of us have so much going on, whether it be work, school, job, kids…you name it. Some days it’s just too much! We are just trying to keep all the plates spinning at once and very often we find ourselves completely stressed out and in need of a little self-care.
Adding in some essential oils to your daily routine, whether topically or in a diffuser for aromatherapy can make a world of difference!
10 Best Essential Oils for Tranquility and Relaxation
- Lavender
First, let’s talk lavender. Easily, one of the most popular essential oils, lavender can be distilled into essential oil and has a range of applications. It is highly regarded for skin and beauty and is commonly used in fragrances and shampoos. I LOVE the smell of it myself and find it has a very soothing effect. Lavender is one of the BEST essential oils for calming and relaxation.
- Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile is extremely effective in calming down annoyance, anger, and irritation. The scent is sweet and herbaceous, a great way to unwind at the end of a hard day.
- Bergamot
Ahhh, lovely bergamot. Sweet, citrusy, and fresh-smelling… great for calming the mind, this one is great in the diffuser during meditation or yoga practice. Additionally, it may help ease cold and flu symptoms!
- Frankincense
Frankincense is amazing in so many ways. Called The King of oils, appropriately so in my humble opinion. It has a subtle and fresh woodsy aroma…so sweet and spicy, and lovely to diffuse. It can be pricey though so use sparingly! Used by the ancient Egyptians, so they say, to promote a youthful appearance, it’s been around forever. Peace and tranquility are always good side effects to look for, and this one has them.
- Jasmine
Jasmine is one of the richest essential oils out there, sweet and earthy, and know for its properties of helping alleviate stress and anxiety. It’s powerful and really packs a punch aromatically so diffuse ONLY a drop or two until you know your preference. It’s also lovely in a small roller bottle combined with wild orange, rose or sandalwood to carry on the go.
12 Easy Essential Oil DIY Roller Bottle Recipes
- Clary Sage
Clary sage has a distinctive smell that not everyone takes to, but I LOVE it! Earthy and a tad floral, if it’s not quite up your alley on its own, try blending it with some other essential oils like geranium or lavender (my favorite blends) or something citrusy like lemon or lime… often alternative health practitioners often recommend this one to help calm the body and mind.
- Ylang Ylang
This is one beautifully fragrant bloom, rich and heavy so best used in small quantities. Often used in perfume, Ylang Ylang is one of the main notes in Chanel No. 5 and Joy. A few drops in your bath with Epsom salts can do wonders to relieve tension, or mix in your favorite carrier oil and ask your partner to give you a massage!
- Sandalwood
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, sandalwood is one of my FAVORITE essential oils! I gravitate towards the earthy, musky scents myself. Think incense, aftershave, leather…ahhhh. Relaxes me just thinking about it. It is often used in prayer and meditation because of its ability to help with calming and mental clarity. This is one of my favorites to diffuse in my home yoga room.
Sandalwood blends well with so many other essential oils too…geranium, bergamot, lavender, black pepper or myrrh, even grapefruit! Thinks outside the box when it comes to blending your oils to diffuse, you may come up with a favorite combo yourself.
- Lemon
Ever popular amongst household cleaning gurus, lemon essential oil is a winner on every level. When you diffuse lemon, not only are you helping to clean and purify the air and surfaces in your home but at the same time elevating and lifting your spirit! Positively great for positive vibes!
- Rosemary
And finally, rosemary. This essential oil almost immediately lifts the negative mood when diffused or applied topically. Rosemary has a fresh and clean herbal aroma and has been used since ancient times. It reduces cortisol levels (which reduces stress) and even promotes mental clarity. Add a few drops to your bath water or combine with bergamot, chamomile, or lavender for a wonderful calming experience.
These are a few of my favorite essential oils that I use when I need a little balance, peace, and harmony in my life. So if you feel the need for some calming and relaxation, and are a fan of essential oils (and if you’ve read this far, I will assume you ARE!), why not give these a whirl?
What are your favorite essential oils for creating a relaxing atmosphere? What are some combos you absolutely adore? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!
Until next time, K.
Kelly Blakely is the founder and creative force behind Just Our View From Here. As a first-time mom over 40, she brings a fresh perspective to parenting and family life on her blog. Kelly also explores a wide range of lifestyle topics in her writing, including fashion, beauty, self-care, and well-being.
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I love all your suggestions! I just put some bergamot on to diffuse while I work because I love how it smells and helps me to focus. We have all the same favorites.
Awesome! It was really hard to narrow it down to just ten because there’s so many I love. 😊