The holidays are a notoriously stressful time of year. Celebrating the season seems impossible sometimes, especially with the kids out of school and credit card bills looming! Whether you’re running your essential oil diffuser in your home or wearing essential oil jewelry, the oils you choose to diffuse can certainly affect your stress levels and help you bring on the calm. We’re sharing 12 of our favorite essential oil blends for stress relief.
Can aromatherapy help reduce stress?
The use of essential oils to aid in stress relief is becoming more popular today as a natural alternative to medications. Stress is caused by some sort of negatively perceived situation, and although essential oils cannot magically make a situation disappear, there are known benefits from the relaxation effects that aromatherapy offers.
Anxiety (and, on the other side, joy!) originates from the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls emotions [source]. Out of all our senses, the sense of smell is the only one linked to this part of the brain.
And maybe even before we become aware of the effects a particular oil or fragrance may have on us, molecules from the essential oils we smell are already at work on our limbic lobe.
We breathe in the soothing scents, and the oil’s teeny tiny chemical compounds reach our olfactory nerves, which then send messages to the brain to release serotonin or endorphins. Those hormones impact our mood and emotions. That’s how inhaling essential oils for stress can result in emotional stability, calmness, and relaxation.
Much of aromatherapy research has centered on lavender [source]. Studies have concluded that inhaling lavender reduces stress in intensive care unit patients, postpartum women, high school students, and even dental patients! Other research has found that lavender is an excellent natural remedy to treat insomnia and improve sleep quality [source].
But you don’t have to limit yourself to just lavender. Many essential oils have the same stress-relieving chemical compounds that have been studied in lavender. Here’s how those chemical compounds work.
What should I diffuse?
Some of the most popular essential oils used to combat stress are lavender, geranium, jasmine (a favorite of mine!), rose, frankincense, and citrus oils. We’ve put together some of the stress-away recipes below for you to try in your home diffuser or essential oil jewelry.
Blend #1: Lavender, Frankincense, Orange
Lavender has a very calming and relaxing scent, which may be helpful in alleviating both physical and emotional stress. Studies have shown that smelling lavender may help reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and even depression [source].
Lavender also has been shown to decrease blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature, which indicate a decrease in the body’s stress response and a relaxing effect overall [source].
Frankincense is a great essential oil that many believe may help lift and decrease stress and improve attitude. This well-known tree resin has a long history of use, both medicinally [source] and in religious ceremonial settings.
Orange is very uplifting, like many of the citrus oils. One university study found that orange and other citrus scents helped promote relaxation [source]—something much needed this time of year!
Diffuse this combination of essential oils:
—4 drops lavender
—4 drops orange
—2 drops frankincense
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Blend #2: Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang
Roman chamomile has a calming scent that may help ease anxiety and stress. For many years, chamomile has been used to help promote a calm environment [source].
The influence of ylang ylang (“flower of flowers”) may be beneficial when dealing with mood issues due to its harmonizing and relaxing properties [source]. This oil has been shown to help regulate blood pressure and heart rate, making the subjects feel calmer [source].
Diffuse this combination of essential oils:
—5 drops lavender
—3 drops Roman chamomile
—1–2 drops ylang ylang
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Blend #3: Bergamot, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang
Bergamot is another personal favorite of mine! I love the calming scent, which helps lift my mood almost immediately. Historically, it has been used for its medicinal benefits [source].
Patchouli’s distinct aroma is believed to have a relaxing effect (love using this one near the end of the day), which is why it’s a favorite with so many!
Diffuse this combination of essential oils:
—5 drops bergamot
—3 drops patchouli
—2 drops ylang ylang
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Blend #4: Lavender, Lime, Mandarin
Lime has been used for its potent antibacterial properties [source].
Mandarin has a scent that promotes happiness, and it smells wonderful combined with lavender and lime.
Diffuse this combination of essential oils:
—4 drops lime
—4 drops mandarin
—2 drops lavender
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Blend #5: Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender
Geranium is a great essential oil for anxiety, as this study showed with women in labor [source]. It’s wonderful when blended with bergamot and lavender, and the three together may help ease feelings of nervous tension, lift the spirits, and bring an overall sense of balance and emotional calm.
Diffuse this combination of essential oils:
—4 drops geranium
—4 drops bergamot
—2 drops lavender
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Blend #6: Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Bergamot
The rich, woodsy scent of sandalwood is so pleasant, you’ll want to slow down and take a few deep breaths. That musky aroma has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, yoga, and meditation to promote feelings of connection and grounding [source].
Clary sage has an incredible aroma, and studies are finding that it has an antidepressant-like effect as well [source].
Diffuse this combination of essential oils:
—5 drops sandalwood
—3 drops clary sage
—2 drops bergamot
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Blend #7: Rosemary, Peppermint, Lavender
This is one of my absolute favorite essential oil blends for stress.
Rosemary has a fresh herbaceous aroma that is invigorating to the mind and is great if you’ve been feeling a bit down. In fact, in combination with lavender, it has been shown to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression [source]. It also contains analgesic properties that can help with physical pain [source].
Peppermint essential oil contains menthol, which is frequently used in pain-relieving formulations, especially for musculoskeletal pain [source].
When these three essential oils are used together, you’ve got an energy essential oil blend sure to make you feel invigorated and ready to take on the day!
Diffuse this combination of essential oils:
—5 drops lavender
—3 drops rosemary
—2 drops peppermint
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Blend #8: Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense
The spicy, herbal aroma of marjoram is traditionally believed to have emotional aromatherapy benefits similar to lavender. Sometimes referred to as the “herb of happiness,” marjoram contains a number of therapeutic properties [source].
It pairs well with Roman chamomile to make a sleep-inducing bath blend.
Diffuse this combination of essential oils:
—4 drops marjoram
—4 drops Roman chamomile
—2 drops frankincense
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Blend #9: Geranium, Mandarin, Bergamot
One of my biggest sources of anxiety is anticipatory stress—all of the thinking and worrying about something before it happens. That’s where this blend shines! Geranium, mandarin, and bergamot make a lovely blend that helps me feel secure when I’m having anxious thoughts.
Diffuse this combination of essential oils:
—4 drops geranium
—4 drops mandarin
—2 drops bergamot
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Blend #10: Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, Rosemary
Grapefruit is another uplifting citrus oil that works well when you need an energy boost. The zesty aroma is sure to help you feel brighter and help you let go of negative feelings.
Juniper berry has a light, clean aroma that pairs excellently with grapefruit. Although scientific studies are lacking, this lovely oil has traditionally been used to promote feelings of calm and relaxation.
Diffuse this combination of essential oils:
—5 drops grapefruit
—3 drops juniper berry
—2 drops rosemary
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Blend #11: Frankincense, Lavender, Cedarwood
Cedarwood is another woodsy oil that has an affinity for the nervous system. Cedrol is one of its main components and has been shown to exhibit sedative qualities in mice [source]. This is perfect for those times when you’re wound up with nervous energy and are having a hard time getting to sleep!
Diffuse this combination of essential oils:
—4 drops frankincense
—4 drops lavender
—2 drops cedarwood
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
Blend #12: Clary Sage, Lemon, Ginger
Lemon is yet another citrus essential oil that helps combat feelings of anxiety. The fruity aroma is great for helping you feel less stressed and boosting your mood in general [source].
Ginger is an essential oil that is known for its helpful effects on nausea or vomiting [source]. So if an upset stomach tends to accompany your anxiety, this essential oil blend is a great option to consider!
Diffuse this combination of essential oils:
—5 drops clary sage
—3 drops lemon
—2 drops ginger
Adjust the number of drops to accommodate your diffuser’s instructions.
How to Use Essential Oil Blends for Stress Relief
There are a few different ways to reap the relaxing benefits of aromatherapy. If you plan to diffuse oils into the air, just make sure that they’re pet and child-friendly first. If they’re not, use a handheld personal diffuser instead.
More ways to use essential oils for stress:
—Mix 2-3 drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil and apply to pulse points whenever you’re feeling stressed
—Use a diffuser bracelet
—Make aromatherapy essential oil candles
—Spritz it in the air
—Whip up a super simple reed diffuser
—Make your own soy wax melts
—Put a few drops in a car diffuser
Essential Oils for Stress FAQ
Where do I apply essential oils?
If applying essential oils directly to skin, mix 2-3 drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil and apply to wrists, crooks of the elbow, neck just below the jar, behind the ears and any other pulse points.
What essential oil is good for tension headaches?
Peppermint oil is great for relieving tension headaches caused by stress and anxiety. Thanks to cooling menthol, peppermint oil helps stimulate blood flow and calm tense muscles.
How many drops of oil should I use in my diffuser?
Make sure to read your diffuser’s instructions to find out how many drops of oil are recommended for your particular machine. If it doesn’t say, start with 6-9 drops per 200 ml of water.
Why does my essential oil diffuser not smell?
If the essential oil blend you’re using is too diluted, you may not pick up much of a smell. Make sure you’re only putting pure, 100% undiluted essential oils (or a blend of essential oils) in your diffuser. If you still don’t notice a smell, try adding an extra 2-3 drops of oil and see what happens.
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Holly Smith, a board-certified physician in nephrology and internal medicine with a background in nutrition. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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It is good to know that essential oils are very good to help in sleep. I feel quite tired during the day because I am insomniac. I would love to try these oils for inducing sleep. Thank you for sharing such helpful information. I have read that <a href="https://nuturawellness.com/collections/cb2-activate-oils">CB2 oil for sleep</a> has terpenes in it and it is said that this oil is produced naturally without chemicals. Is it better than the essential oils or they both have their own benefits? Can I blend an essential oil with cb2 oil?
Thank you for this timely article. I really like the black diffuser pictured and would like to know who makes it and where it can be purchased. Thank you.
This is the one we use: https://amzn.to/3d58MXn
If using in a rollerball.. I would use a carrier oil of maybe grape seed or sweet almond oil.
10ml of oil would take 4-6 drops of essential oil. This would give 2% blend
Am a beginner. Do you use a carriet oil in your your oil diffussor? Is coconut oil ok or no carrier oil with essential oils?
Hi Carolyn. Don’t use a carrier oil in your diffuser. Most diffusers run on regular cold water (I use tap water, or leftover water in the kettle). Carrier oils are generally for topical application to assist with massaging or applying to the skin, and to stop the oils from evaporating too quickly.
I wondered why my diffussor is not putting out smell. It is large. Do i need to add more oil? And do you use a carrier oil in your diffussor???
I am a beginner. I just bought my large difusser and it is not putting off fragrance in the air. Wondered what is wrong. Any suggeztions? Other than that it is working fine. Another question can you use whatever oils together in your difussor??
No Caroline, no carrier oil in the diffuser, just essential oils.For a large diffuser, probably no more than 8 or so drops of any essential oil you like.?
Hi
I have seen this question quite often, how many drops? I would start with 2 drops of each, and adjust as necessary. I guess it’s also a preference on how many drops as well but do not use to many drops. They are strong essential oils and a little goes a long way. If you like orange over lavender maybe a drop more of orange and less lavender. Hope this helps… remember a little hoes a long way and adjust as necessary! Good luck xo
This is not helpful. No one has answered the question of how many drops to use.
You pre-mix the oils together and then use the amount for your oil defuser. I use a small 150ml so I use 5 drops
Hello! Your not answering the questions. How many drops of each oil if your diffusing?
depends on how big your diffuser is, a small one is about one drop of each blend. a large one is about 2 to 3 drops depending on the type of oil you use and how big it is.
What if you’re making a blend for use with a carrier oil for rolling on? What is the ratio of each?
I need this for my husband who has Alzheimer’s. What is the recipe per drops per essential oil and carrier oil for a roll on? This is for Calming Blend #3.
I use 2 drops each in my essential oil jewelry. They are concentrated so you don’t need much!! Lasts for days.
Same question as abound, in what proportions
I use 2 drops each in my essential oil jewelry. They are concentrated so you don’t need much!! Lasts for days.
How many drops of each?
How many drops each?
Hi, would these blends require equal number of drops from each kind of oil?
How many drops each?