20 février 2025
Anxiety has become the evil of our century. In our performance-driven, urgency-focused society, an increasing number of individuals suffer from chronic stress, anxiety attacks, and anxious disorders. This psychological distress profoundly impacts quality of life: it undermines morale, disrupts sleep, strains relationships, and diminishes concentration and creativity.
In response to this "scourge," conventional medicine offers pharmaceutical treatments such as anxiolytics or antidepressants. While effective, these synthetic molecules may present significant side effects: drowsiness, dependency, reduced libido... Not to mention they fail to address the root cause of the problem.
This explains why numerous individuals are presently turning toward more natural and holistic approaches to reclaim their mental well-being. Among these "gentle therapies," aromatherapy enjoys growing popularity. This branch of phytotherapy utilizes essential oils, those precious plant concentrates, to gently rebalance body and mind.
How does it work precisely? Which essential oils prove most effective against anxiety? How can they be properly incorporated into daily life?
In this practical guide, we shall first examine this still poorly understood emotional disorder that is anxiety. Then we will concretely explore how aromatherapy influences our stressed brain. Finally, we shall review the finest essential oils for restoring calm, with their specific indications and usage recommendations. Follow the guide!
What exactly is anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal emotion that alerts us to danger or threat. However, when it becomes excessive and overwhelming, it may become pathological:
- Generalized anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Specific phobias
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Anxiety often manifests with physical symptoms such as:
- Palpitations
- Muscle tension
- Stomach discomfort
- Insomnia
- Irritability...
If these manifestations seem familiar, aromatherapy may provide genuine natural relief.
How does aromatherapy affect anxiety?
Aromatherapy employs essential oils, concentrated plant extracts with therapeutic properties. Their aromatic molecules act upon:
- the limbic system of the brain, seat of emotions
- the production of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine...)
- the parasympathetic nervous system which promotes relaxation.
Certain essential oils are particularly indicated for soothing anxiety due to their properties:
- Calming and sedative
- Mood-regulating
- Muscle-relaxing
- Sleep-facilitating
When properly selected and utilized, they enable one to recover improved emotional equilibrium.
Which essential oils combat anxiety?
Here is a selection of the 5 most effective essential oils for alleviating anxiety, based on recent scientific studies:
True Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
True Lavender is the quintessential calming essential oil. It is rich in linalool, a terpene compound that acts as a potent sedative for the nervous system. A study demonstrated that inhalation of True Lavender essential oil attenuated stress markers (heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels) and improved mood among anxious students before an examination (see source at end of article). True Lavender essential oil also facilitates falling asleep in cases of anxiety-related sleep disorders.
Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
This essential oil is extracted from bitter orange leaves. It contains linalool but also linalyl acetate, two molecules with relaxing properties. Consequently, Petitgrain essential oil is renowned for regulating heart rhythm and relaxing muscles, making it an ally against palpitations and spasmophilia induced by stress. It also helps dispel dark thoughts thanks to its fresh and effervescent note.
Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata)
With its floral and captivating fragrance, Ylang-ylang essential oil is a powerful sedative. It is rich in sesquiterpenes (germacrene, beta-caryophyllene...) which soothe nervous agitation and anxiety attacks. A study revealed that atmospheric diffusion of Ylang-ylang essential oil significantly reduced symptoms of stress and anxiety among dental care patients (see source at end of article). Use sparingly in the evening as it may cause a "hangover" effect the following day!
Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
Cousin to German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile essential oil is a reliable resource in anti-stress aromatherapy. Its primary constituent, isobutyl angelate, possesses demonstrated sedative and antispasmodic properties (see source at end of article). It notably relieves anxiety-related digestive disorders (spasms, bloating...). Its gentle and reassuring scent makes it an ally for stressed or agitated children.
Green Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
Green Mandarin is a variety of mandarin harvested before maturity. Its very gentle essential oil is rich in limonene, a monoterpene with soothing and regenerative properties. A study showed that diffusion of Green Mandarin essential oil reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality among hospitalized patients (see source at end of article). Its fresh and fruity fragrance is also highly appreciated by anxious or hyperactive children. Use during daytime as the "anti-stress" essential oil.
Many other essential oils may prove useful depending on the type of anxiety and associated symptoms: Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis), Olibanum (Boswellia carterii), Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Geranium Bourbon (Pelargonium graveolens)... An aromatherapist can advise you on the synergy most adapted to your emotional profile.
How to use essential oils?
Essential oils may be used in various ways:
- Topically, diluted in a carrier oil for massage
- Through respiratory inhalation with a diffuser, handkerchief, inhaler stick...
- Orally, exclusively under an aromatherapist's guidance
Some precautions to observe:
- Always respect prescribed doses
- Never apply undiluted to skin, risk of irritation
- Consult a physician, especially if on medication
- Not recommended for pregnant and nursing women
- Keep out of children's reach
A session with an aromatherapist can help you select essential oils and usage methods adapted to your situation.
In addition to essential oils
To optimize the benefits of anti-stress aromatherapy, also adopt healthy daily habits:
- Practice regular physical activity
- Utilize breathing and relaxation techniques
- Get sufficient sleep
- Limit stimulants (coffee, alcohol, tobacco...)
- Cultivate positive social relationships
In cases of severe and chronic anxiety, psychotherapeutic support (CBT, EMDR...) remains essential in addition.
Aromatherapy is therefore a valuable natural approach for managing anxiety in daily life, whether preventively or as a complement to medical treatment. Essential oils act gently and profoundly to rebalance the nervous system and soothe the mind. By integrating them into your wellness routine alongside healthy lifestyle habits, you possess all necessary tools to bid farewell to chronic stress. What if serenity were found within a bottle of essential oils?
Why choose Landema as your natural extract supplier?
To support you in your quest for serenity, you can rely on Landema and its carefully selected range of essential oils, accessible 24/7 through its online store.
Landema is a committed supplier of natural extracts. A subsidiary of the family-owned Biolandes group, it specializes in online sales of essential oils and other high-quality plant extracts directly from the producer. Landema provides professionals and individuals with over 40 years of expertise in cultivation, extraction, and quality control of a wide variety of aromatic plants.
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As a customer of the Landema website, did you know that we also have a physical store? If you live in the Landes, in New Aquitaine or are planning to stay there, do not hesitate to visit us! We are located in Le Sen, on the Biolandes site, very close to Labrit, Roquefort, and Mont-de-Marsan, in the heart of the Landes de Gascogne regional natural park.
Essential oils are natural aromatic substances extracted from plants. They are often used in aromatherapy for their health and wellness benefits. Essential oils can be extracted from different parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers, barks, roots or seeds. The use of essential oils dates back to ancient times, where they were used for their medicinal properties and to perfume cosmetics and skincare products.
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We invite you to discover our practical guides and our blog where you can discover our advice and our cases of use of essential oils.
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