Every essential oil has a purpose, whether it's decreasing stress, helping with anxiety, lowering blood pressure, or other health conditions. As a college student, aromatherapy has helped lower my stress and anxiety. 

Based on my research and experience, I’d like to suggest some essential oils that can help ease stress. There a number of ways to use essential oils to create a calming space, improve mental and physical function, help you sleep, etc. To help boost your mood, try using essential oils in a diffuser or a humidifier and  inhaling the scented mist. Using 2-3 drops of a preferred essential oil on your clothes when you’re at work or school is also beneficial.

If you want the essential oil to be applied to your skin, it is best to combine the oil(s) with an organic, unscented carrier oil like coconut, grapeseed, jojoba or almond. Some essential oils can irritate or burn if applied directly on skin - citrus based oils are one example. So make sure you know which oils are safe to apply directly on skin before using.

Here are a few of my favorite essential oils that are sure to help ease your stress and elevate your mood.

Lavender oil:  Can be best used as a massage oil or sprayed on clothes for reducing stress for over 24 hours. It is especially helpful in inducing a relaxed feeling at bed time. You can even make a lavender essential oil based linen spray to induce a relaxed feeling as you drift off to sleep. Just lightly spritz your pillow or sheets with the spray prior to slipping into bed to help you drift off to sweet dreams. 

Clary sage: Helps lower blood pressure; for better results, rub the oil onto the abdomen area during your menstrual cycle. 

Bergamot: Can be added to your shampoo, body wash, or facial cleanser to help with destressing. This oil is particularly beneficial when inhaled as a mist from a difuser or humidifier. 

Rose oil: With one whiff of the sweet smell, it decreases stress, anxiety, and helps in relaxation. Dilute the oil first with jojoba oil before allowing it to touch your skin. 

Jasmine oil: Jasmine oil must be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to skin. The oil can be used in a diffuser to create a calming mood in the home. Add the oil to hot water to make an inhaled aroma steam. It can also be used in warm baths diluted with a carrier oil such as almond oil. 

Lemongrass oil:  A popular oil used in aromatherapy to help with stress and anxiety. Inhaling it will also help with headaches. If wanting to be massaged into the skin, it must be mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut oil. 

Essential oils are an easy way to create a calming and relaxing experience at home, in your car, or on your person. Experiement with different scents and don't be afraid to  try mixing complimentary scents to create a mood or amplify their calming, healing, and energizing properties. Whether you difuse them, wear them, or include them in your personal care routine, you a sure to find one or more essential oils that will help you lower your stress and create a feeling of calm.

While you're here check out our Lavender Bath Salt. This will help in lowering stress as you take a warm bath.