Essential oils have been for centuries among the most effective natural remedies applied to cure numerous conditions, among which anxiety is one of the most well-known. Essential oils embody therapeutic properties which are inextricably linked with the process of aromatherapy, which is a wholistic healing process. Aromatherapy is a technique in which the aromatic compounds present in different plants are employed to initiate and deepen physical and psychological well-being in people. We shall explain hereinafter the complex mechanisms by which the essential oils have been utilized to cure anxiety and elaborate in the greatest detail on their implications and benefits:

The Science Behind Essential Oils and Anxiety

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant oils that are obtained in certain processes such as the steam distillation process or the process known as cold pressing. Essential oils consist of aromatic molecules that, when inhaled or when put on the skin, have a very fascinating interaction with the brain and the nervous system. The primary mechanism by which essential oils decrease the sense of anxiety is through their profound effect on the limbic system, which is a significant region of the brain that is concerned with emotions, memory storage, and states of arousal.

When you inhale deeply and smell the pleasant aroma of an essential oil, your specialized olfactory receptors in your nose are activated and begin transmitting important information to the olfactory bulb. This particular structure is intimately and directly associated with the limbic system, a very important part of the brain responsible for emotion, as well as memory. When this exchange between these receptors and the olfactory bulb occurs, it can actually trigger a series of events, the outcome of which is the release of a number of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, both of which are very associated with the emotions of relaxation and euphoria. To make this clearer, lavender oil, for instance, is particularly well-known for stimulating the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid, better known as GABA. This particular neurotransmitter has the calming effect of soothing the nervous system and actually reducing anxiety.

How do Essential Oils Work in Anxiety Treatment? - Letsdiskuss

Methods of Using Essential Oils for Anxiety

Inhalation: Inhalation is the most common method used for the administration of essential oils in anxiety. One can put a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser, inhale from the bottle, or use a steam inhalation method. The aromatic compounds reach the brain very quickly, and the relief from anxiety symptoms is almost immediate.
Topical Use: The essential oils can be blended with a carrier oil, e.g., coconut oil or jojoba oil, and applied directly to the skin. The typical areas of application are the neck, temples, and the nape of the neck. The oils are transported through the skin and into the bloodstream, thus a longer-lasting effect.
Baths: A few drops of essential oil added to a warm bath will yield a relaxing ambiance, thus creating less stress and anxiety.
Massage: Aromatherapy massages take advantage of the healing potential of touch therapy and relaxing abilities of essential oils. It not only releases tension, but also anxiety.

Popular Essential Oils for Anxiety

Lavender: Lavender is both calming and sedative in action; one of the most researched essential oils when it comes to anxiety,
lavender oil acts to alleviate stress, promote sleep, and eliminate the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Chamomile: Roman chamomile oil is a favorite among most for stress relief. It is soothing in nature, which calms the mind and reduces irritability.
Bergamot: Extracted from bergamot oranges' rind, the oil has a citrus scent that is stimulating and is anti-stress.
Ylang-Ylang: This floral-scented oil is applied to assist in lowering blood pressure and to cause relaxation.
Frankincense: Frankincense, which is a popular choice for meditation, grounds the mind and gets rid of anxiety.

Scientific Evidence and Limitations

Although anecdotal evidence overwhelmingly attest to the use of essential oils in the management of anxiety, scientific evidence are in the infancy stage. There have been some positive studies. For instance, in 2014, a study in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal showed that lavender oil significantly reduced anxiety in patients undergoing dental treatment. However, more large-scale clinical studies need to be done to ascertain whether essential oils can be used as a standalone therapy for anxiety.

It should also be noted that essential oils are not to be utilized as a replacement for normal anxiety treatments like therapy or medication. They can, however, be used as an adjunct solution to supplement general health.

Safety Considerations

While essential oils are generally safe, they should be used with caution:

Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin to avoid irritation.
Conduct a patch test to check for allergic reactions.
Avoid ingesting essential oils unless under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
Pregnant women, children, and individuals with certain medical conditions should consult a doctor before using essential oils.

Conclusion

Essential oils are a very natural and holistic solution to dealing with the feelings of anxiety that so many people have. By affecting the brain's limbic system, central to emotion and memory, essential oils can very effectively produce relaxation, boost mood, and effectively banish the feelings of tension so prevalent with anxiety. With that said, their benefit is best when used as part of a more general anxiety management program. That more general program should ideally consist of deep lifestyle change, appropriate therapy modalities, and, where and when indicated, prescribing medication. So, as ever, best to see a competent healthcare practitioner to ensure that the use of essential oils is safe and appropriate for your individual and unique health status.