5 Essential Oils to Soothe Stress (and the Best Ways to Use Them)

5 Essential Oils to Soothe Stress (and the Best Ways to Use Them)

TL;DR
Lavender, bergamot, frankincense, Roman chamomile, and vetiver are five time-tested oils for easing stress. Use them via inhalation (diffuser, hand cupping), topical rituals (properly diluted), and bath/steam to calm the nervous system and soften tension.

“Every breath is a message to your nervous system—choose aromas that speak calm.”

1) Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

  • Why it helps: lowers perceived stress; encourages relaxation and sleep.

  • Use it: 4–6 drops in a diffuser for 30–45 minutes; or 1% topical blend for neck/shoulders.

  • Soulfully Infused tie-in: Sif’s Sleep Body Balm and Relax Body Balm feature soothing lavender notes for wind-down routines.

2) Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

  • Why it helps: brightens mood; softens anxious feelings.

  • Use it: 3–5 drops in daytime diffuser; pair with deep breathing.

  • Note: choose bergapten-free (FCF) for leave-on skin use to minimize photosensitivity.

  • Soulfully Infused tie-in: Uplift Body Balm brings a gentle citrus lift suited to stressful afternoons.

3) Frankincense (Boswellia spp.)

  • Why it helps: grounding; supports even, deeper breathing.

  • Use it: 1–2 drops in palm inhalation before meditation; or 1% chest balm.

  • Soulfully Infused tie-in: Frankincense notes appear across our ritual blends and select candles for contemplative space-setting.

4) Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)

  • Why it helps: comforts irritability; eases emotional overload.

  • Use it: 2–3 drops in a warm compress over the heart area; or 1% blend for wrists.

  • Soulfully Infused tie-in: Relax Body Balm leans into chamomile’s soft, settling quality.

5) Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides)

  • Why it helps: deeply grounding; anchors scattered thoughts.

  • Use it: 1–2 drops in evening diffuser; or 0.5–1% in a foot-massage oil.

  • Soulfully Infused tie-in: Pair with our Spirit Flame – Serenity or Clarity candles to create a steady, restorative mood.

Best ways to use them (quick guide)

Inhalation (fastest nervous-system effect)

  • Diffuser: 4–6 total drops per session; run 30–45 minutes on, 30 off.

  • Hand cupping: 1 drop on palms (or a tissue), cup over nose, breathe 5–6 slow cycles.

  • Pillow mist: 10 drops lavender + 6 chamomile + 4 frankincense in 2 oz distilled water; shake before each use (avoid direct skin/eye contact).

Topical (diluted, longer-lasting)

  • Day balm/oil (1%): 6 drops essential oil per 1 oz (30 mL) carrier.

  • Evening balm/oil (2% short-term): 12 drops per 1 oz carrier.

  • Apply to pulse points, back of neck, or over chest while practicing slow exhale.

Hydro rituals (soothing whole-body reset)

  • Bath: Mix 6–8 drops essential oil into 1 tbsp carrier oil or unscented bath base; add to warm water.

  • Foot soak: 3–5 drops in 1 tsp carrier + basin of warm water; breathe and rest 10–15 minutes.

  • Steam tent: 1–2 drops in a bowl of hot water; towel over head; inhale gently (avoid eyes).

Callout: Safety in Scent

  • Always dilute for skin use; patch-test first.

  • Avoid mucous membranes and eyes.

  • For pregnancy, nursing, kids, or medical conditions, consult a professional and start at 0.5–1% dilution.

  • Citrus oils (like bergamot) can be phototoxic unless FCF—avoid sun exposure after skin application.

Simple stress-soothe recipes

Desk Diffuser Lift

  • 2 bergamot + 2 lavender + 1 frankincense

Evening Grounding Oil (1% in 1 oz jojoba)

  • 4 lavender + 2 Roman chamomile + 2 vetiver

Pre-Sleep Pillow Blend (room mist, 2 oz water)

  • 8 lavender + 4 Roman chamomile + 2 frankincense (shake before each mist)

Weaving Soulfully Infused into the ritual

  • Massage Relax or Sleep Body Balm into shoulders after a warm Self-Care Soak; light Spirit Flame – Serenity or Clarity; breathe slowly for five cycles.

  • Midday wobble? Tap a little Uplift Body Balm onto wrists, inhale for an instant citrus calm.

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