Encountering stressful situations every day is quite reasonable. However, the problem arises when the stress and anxiety caused by these situations hamper your professional and personal life. At times, the severity of anxiety can be so high that it can affect your emotional and physical well-being. When this happens, it can point towards an anxiety disorder, and sadly, this disorder affects a large population in America.
Going by the volume of the people it affects, an anxiety disorder can be termed as the most common mental illness in the country. Around 6.8 million people are affected by a generalized anxiety disorder, and women are at a higher risk than men.
Although there are several medications like antidepressants can help relieve anxiety and stress, treating it naturally is highly recommended since it does not leave behind any side-effects. Thus, going for a natural remedy to treat anxiety is the most recommended course of treatment. One such remedy that has been found to help relieve anxiety and symptoms of stress is lavender oil.
Did You Know?
- Lavender oil is effective against minor burns and bug bites.
- Apart from being used in aromatherapy, Lavender oil can help deal with problems like relieving headaches, toothaches, and sores.
How to Use Lavender Oil for Anxiety?
If you wish to use lavender oil(1) to treat your symptoms of anxiety and calm your nervous system, there are several ways in which you can take it.
Lavender oil is safe for oral consumption. However, lavender oil capsules or tablets may not be readily available at the health food stores. Also, before you start the use of lavender oil, you must consult your doctor to determine the dosage based on your needs. Children should avoid taking these capsules. The essential oil is easier to find in liquid form, lavender flowers, and lavender leaves, and these can be used while bathing.
If you opt for lavender oil, take six drops, and if you are using lavender flowers, use ¼ to ½ cup of dried lavender flowers and add to your bathing water.
Alternatively, you can also make lavender tea by using 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers in a cup of water. Let the water boil for 10-15 minutes and then strain it before consumption.
[Also Read: Lavender Oil Benefits for General Health]
How to Make Lavender Oil Massage Blend to Relieve Anxiety and Stress?
One of the ways to use lavender oil for anxiety(2) is by making a blend that will help your nerves calm down and help you relax mentally. The use of lavender oil has been associated with not only relieving physical stress but also with emotional pain. Here’s how you can make a massage oil to relieve anxiety and stress:
Take carrier oil. You can choose from sweet almond, grape seed, and avocado oil. Take five drops of bergamot essential oil, four drops of mandarin essential oil, four drops of lavender oil, and three drops of lemongrass essential oil. Mix all the critical oil well in a dark plastic bottle and then add the carrier oil to the mixture. Message this blend on the chest to feel its warmth and comfort.
Insomnia is one of the most common symptoms of stress and anxiety. But, with the use of lavender oil, you can induce sleep. Use lavender essential oil in a diffuser and let the aroma fill your room. The fragrance will deodorize every corner of the room and your linens. The fragrance will calm down your nerves and help you fall asleep. It will also relax your mind and relieve all the symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, and insomnia.
Recent researches have backed the benefits of lavender oil for anxiety. A study published in the journal Phytomedicine showed how lavender oil was as effective as anxiety drug lorazepam. More importantly, lavender oil did not have any sedative effects, which is a common side-effect of lorazepam. Lavender oil for anxiety was also found to be a better way to reduce the likeliness of drug dependence or abuse.
In addition to this, there have been several other studies that have shown the medicinal benefits of lavender oil for anxiety.
[Also Read: Home Remedies to Calm Your Anxiety]
What Precautions should be Taken While Using Lavender Oil?
If you are taking lavender oil as a part of aromatherapy or simply consuming orally, it can lead to increased drowsiness when taken in combination with some other pharmaceutical drugs such as benzodiazepines and some other antidepressants. When you are on any medication, you must always consult your healthcare provider before starting the use of lavender oil for anxiety.
Lavender oil has been proven to be an effective remedy against anxiety. While keeping certain precautions in mind, you can start using lavender oil to relieve all your symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. Consume it orally, use it while taking a bath, or simply massage it on your body, its useful compounds will start working their magic on your mind and body and help you calm down your nerves.
[Also Read: Top 10 Essential Oils for Anxiety]
