The Best Essential Oils to Target Stress and Anxiety, According to Wellness Specialists (2025)

There’s no doubt that essential oils smell incredible — but don’t discount them just as pretty bottles laying around spa rooms. In fact, depending on the oil, they can potentially help relieve a variety of symptoms, including nausea, stress and even pain management. In fact, some doctors and naturopaths have been using essential oils for decades to partially treat anxiety.

For example, a recent study found that of 20 patients who inhaled lavender oil all later reported feeling more relaxed; researchers also found that the oil caused significant decreases in blood pressure, heart rate and skin temperature. While further research is needed to substantiate this link, researchers also used EEG graphs to measure electrode levels to determine that the benefits weren't psychological alone.

“Essential oils work through the olfactory system upon inhalation and target the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain,” says holistic wellness practitioner Valerie Oula, Director of Vibrational Energy Healing at THE WELL. Oula adds that treatment providers have used oils to target symptoms related to stress, anxiety and sleep issues, like insomnia, as well as inflammation.

While oils have been used in holistic treatments, they are not a cure-all — and it's hard to find science to back up most claims on their benefits. A lack of conclusive data is likely why essential oils aren't regulated by the FDA. More often than not, you'll need to work with an expert to source and pinpoint the best oils for your needs, after you've discussed essential oil use with your primary care provider.

“The last thing you want to do is buy an essential oil that you later find has been laced with artificial coloring or flavorings,” says physician Ruvini Wijetilaka, M.D., an internal medicine specialist with Parsley Health. “You’ll want to make sure that you can clearly read the ingredient list — the Latin name of the oil should be on there, and it should be free of any chemicals or synthetics.”

If you've pinpointed a sensitivity to essential oils with your doctor, most experts recommend diluting the oils every time you use them in order to reap the benefits without leading to irritation. To dilute an essential oil, mix it with a few drops of almond oil (or jojoba oil) — about three drops of carrier oil to every drop of essential oil. You can add this mixture to a diffuser of your choice.

Editor's Note: Essential oils are known to be irritating to some individuals due to their highly concentrated nature and have the potential to trigger severe skin irritation, burn, or reaction, amid other immune responses. They may cause respiratory issues if inhaled without a diluter, and commonly, the oil itself could cause rashes on the skin. Oil use in proximity to pets and young children isn't recommended, since it could easily aggravate sensitive skin and respiratory airways.

Anxiety and anxious feelings can't always be resolved on your own. It's crucial that you seek out a professional treatment option if anxious feelings have made it impossible to carry out your day — a therapist or licensed mental healthcare provider can help you resolve any symptoms.

Historically used as an all-natural anxiety medicine in South Asia and sparsely elsewhere, vetiver oil has a rich, smokey scent that was found to reduce anxiety symptoms in an animal study conducted in 2015. Oula recommends this brand because the product consists solely of a pure oil blend, sourced responsibly from China.

One of Amazon’s most popular oils among shoppers, this floral essential oil is derived entirely from fresh rose petals for a relaxing scent that’ll transport you directly to the spa. It’s unadulterated, affordable and sourced organically. After all, rose essential oils have been suggested to reduce the most common symptoms of anxiety, including high blood pressure, high heart rate, quick breathing, high cortisol levels and low blood oxygen levels.

THE WELL’s oil blend infuses carrier oils including sweet almond and avocado with essential oils like ylang-ylang and lavender to create an option you can tote around for whenever you need a quick hit of calm. As part of the brand behind this product, Oula has previously advised customers to place a single drop of the oil in their palm before rubbing both hands together and cupping them near their face. "Take a gentle breath in and a long exhale out and allow it to help you to reset,” she advises.

Dr. Wijetilaka sources products from the doTERRA brand due to their quality control standards. “They have such a rigid testing process that examines every batch of oil along with third-party testing to ensure that you’re getting the purest oil possible,” she explains. “This blend of lavender, ylang-ylang, chamomile, and so much more creates a soothing concoction that’ll definitely keep you serene — making sure the oil stays true to its name.”

If you can’t be bothered with finding a diffuser or carrier oil, this roll-on option is for you. Dr. Wijetilaka recommends this oil to clients who suffer from anxiety headaches, as they can simply roll it onto their pulse points (and let the aroma linger over time) and feel their tensions fade away.

Gwyneth Paltrow is just one of the many celebs hooked into millennial favorite brand Vitruvi, which provides pure blends of a wide array of essential oils. “My favorite, frankincense, is a nervine, which means it has a relaxing effect on the nervous system. When you are more relaxed, you actually have more energy available in your system,” explains Oula, who recommends this blend due to its commitment to transparent sourcing.