3 of the Best Essential Oils for Relaxation (Plus 5 Blends)

Essential oils are powerful for many reasons. And one of the most recognized powers they have is to help with relaxation and stress relief.

The wonderful smell of essential oils is very soothing and comforting after a long day. And although there are many essential oils and blends available, some are better suited for relaxing than others.

Below are some of the best essential oils for relaxation plus 5 blends to try.  There is also a list of methods to use to make the most of these soothing and relaxing oils.

Lavender

When it comes to relaxation, lavender is top of the list with its very long history of being associated with calmness and mental well-being. Known for its beautiful purple flowers and calming scent, it is very popular for relaxation.

To help relax, put some lavender oil in your bedroom diffuser while getting ready for bed at night. If you have a nighttime bath, use lavender oil as a perfect way to unwind at the end of a stressful day.

Apart from using the essential oil, you can use face or eye masks and pillows that are stuffed with lavender flowers. These can help send you off on a blissful night’s sleep.

Chamomile

Chamomile is also known for its calming effects and comes in two varieties – Roman and German. Both are useful when it comes to relaxation and work in slightly different ways.  The German type is used for soothing, while the Roman type is used for reducing anxiety and stress. Either way, it’s energizing, calming, and great at reducing stress and boosting your mood.

Chamomile is best known for the tea made from its buds, but the mild smell of its oil is very relaxing as well. It’s distinctive aroma is often described as a combination of grass and apples.

Whether you choose to drink chamomile in a tea, or just enjoy the smell from your diffuser, it is sure to help you relax and sleep more soundly.

Bergamot

Bergamot Fruit

Another oil known for promoting relaxation is bergamot.  Bergamot oil is made from the rind of the bergamot orange and is a citrus oil. If you have ever tried Earl Grey tea, you will know the distinctive smell and taste of bergamot as it gives the tea this unique flavor.

As one of the most potent anti-anxiety essential oils around, bergamot calms the nervous system, lowers blood pressure and quells those restless nights. It’s also been proven to boost happy mood neurotransmitters in the brain, dopamine, and serotonin.  So when it comes to relaxing, bergamot definitely needs to be on your list.

Putting a bit of bergamot in a diffuser, either by itself or with a blend of other oils, can give your whole home a fresh and relaxing smell. The stress of the day will quickly evaporate.

Other Essential Oils to Try

When it comes to relaxing, many essential oils can help. While the 3 above are the best, you might like to try some others as well. Here are more options:

  • Any citrus essential oil – Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Tangerine
  • Ylang Ylang
  • Marjoram
  • Geranium
  • Frankincense
  • Sandalwood
  • Clary sage

Choose a single oil or a combination to use.  You can buy these as single units or in packs like these…

Relaxing Essential Oil Blends

Below are a few essential oil blends you can make yourself.  As always, feel free to mix things up to suit your personal taste. If there is an oil you don’t like or don’t have, simply switch it with something else you prefer.

The measures below give an indication of the ratio to use for the oils. You can easily double or triple the batch as required.  The amounts below are a typical quantity for adding to a diffuser.

Deep Relaxation Blend

Breathe in deeply and relax.

  • 3 drops lavender
  • 1 drop marjoram
  • 1 drop mandarin

Tension Releaser Blend

Let go and leave everything behind.

  • 3 drops lime
  • 2 drops orange
  • 1 drop chamomile

Stress Less

Reduce stress and relax, but stay alert.

  • 4 drops lavender
  • 2 drops geranium
  • 1 drop clary sage

Lavender Fields

Be transported to the peace and enjoyment of a lavender field.

  • 6 drops lavender
  • 1 drop sandalwood

Quiet Moments

Add to the bath and relish the peace and quiet.

  • 3 drops sandalwood
  • 1 drop bergamot
  • 1 drop ylang ylang

Here are a few more essential oil blend recipes to try.  You can also purchase ready made blends like these.

How to Use Essential Oils for Relaxation

There are several ways you can use the essential oils or blends listed above to relax.  Every day is different so it is good to have few methods available.  Some days you will have time for a nice long bath, other you can pop them into the diffuser while preparing dinner.  Try different ones and see what works best for you.

Bathing

Add a single oil or oil blend to a nice warm bath. To do this, choose a carrier – milk, dried milk powder or honey – add up to 10 drops of your chosen oils, and then stir the mixture through the bath. The carrier helps to better disperse the oils so they don’t just float on top of the water.

Foot Soak

Relax your feet and feel the benefits all over by making an essential oil foot soak for sore feet.  Not only will your feet thank you, breathing in the aromas of the oils will help you relax.

Diffusing

Add a single, combination or blend of oils to your favorite diffuser. You can diffuse some oils when you first get home throughout the living area. And then diffuse some more in your bedroom for sleeping.  A large diffuser is ideal for living spaces, while a small one is better suited to the bedroom.

Inhaling

Inhale the oils straight from the bottle or apply a few drops to a tissue/cotton ball/handkerchief to inhale.

Massaging

Add up to 6 drops of essential oils to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and massage into your body. This is especially nice after a nice warm bath or hot shower to wash away the day.

Spraying

Make up a room spray or spritzer to use around the house or on yourself. Add up to 20 drops of essential oils to 2 ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake gently each time before using.

Using the best essential oils for relaxation is not only an effective way to wind down, it is enjoyable too. The oils smell good, make you feel good and are good for you. Make it a habit to use them at the end of each day and create an environment for enjoying your evenings and going to bed relaxed…ready to tackle tomorrow.

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2 thoughts on “3 of the Best Essential Oils for Relaxation (Plus 5 Blends)”

    • Don’t forget to note that some of the population finds lavender hypes them up instead of calming them down. If so, try one of the other oils or blends. HTH

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