One of the best-known essential oils in aromatherapy, Lavender Oil is prized for its calming effects on the body and mind and ability to lessen anxiety. During a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, for instance, participants were exposed to a stressor prior to completing a memory task.1 Those who inhaled a lavender aroma prior to being stressed performed better than those who inhaled a placebo aroma.

In a study published in International Journal of Nursing Practice, aromatherapy using a 3% lavender oil spray on clothing was found to be effective in reducing work-related stress for three to four days.2

Lavender oil can be found in a variety of aromatherapy products, including bath salts and Massage Oil. Another way to take advantage of the soothing scent of lavender: sipping lavender-infused herbal tea, which is sold in many natural-foods stores.
Bergamot Essential Oil

The oil that gives Earl Grey tea its signature fragrance, bergamot essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy. Sourced from the peel of a citrus fruit known as Citrus bergamia, this essential oil may help to lessen your stress.

While research on the effects of bergamot essential oil is fairly limited, some studies show that the oil may help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Bergamot essential oil may also improve negative emotions and fatigue and lower saliva cortisol levels (a hormone often called the body's "stress hormone"), according to a 2015 study.4

When using bergamot essential oil for stress relief, the oil should be combined with a Carrier Oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, or avocado) before being applied sparingly to the skin or added to a bath.

Bergamot can be irritating to the skin and cause dermatitis in some people. It can also make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure that can variably lead to redness, burn, blisters or skin darkening.

You can also inhale the soothing scent by sprinkling a drop or two of the oil onto a cloth or tissue or using an aromatherapy diffuser.

For natural relief of anxiety, some individuals turn to aromatherapy involving the use of lemongrass essential oil, an oil sourced from the lemongrass herb (Cymbopogon citratus). Inhaling the scent of the oil (or applying it to skin sparingly after combining it with a carrier oil) is thought to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety symptoms.

Although there's limited research on the effectiveness of lemongrass essential oil, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2015 found that participants exposed to lemongrass essential oil had an immediate reduction in anxiety and tension and recovered quickly from an anxiety-inducing situation compared to those who inhaled a control aroma (tea tree oil) or a placebo.

An aromatherapy remedy with a sweet and spicy aroma, neroli essential oil is sometimes used to ease anxiety.

Research on the effects of neroli (citrus aurantium L.) essential oil is fairly limited. In a study published in Hepato-gastroenterology, for instance, participants inhaled either neroli oil or a control (sunflower oil) before undergoing a colonoscopy.6 Those who had inhaled neroli oil had lower systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading), however, there was no change in anxiety or pain.

Inhalation of neroli is used as a sedative in some health centers outside the United States. A 2014 study showed improvement in menopausal symptoms in menopausal women and a decrease in PMS symptoms in university subjects with inhalation of neroli.7

A 2005 study using olfactory stimuli with lemon found that it improved concentration, mood, and memory in fourth-grade pupils.