5 Essential Oils for Stress Relief
5 essential oils for stress relief and how to use them, with gentle diffuser, bath and massage blends for a calmer day.
In this guide
Five gentle essential oils for stress relief are lavender, chamomile, rose, ylang ylang and our Frida Floral blend. Each one has a soft, comforting scent, and each suits a different moment: a warm bath, a body lotion, a diffuser, a massage or a quick sniff from your wrists. Here is how to use all five for a calmer, less tense day.
Key takeaways
- Scent is closely linked to mood and memory, so breathing in a calming aroma is a quick way to pause and unwind.
- Lavender suits the bath, chamomile a body lotion and rose a diffuser.
- Ylang ylang makes a lovely massage oil, and Frida Floral is a calming blend for your wrists.
- Always dilute oils before they touch your skin or go in the bath.
- Choose the scent you enjoy most. Personal preference matters a great deal with aromatherapy.
Why do smells help with stress and tension?
Our sense of smell is closely linked to mood and memory. Simply breathing in the inviting aroma of an essential oil can be a lovely way to pause and create a calmer moment in a busy day.
Aromatic flowers, herbs and spices have been valued for their scents for centuries. That is part of why aromatherapy is still such a popular form of self-care.
Using oils pairs the pleasure of scent with a simple routine. The aroma sets a relaxing mood, and the gentle act of running a bath or massaging in an oil makes the whole experience feel restful.
5 gentle essential oils to help you unwind
| Oil | Scent | Best way to use |
|---|---|---|
| Lavender | Soft, soothing floral | Warm bath |
| Chamomile | Gentle, apple-sweet | Body lotion |
| Rose | Romantic, uplifting | Diffuser |
| Ylang ylang | Rich, sweet floral | Massage oil |
| Frida Floral | Warm, heart-lifting blend | Wrists and pulse points |
1. Lavender oil
Lavender is one of the best-loved oils for relaxation. Its soft, soothing floral aroma is the one many people reach for at the end of the day, which makes it a natural choice for winding down.
2. Chamomile oil
When you think of chamomile, you may picture a soothing cup of tea. As an essential oil, its gentle, apple-sweet aroma is just as comforting and makes a lovely addition to a calming routine.
3. Rose oil
"Stop and smell the roses" is a saying for good reason. The beautiful, romantic aroma of rose is uplifting and indulgent, and it brings a touch of luxury to any relaxing moment.
4. Ylang ylang oil
Ylang ylang has a rich, exotic floral aroma that feels indulgent from the very first breath. Its sweet, heady scent makes it a favourite for setting a relaxed, sensual mood.
5. Frida Floral essential oil blend
We created Frida Floral as a beautifully balanced blend. It combines lavender, ylang ylang, palmarosa, mandarin and lemon in carefully chosen amounts. The result is a warm, heart-lifting aroma that brings a sense of calm with a single drop.
How to use each oil for stress relief
Here is one simple way to enjoy each oil. Every method takes just a few minutes.
1. Lavender Relaxing Bath
Best for: letting the day melt away
- 2 to 3 drops Lavender oil
- 1 tbsp Carrier oil or unscented bath base
Mix the lavender into the carrier oil, then swirl it through a warm bath. Light some candles, play soothing music and let the day melt away.
2. Chamomile Body Lotion
Best for: a calm daily routine
- 2 to 3 drops Chamomile oil
- 1 tbsp Fragrance-free body lotion
Stir the chamomile into the lotion and massage it slowly into your skin. Take your time and enjoy the soft, relaxing scent.
3. Rose Diffuser Moment
Best for: a calm home or office
- A few drops Rose oil
Add the rose oil to your diffuser to create a calm, beautifully scented atmosphere at home or at work. Run it for 30 to 60 minutes at a time.
4. Ylang Ylang Massage Oil
Best for: slowing down, alone or with a partner
- 3 to 4 drops Ylang ylang oil
- 1 tbsp Coconut, sesame or olive oil
Mix the oils for a fragrant massage blend. A gentle self-massage is a lovely way to ease tension, or you can take turns with a partner.
5. Frida Floral Wrist Reset
Best for: a quick pick-me-up on a busy day
- 1 drop Frida Floral blend
- 1 tsp Carrier oil
Dilute the drop in the carrier oil, apply to each wrist and rub them together. Breathe in the scent and enjoy the moment.
Pro tip
Floral and citrus oils blend beautifully. Try 1 or 2 drops each of lavender and rose in your diffuser, then adjust until you find a scent you love.
Want more ways to relax with essential oils?
This guide focuses on five gentle oils and one easy way to use each. If you want a wider list, read our top 7 essential oils for stress relief and relaxation, which also covers frankincense, bergamot, clary sage and sandalwood.
For a short daily habit, try our simple mindfulness routine for stress relief. You can also browse every calming scent in our essential oils collection.
How to use these oils safely
Safety first
Essential oils are concentrated. Always dilute them in a carrier oil, lotion or bath base before they touch your skin, and patch test on your inner arm first.
- Never add neat oils to bathwater. They float on top and can irritate the skin.
- Keep oils out of reach of children and away from the eyes.
- Diffuse in a well-aired room for shorter sessions, and let pets leave if they want.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a health condition, speak to a qualified practitioner first.
FAQs
Which essential oils are gentle for stress?
Lavender, chamomile, rose and ylang ylang are among the gentlest oils for stress. Their soft floral scents are calming without being harsh, and they suit baths, lotions and diffusers.
Which essential oil is best for relaxing?
Lavender is the most popular starting point thanks to its soothing aroma. Chamomile, rose and ylang ylang are all lovely too, so choose the scent you enjoy most.
What is a good essential oil for tension and stress?
Ylang ylang in a massage oil is a lovely way to ease tension. Mix 3 to 4 drops into a tablespoon of carrier oil and massage slowly into tight areas.
How do I use essential oils in the bath safely?
Always mix a few drops into a carrier oil or unscented bath base first, as neat oils do not mix with water. Around 2 to 3 drops is plenty.
Can I mix these oils together?
Yes. Lavender, rose and citrus oils such as mandarin blend beautifully. Start with one or two drops of each and adjust to taste.
How do I make a simple massage oil?
Add 3 to 4 drops of essential oil to a tablespoon of carrier oil such as coconut, sweet almond or olive. Patch test before a full massage.
Are these oils safe to diffuse around the home?
Yes, in a well-aired room and in shorter sessions. Keep the diffuser out of reach of children and pets, and check guidance for each oil if young children or animals are around.
The bottom line
Lavender, chamomile, rose, ylang ylang and Frida Floral are five gentle essential oils for stress relief. Pick one, pair it with its easy method, and give yourself a few calm minutes each day. Find all five in our essential oils collection.
