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Have you ever noticed how a particular smell can instantly transport you to another time and place, bringing the feeling back that you experienced at that moment? Scent is an incredibly powerful sense and is linked to the parts of the brain that control both memory and emotion, so it’s perhaps no surprise that certain aromas can have a huge impact on our mood.

Aromatherapy taps into this, with certain fragrances igniting different feelings, and even having physiological effects on the body, as the smell receptors in your nose send messages to your nervous system. The right relaxing essential oil blends can bring on feelings of peace and calm — for example, vanilla essential oil can have a sedating effect, calming the nervous system and lowering blood pressure.

What Essential Oils are Good for Relaxing?

Lavender and Bergamot are just two of the many essential oils used to promote relaxation and feelings of calm. Whether used alone or mixed into a beautiful blend, there are plenty of other options to choose from depending on the exact desired effect — and, of course, your personal favourite scents.

Let’s take a look at some of the best essential oils for relaxation:

Number 1. Lavender
Lavender oil not only smells great but also has the power to reduce feelings of anxiety. It also has sedative effects, making it one of the top relaxing oils for nighttime, and it is one of the gentlest and most widely studied essential oils.

Number 2. Clary Sage
One of the longest-used relaxing essential oils, Clary Sage Essential Oil has been used for its soothing, balancing properties since as far back as the Middle Ages. This woody, herbal essential oil has been shown to lower tension and help manage levels of cortisol — AKA the stress hormone — in women.

Number 3. Lemon
Made from the rind of lemons, Lemon Essential Oil is an interesting one as, while studies have found it to have a calming, anxiety-relieving effect, other research has found the complete opposite! And, no, neither is wrong — Lemon Essential Oil simply affects people in different ways, so if you try it and find it makes you feel more awake, switch to one of the other oils in this list.

Number 4. Neroli
Another sweet, citrusy scent for sending your Zen skyrocketing, Neroli Essential Oil comes from the blooms of the bitter orange tree. Like other relaxing essential oils, Neroli can also have a sedative effect and may help relieve anger, irritability and worry.

Number 5. Ylang Ylang
Sweet, spicy and floral, Ylang Ylang is another of the most relaxing oils to add to your bathroom cabinet to ease stress, boost serenity and help with a positive outlook.

Number 6. Jasmine
The scent of Jasmine Oil brings on memories of summer like no other flower can, and the beloved fragrance can increase a sense of wellbeing and significantly reduce feelings of mild anxiety. It has also traditionally been used to help calm your nerves, as it has a natural sedative effect, and may even be used as an aphrodisiac.

Number 7. Sandalwood
Like lavender, Sandalwood is one of the gentler relaxing oils, and studies have shown the deliciously rich, woody aroma to be beneficial in easing symptoms of mild anxiety, as well as promoting a better night’s sleep.

Number 8. Roman Chamomile
One of the best essential oils for relaxation, Roman Chamomile Oil has been used for centuries to help induce feelings of calm. The ancient Romans would use it to help them relax before going off to battle and studies have shown that massage with Chamomile Oil can help reduce symptoms of mild anxiety.

Number 9. Bergamot
Bergamot oil is a citrusy oil extracted from the rinds of this citrus fruit, which grows on Bergamot orange trees— a lemon and bitter orange hybrid. It’s not only one of the best essential oils for relaxation but can also help lift our spirits. Tip: Bergamot can increase sun sensitivity, so never apply topically if you’re going out in the sun for an excessive amount of time.

How to Use Relaxing Essential Oils

Now you know which are the best essential oils to promote relaxation — but how can you make the most of their calming benefits? Here are a few ways to use essential oils to promote relaxation in your everyday routine:

Option 1: In a Diffuser or Vaporiser
Add a couple of drops of your chosen relaxing oil to an aroma diffuser or vaporiser and let the fragrance spread through the room, allowing you to gently inhale the calming scent. You may even like to combine a couple of your favourites, creating your own personalised relaxing essential oil blends.

Option 2: A Relaxing Massage
Blend a drop or two with one tablespoon of your favourite carrier oil and use it to massage away tension and relieve stress. The back of the neck and the shoulders are good spots to focus on for relaxation.

Tip: the Essential Oil Relax Bundle includes everything you need to create a luxurious massage experience.

Option 3: A Hot Bath
Mix a drop or two with one tablespoon of carrier oil and add to a steamy hot bath for a truly Zen pampering experience. Give the water a good mix to disperse the oils. Soak for 10 minutes.

Option 4: On Your Pillow
Combine a few drops of your favourite relaxing essential oils with some water in a spray bottle, give it a good shake and spritz the solution over your pillow before going to bed to promote calm and help improve sleep. You can also spritz onto a tissue and place it on your pillow if you don’t want to get the oils on your pillowcase.