The hustle and bustle of daily life can have you wondering - when was the last time I had a moment's peace? Whether you're a parent, a career-focused person, or a student with a bunch of essays piling up, it's important to remember that you deserve a little R&R.
This is where essential oils come into play. Essential oils are becoming a commonly-used remedy to fight stress and anxiety while promoting a restful night's sleep by inducing relaxation. Read on to get to know the top blends you can try to help you relax and restore your energy for the trials of daily life!
Top 14 Relaxing Essential Oil Blends For A Stress-Free Day
Essential oils should meet your specific needs. Finding the best blend for you is crucial - the effects and scent profile should suit your preferences and offer you a soothing scent to inhale and breathe away the stress of the day. By using essential oil blends, you can receive more benefits at one time, increasing the power of your essential oil use.
Blend #1: Lavender, Frankincense, Orange
This blend offers a rich floral and citrus scent profile. To create this blend, you should use:
- 4 drops of lavender essential oil
- 4 drops of orange essential oil
- 2 drops of frankincense essential oil
Lavender essential oil is popular due to its calming properties that promote relaxation. It does this by lowering blood pressure, slowing the heart rate, and reducing the skin’s temperature, which are all symptoms associated with stress.
The orange essential oil has a refreshing scent that proves helpful in lifting the mood and reducing stress, and Studies on rats have shown the anxiety-relieving properties of frankincense.
Some additional benefits of frankincense include improved gut health and improved cellular function, which may help reduce the appearance of blemishes and soothe the skin - relaxation and better-looking skin? Yes, please!
You can substitute any of these oils for chamomile essential oil, or it can be added to this blend should you wish to promote a restful night's sleep using its sedative properties.
Should you wish to apply this essential oil topically, ensure that you use a carrier oil, as essential oils are incredibly concentrated and shouldn't be applied directly to the skin. When using this blend, you may experience some side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and skin irritation. Cease your use of the product should you share any of these symptoms.
When diffused into the air, this blend works well to provide a relaxing aroma for meditation and self-care.
Blend #2: Clary Sage, Lavender, Vetiver
To create this herbal and floral scent, you must use this number of drops:
- 5 drops of clary sage essential oil
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of vetiver essential oil
One study showed that clary sage essential oil, when inhaled, lowered the blood pressure of women undergoing stress. You can use Clary sage oil to reduce stress, as it can reduce the presence of cortisol in the body, which is the stress hormone.
As we have mentioned, lavender essential oil is also effective in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Vetiver essential oil has a woody and earthy scent that can boost confidence, and calm the mind, giving it the unofficial name 'oil of tranquility'. Vetiver is also an antioxidant and has detoxifying properties.
You might consider adding cedarwood essential oil or using it as a substitute for vetiver in this blend due to its woody and earthy scent profile.
Be sure to avoid sunlight when using these essential oils topically, which could increase sun damage in the skin. Some side effects of these essential oils include nausea and vomiting, and clary sage may exacerbate the impact of hexobarbitone, causing drowsiness. If you experience any of these symptoms, cease using the blend.
Since these essential oils are low-toxicity and low-sensitization, they are appropriate for topical use with a carrier oil like rapeseed. Try warming your mixture and using it for massage for the ultimate relaxation experience.
Blend #3: Bergamot, Geranium, Lavender
This blend is rich with infused floral aromas. To create this blend, use the following number of drops:
- 4 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 4 drops of geranium essential oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
Bergamot essential oil is a powerful relaxant that can help to reduce tension and anxiety. It can also reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol to increase your overall physical wellbeing.
The Geranium essential oil can improve cognitive function and concentration while alleviating stress. These essential oils work well with the relaxing properties of lavender essential oil to create a calming floral aroma.
For enhancing your sleep quality, try switching out one of these ingredients for chamomile essential oil or adding it to the mix to blend with the floral tones.
The essential oils in this blend can cause some irritation and sensitization, so avoid applying this blend topically to the skin. If you experience any dizziness, stomach upset, skin irritation, or changes in blood sugar, cease using this blend immediately.
Since this essential oil may cause some sensitization, we recommend you diffuse it into the air while practicing yoga or another de-stressing activity rather than applying it to the skin.
Blend #4: Lavender, Bergamot, Vanilla, Roman Chamomile
You can create the rich and warm aroma of this essential oil blend using the following ingredients:
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 drop of bergamot essential oil
- 1 drop of vanilla essential oil
- 1 drop of chamomile essential oil
The relaxing properties of lavender and bergamot essential oil work well with the other calming essential oils.
Vanilla essential oil is known for reducing blood pressure, a symptom of stress. It is also known for increasing the libido (which could lead you towards another stress-relieving activity, if you catch my drift).
Roman chamomile oil contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to specific receptors in the brain to induce a feeling of drowsiness and sleepiness. If you often suffer from an upset stomach due to stress, you will benefit from this oil, reducing digestive difficulty.
Due to its sedative qualities, you can use rose essential oil as a substitute for chamomile in this mixture, or add it to the mix to provide added relaxation.
Chamomile essential oil can be toxic when consumed in large amounts, so avoid overusing this product for ingestion. If you experience diarrhea, headaches, or difficulty breathing, cease using this essential oil blend.
This essential oil blend works best when diffused, as chamomile can cause skin irritation and rashes. Try diffusing this blend while using an adult coloring book to clear the mind or reading before bed to induce sleepiness.
Blend #5: Cedarwood, Lavender, Roman Chamomile
For this calming essential oil blend, use the following ingredients:
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of roman chamomile essential oil
- 1 drop of cedarwood essential oil
The sedative and calming effects of roman chamomile and lavender make this blend a powerful relaxant. Cedarwood essential oil reduces harmful stress, eases tension, and enhances concentration for a grounding effect. Cedarwood essential oil can also mitigate mold and mildew and repel insects in the home.
Vetiver can act as a great alternative to cedarwood essential oil in this blend, or it can make a great addition to increase the grounding effects of this blend.
Since cedarwood is one of the more potent essential oils, you should never ingest it. Some side effects of this blend include nausea, sickness, and diarrhea. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue your use of this blend.
We recommend diffusing this oil rather than ingesting it or applying it to the skin. Try diffusing it while meditating or taking a nap to benefit from its rest-enhancing properties.
Blend #6: Clary Sage, Lavender, Bergamot
This essential oil blend is excellent for pain relief and reducing stress. To create this blend, you should use:
- 3 drops of lavender essential oil
- 4 drops of clary sage essential oil
- 3 drops of bergamot essential oil
Bergamot essential oil can help treat neuropathic pain, and if you suffer from pain that makes relaxation difficult, you may benefit from this blend. Clary sage oil can also decrease pain and stress, improving mood. Lavender essential oil's sedative properties also help to aid in relaxation. We highly recommend this blend for those suffering from PMS, headaches, or other pains that can make it difficult to relax.
Before applying this blend to the skin, perform a patch test by placing a small amount on the skin using a cotton tip and leaving it to rest on the skin for 24 hours to determine if you will react to the blend. Discontinue using this blend if you experience nausea, stomach upset, skin irritation, or dizziness.
We recommend adding this blend to your bath so that you can experience the pain-relieving and relaxing properties of the combination while soaking your muscles and relieving pain with a hot bath.
Blend #7: Eucalyptus, Spearmint
You can create this refreshing and sinus-clearing blend using the following amounts:
- 3 drops of spearmint essential oil
- 1 drop of eucalyptus essential oil
If you are suffering from sinus congestion, this blend can help you improve your respiratory function, take deeper breaths, and relax. Spearmint contains menthol, which has a cooling effect and promotes sleep and relaxation, making it excellent for when you need to unwind. Eucalyptus is commonly used to fight congestion and help you breathe easier, promoting peace.
Peppermint essential oil makes an excellent substitute for spearmint, as it also contains menthol. Or, you could try adding a citrus essential oil to this blend to add to the vibrant and refreshing aroma.
When using this blend, avoid contact with sensitive areas like the eyes and genitalia due to the cooling sensation caused by eucalyptus oil (this can be pretty uncomfortable if applied to sensitive areas!). Some side effects of this blend include nausea, vomiting, and toxicity when ingested in large amounts.
We recommend this blend for topical use, promoting relaxation and easy breathing when applied to the chest. Or, simply apply the mix to a dry flannel to smell and gain the decongestive benefits.
Blend #8: Patchouli, Cypress, Bergamot
This blend has a distinct aroma that is perfect for relaxation for a stress-free day. To create this blend, use:
- 5 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 3 drops of patchouli essential oil
- 2 drops of cypress essential oil
The distinct woody, sweet, and spicy aroma of patchouli essential oil can relieve stress and symptoms of depression. Patchouli also provides excellent benefits for the skin, providing relief from dermatitis and scalp conditions such as dandruff. Cypress essential oil has sedative effects and can help to promote a good night's rest. Along with the stress-relieving qualities of bergamot oil, this essential oils blend is excellent for easing stress and unburdening yourself of worry.
A great addition or substitute for this blend would be chamomile essential oil, with a gentle aroma and sedative effects that would work well with cypress or replace it in this blend.
This blend contains sensitizing oils, so we recommend not applying it topically to the skin. Some side effects of this blend include rashes, itching, dizziness, heartburn, and muscle cramps. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue using this blend.
We recommend this blend for diffusion to avoid a reaction on the skin. Try diffusing it in the morning while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea to breathe deep and de-stress before the events of the day.
Blend #9: Bergamot, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang
This blend benefits from the exotic, deep, and floral tones of ylang-ylang essential oil. To create this blend, you should use:
- 5 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 3 drops of patchouli essential oil
- 2 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
The stress-relieving and uplifting properties of bergamot and patchouli work well to compliment the properties of ylang-ylang. Ylang-ylang is known to have an uplifting effect that can boost your mood and help tackle symptoms of depression and anxiety throughout the day. Ylang-ylang is also an effective bug repellent.
We recommend adding a few drops of jasmine to this blend to compliment the scent profile of ylang-ylang. An excellent substitute for these oils would be orange essential oil, as citrus oils can have an uplifting and mood-boosting effect.
Before applying this blend to the skin, you should perform a patch test to ensure that there will be no allergic reaction. Some side effects of this blend include dizziness, heartburn, muscle cramps, and allergic reactions. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue using this blend.
We recommend this essential oil for diffusion throughout the day, at home, or in the office. Try adding this blend to a carrier oil and applying it to the skin to receive its uplifting and stress-reducing benefits throughout the day.
Blend #10: Lavender, Lime, Mandarin
This is a refreshing citrus blend that is perfect for use during the day to help you relax no matter what comes your way. To create this blend, use:
- 4 drops of lime essential oil
- 4 drops of mandarin essential oil
- 2 drops of lavender essential oil
Lime essential oil is perfect to energize the mind and provide an uplifting effect that combats the symptoms of stress. It has anti-aging properties, tightening the skin and reducing sagging. Mandarin essential oil can promote happiness, ease tension, and bring clarity and peace to mind. These two uplifting citrus aromas work well with lavender’s grounding and calming properties to provide an overall centredness.
To enhance citrus’s powerful, uplifting effects, you can add lemon essential oil to this blend. Or, try substituting lemon essential oil for lime due to their similar scent profiles.
Mandarin and lime essential oils are phototoxic and can cause damage if rubbed onto the skin and exposed to sunlight. If you experience constipation, diarrhea, headache, or sunburn when using this blend, cease your use immediately.
We recommend that you diffuse this blend rather than apply it to the skin due to the dangers of sun exposure. This blend works well for diffusing throughout the day for mental clarity and easing stress.
Blend #11: Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Bergamot
This blend has a deep and musky aroma. To create this blend, you should use:
- 5 drops of sandalwood essential oil
- 3 drops of clary sage essential oil
- 2 drops of bergamot essential oil
The clary sage and bergamot essential oils in this blend provide deep relaxation and promote healing. The sandalwood gives this blend its deep and musky aroma, used in yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic healing to encourage feelings of connection and grounding.
Try adding cedarwood to enhance the deep musky aroma of this blend. Cedarwood works well as a substitute for sandalwood in this blend.
Always perform a patch test before applying sandalwood to the skin. If you experience itching, nausea, or stomach upset, discontinue using this blend immediately.
We recommend this essential oil for diffusion during your meditation or yoga practice to connect you with your body and reduce the effects of stress.
Blend #12: Rosemary, Peppermint, Lavender
This blend has a refreshing herbal aroma. To receive the benefits of this blend, you should use:
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of rosemary essential oil
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
Along with the sedative qualities of lavender oil and the menthol in peppermint oil, this blend effectively reduces the pain caused by tension headaches. Both lavender and peppermint oils have pain-relieving properties. If you are stressed, this can cause bodily tension that leads to tension headaches. Rosemary essential oil effectively relieves pain and makes this blend useful for easing tension headaches caused by stress.
Since chamomile essential oil helps combat headaches, it makes a great substitution or addition to the blend.
You should never use essential oils directly on the skin without using a carrier oil to dilute them. Some side effects of this blend include sun sensitivity, redness, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea.
We recommend this essential oil for a scalp massage to help ease tension headaches, or you can diffuse it as you take a moment to unwind and relax the muscles.
Blend #13: Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense
This blend provides an uplifting aroma to promote happiness and ease stress. To create this blend, you should use:
- 4 drops of marjoram essential oil
- 4 drops of roman chamomile essential oil
- 2 drops of frankincense essential oil
Marjoram is a powerful mood booster and pain reliever, making it an excellent choice for those suffering from PMS symptoms causing stress and discomfort. Marjoram also improves cardiovascular health to promote a steady heart rate and blood pressure, allowing the body to cope more effectively with symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Roman chamomile has sedative effects that can help to increase sleep quality and help you drift off. With the relaxing properties of frankincense, this blend is perfect for providing relief from anxiety and stress-related pains.
Marjoram has similar effects to lavender, making lavender a great substitute or addition for this blend.
Some oils in this blend can cause skin sensitization, so we recommend that you perform a patch test before applying it to the skin. Some side effects of this blend include indigestion, constipation, and nausea. Do not continue to use this blend if you experience any of these symptoms.
We recommend this essential oil blend for diffusion throughout the day to keep your mind clear and your body pain-free, evaporating your stress.
Blend #14: Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, Rosemary
The fresh and light aroma of this blend can be quite up lifting. To create this blend, you should use:
- 5 drops of grapefruit essential oil
- 3 drops of juniper berry essential oil
- 2 drops of rosemary essential oil
The rosemary in this essential oil blend works well to reduce tension headaches and provide pain relief, while the uplifting aromas of grapefruit and juniper berry give a mood boost. Grapefruit oil works well to lower blood pressure, while juniper berry is a powerful relaxant and sleep aid. Grapefruit and juniper berry also help to promote digestive health, which can be pretty valuable if you find that stress affects your bowel movements.
Citrus essential oils like lime and mandarin make a great addition to this refreshing blend and can be substituted for any essential oils to provide a sweeter citrus aroma.
Since this blend contains sensitizing essential oils, we recommend that you either perform a patch test or avoid applying it topically to the skin. Some side effects of this blend include redness, rashes, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Try diffusing this essential oil blend or placing a few drops onto your pillow to help you combat the symptoms of stress that could lead to a poor night's sleep.
Summary
Stress can be seriously detrimental to sleep hygiene, blood pressure, and overall health. Luckily, essential oil blends grant you the power to take matters into your own hands and provide yourself with some self-care to help you relax, ease tension headaches, and get better rest.
BluZen is a family-run business that prides itself on providing people with the tools to ease stress and take a holistic approach to their health. We provide quality essential oils and essential oil blends to help you find the remedy that suits your needs to make life stress-free and improve your vitality.