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Mental health includes social, psychological, and emotional well-being and affects the way you feel, think, and behave, according to University of Chicago Medicine. Your mental state influences how you connect with others, make decisions, handle stress, and deal with many other aspects of daily life. Let’s explore how you can use essential oils for mental health as part of your self-care.
Using essential oils can support mental health because aroma affects the brain’s limbic system, a group of structures that regulate emotions, behavior, motivation, and memory. As a result, essential oils can help uplift mood and energy, improve focus and concentration, and reduce the effects of stress and anxiety.
Important: For some people, a particular scent may evoke an unpleasant memory, so avoid any essential oil that does so for you. The suggestions here are for supportive self-care. Seek professional help when needed.
Essential Oils for Mental Health
This article looks at uplifting and mood-boosting essential oils. Also see these articles:
Essential Oils to Improve Mood
The Fragrant Mind suggests using these essential oils if you’re feeling moody:
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lemon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora)
- Neroli
- Patchouli
- Ylang ylang
And these essential oils to help balance mood swings:
- Angelica seed
- Cardamom
- Cedarwood
- Coriander
- Cypress
- Geranium
- Helichrysum
- Lavender
Try this essential oil blend for mood swings: 5 drops helichrysum and 15 drops each of cedarwood and cypress. Use in these ways:
- Massage: Blend essential oils into 2 tablespoons carrier oil.
- Diffuse: Use a few drops according to your diffuser’s instructions.
- Room spray: Add the essential oils to a 2-ounce glass spray bottle and fill with distilled water. Shake well before each use.
- Aromatherapy inhaler: Place 10 to 20 drops of the blend on the inhaler’s wick. Inhale the aroma as needed.
- Bath: Use the essential oils according to the bath recipe’s instructions.
Essential Oil Blends to Support Mood
Mood-Balancing Massage Oil
If your moods are all over the place, try using this oil for a massage.
- 2 drops melissa essential oil
- 2 drops frankincense essential oil
- 1 drop clary sage essential oil
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil
- 3 drops vitamin E oil
Mood-Enhancing Diffuser Blend
Use according to your diffuser’s instructions.
- 5 drops bergamot essential oil
- 5 drops bay laurel essential oil
- 5 drops neroli essential oil
Source: Essential Oils for Emotional Wellbeing
Stock Calming Blend for Mood Swings and Anxiety
Blend these essential oils in a 5 ml dropper bottle:
- 40 drops lavender
- 40 drops roman chamomile
- 30 drops sweet marjoram
Cap bottle. Shake. Ways to use this blend:
- Massage: Add 6 drops to 2 teaspoons carrier oil. Massage lower back and abdomen.
- Diffuse: Use a few drops according to your diffuser’s instructions.
- Room spray: Add 75 drops to a 4-ounce glass spray bottle and fill with distilled water. Shake well before each use.
- Aromatherapy inhaler: Place 25 drops on the inhaler’s wick.
- Bath: Add 4 to 6 drops to 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Stir into tub of warm water.
Source: The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness
Uplifting Massage Oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- 4 drops thyme essential oil
- 4 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 2 drops cypress essential oil
- 30 ml (about 2 tablespoons) carrier oil
Massage a few drops onto your upper chest, back of the neck, and shoulders.
Source: Aromasense Essential Oils eBook
Uplifting Diffuser Blends
Use these blends according to your diffuser’s instructions.
- 2 drops blue tansy essential oil
- 3 to 4 drops lime essential oil
Source: Plant Therapy Recipe eBook
- 2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
- 3 drops lemongrass essential oil
or
- 2 drops clary sage essential oil
- 3 drops bergamot essential oil
Source: 100 Amazing Uses of Essential Oils
Uplifting Stock Blend
- 40 drops bergamot essential oil
- 20 drops ylang ylang essential oil
- 20 drops clary sage essential oil
- 10 drops geranium essential oil
- 10 drops rose geranium essential oil
In addition to using this blend in a diffuser, you can make a body oil: Combine 15 to 30 drops essential oil with 2 tablespoons carrier oil. Apply a few drops to the sinus points around your nose and forehead and to the back of your neck.
Source: Essential Oils Complete Reference Guide
