Some underated aromatherapy oils for stress relief are worth mentioning. They are worth exploring to see if you find some alternatives to add to your de-stressing tool kit.
This article discusses 7 of these aromatherapy oils for relieving stress along with practical tips to keep in mind as you use each one of them – lemongrass, peppermint, lemon, roesemary, geranium, clary sage, and vetiver.
Remember- aromatherapy oils can cause a burning sensation on the skin if not applied correctly. Another article discusses different modes of application and safety concerns. Handcraft Blends and Cliganic appear to be brands that carry superior and popular products.
Lemongrass Oil: Zesty Stress Buster with a Twist
When considering aromatherapy oils for stress, lemongrass oil might not get as much hype as lavender or rose, but it definitely deserves a spot in the stress relief toolkit. I stumbled upon it when looking for something to keep bugs away during summer (it’s great for that too, by the way), but I was pleasantly surprised by how it lifted my mood and helped me relax.
Lemongrass has this fresh, citrusy aroma very much like a breath of fresh air—perfect for those days when you are feeling tense or just plain down.
For seniors, lemongrass can be a two-for-one because not only does it reduce anxiety, but it can also help with inflammation and joint pain. Personally, I love to diffuse it in the afternoon to give me a little boost when I’m winding down. Just a few drops, and it feels like the whole room is filled with sunshine!
Potency
One thing to keep in mind, though: lemongrass is quite potent and can irritate the skin if used undiluted. I made that mistake once, thinking, “Oh, a drop on my wrists won’t hurt.” Spoiler alert—it did. My skin was red and itchy for hours. So, always dilute it in a carrier oil, like sweet almond or jojoba, if you’re planning to apply it topically.
Another way I like to use lemongrass is in a warm foot bath. Add a couple of drops with some Epsom salts, and it’s like a mini spa for your feet. Plus, the scent is invigorating and helps clear the mind—a bonus if you’re feeling a little sluggish or foggy.
It’s a great option if you want something a bit brighter and more energizing than the usual calming oils. Give it a try, but go easy at first—lemongrass doesn’t mess around!
Peppermint Oil: Refreshing Relief for Stress and Stiffness
Peppermint is like the multitasker of the essential oil world. Most people think of it as an energizer, but did you know it can help with stress, too? The cooling sensation from peppermint oil can ease muscle tension, which often comes along with stress.
I love using it after a particularly tough day when my neck and shoulders feel stiff. I just mix a few drops with some coconut oil and massage it in. Within minutes, I feel the tension melting away, and the refreshing scent perks me up a bit.
For seniors, peppermint can be a double win. It is great for easing joint stiffness, and can also help with focus and concentration. My tip? Keep a small bottle handy during your day. Inhale it when you need a pick-me-up or feel a headache coming on.
Just be cautious around the eyes—peppermint is super strong, and I’ve accidentally rubbed some near my eyes before. The cooling effect quickly turned into a burning sensation, and I ended up rinsing my face for what felt like forever. So, use it carefully!
Lemon Oil: The Zesty Pick-Me-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed
Lemon oil is like the cheerleader of aromatherapy oils for stress—always upbeat and ready to boost your spirits. While most people associate it with cleaning products or a splash in their iced tea, lemon essential oil is actually a great stress reliever, especially for seniors.
Its bright, fresh scent can help lift your mood, reduce anxiety, and even improve concentration. Personally, I find it to be a little burst of sunshine on those gloomy days when everything feels blah.
One of my favorite ways to use lemon oil is in the morning. I add a few drops to a diffuser while I’m having my coffee, and it just sets a positive tone for the day. I also like to blend it with other oils, like lavender or peppermint, to create a balanced aroma that’s both calming and invigorating.
It’s perfect if you’re feeling tense but still need to get things done—like the time I was stressing out about an overflowing to-do list. I diffused a mix of lemon and rosemary, and it gave me just enough energy to power through without feeling overwhelmed.
For seniors, lemon oil can be particularly beneficial because it’s gentle and versatile. Aside from stress relief, it’s known to support immune health, which is always a plus.
Potency
Just be careful if you’re applying it to your skin. Lemon oil is phototoxic, meaning it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. I learned that lesson the hard way when I applied some to my neck before heading out for a sunny walk. I ended up with red patches that took days to go away. So, if you’re using it topically, dilute it well and avoid sun exposure for at least 12 hours afterward.
Rosemary Oil: Aromatherapy Oils for Stress Busting & Brain Boosting
Rosemary oil definitely deserves a spot on the list! It is one of those underrated oils that people tend to overlook, but it’s actually packed with benefits. When I first tried rosemary, I was mainly looking for something to help me focus. Well, not only did it help me stay sharp, but I also noticed I felt more relaxed and less frazzled as the day went on.
For seniors, rosemary is not only a great stress reliever, but it is also a brain booster – one of the aromatherapy oils for this!. Its stimulating aroma can help clear mental fog, support cognitive function, and improve alertness—all while keeping you calm and collected.
One of my go-to tricks is to add a couple of drops to a bowl of steaming water, lean over it with a towel over my head, and breathe in the aroma for a few minutes. Instant clarity. Plus, it is soothing for any sinus congestion if you’re battling a seasonal sniffle.
Another simple way to use rosemary is by diffusing it or adding a drop to your pulse points when you need a little midday pick-me-up. Just don’t go overboard. One time, I thought, “Hey, if a few drops are good, then more must be better!”—and ended up feeling jittery instead of focused. A drop or two goes a long way.
Another fun fact about rosemary oil is that it is also great for hair health! I’ve read studies suggesting it might even support hair growth. So, if you are dealing with thinning hair or just want a healthy scalp, try mixing a drop into your shampoo or massaging it (diluted of course!) into your scalp.
But remember, rosemary is a strong oil, so always dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba before applying it directly to the skin.
Aromatherapy Oils for Emotional Balance : Geranium
Geranium oil does not get nearly the credit it deserves, but it is a true gem for stress relief—especially when emotions are running high. I started using it when I was going through a particularly tough time, and it felt like a wave of calm washed over me.
The floral, slightly sweet scent is known for promoting emotional stability, easing anxiety, and even lifting mood. If you are dealing with mood swings or just feeling off, geranium can help bring things back into balance.
One way I love to use geranium is by adding a few drops to a warm bath with some Epsom salts. It feels like all the stress just melts away, leaving me feeling centered and refreshed.
For seniors, this oil can be particularly helpful during times of emotional upheaval, like coping with loss or big life changes. The scent is not overpowering like some other florals, so it’s perfect if you want something gentle and comforting.
Potency of Geranium aromatherapy oils for stress
A word of caution, though: geranium is quite potent and can sometimes cause skin sensitivity. I found this out when I added a few undiluted drops to a face cream—my skin wasn’t happy about it! So, always mix it well with a carrier oil, like jojoba or almond, before applying it to the skin. Another bonus? It’s also great for promoting healthy skin, so you get a little extra beauty boost along with stress relief.
Aromatherapy Oils for Relaxation and Hormonal Harmony: Clary Sage
Clary sage has this earthy, slightly sweet aroma that makes it a fantastic choice for relaxation, especially if hormonal imbalances are at play. I first tried it on a whim, but it quickly became one of my go-to oils when feeling frazzled.
This oil is known for its ability to ease anxiety, promote restful sleep, and even help balance hormones—something that’s particularly important for women.
For seniors, clary sage can be useful for calming nerves and promoting a sense of well-being. I like to use it in a diffuser in the evenings, mixed with a bit of lavender or bergamot, to create a peaceful, sleepy-time blend.
A few drops on a cotton ball under your pillowcase can also work wonders if you’re dealing with restlessness at night.
But here’s a funny story: the first time I tried clary sage, I used way too much in my bath. Instead of feeling relaxed, I ended up with a headache because the scent was so strong.
Turns out, clary sage, just like most aromatherapy oils for various uses, is one of those oils where a little goes a long way—no need to go overboard! Also, it’s best to avoid this one if you’re pregnant or on certain medications, as it can have pretty powerful effects. Always double-check with your doctor first if you’re not sure.
Vetiver Oil: The Deeply Grounding Stress Buster
Vetiver oil is like aromatherapy’s answer to a weighted blanket. Known for its rich, earthy scent, vetiver is deeply grounding and perfect for those times when you’re feeling scattered or anxious. I call it my “instant calm” oil.
One sniff, and it’s like my brain gets the memo to chill out. It’s especially good for promoting restful sleep and easing tension, which makes it ideal for seniors who may struggle with staying calm and focused throughout the day.
I like to use vetiver in the evenings, either in a diffuser or as part of a DIY massage blend. It pairs wonderfully with lavender or frankincense. Just mix a few drops with some coconut oil and apply it to your feet or the back of your neck—it’s like a mini-massage that helps you unwind.
But be warned: vetiver’s scent is strong and can be a bit of an acquired taste. The first time I used it, I wasn’t sure I liked it, but it grew on me, although it is certainly not one of my favorites.
For stress relief, especially when your mind is racing, vetiver can be a game-changer. I remember one particularly rough night where I couldn’t shut off my brain.
I was tossing and turning, worrying about everything from bills to what I needed to do the following day. A dab of vetiver on my wrists, and I was finally able to relax and drift off.
Because of its thick, syrupy consistency, vetiver can be a bit tricky to work with. Warm the bottle slightly in your hands before using, and it’ll be easier to mix. It might take a little patience, but trust me—it’s worth it for the calm it brings.
Conclusion – Overlooked Aromatherapy Oils for Stress
Beyond the usual lavender, there are several underrated aromatherapy oils for relieving stress that are fantastic. Lemongrass can uplift your mood, while Peppermint offers a refreshing boost for mental clarity. Lemon helps promote a positive outlook, and Rosemary is great for reducing tension and mental fatigue.
For calming effects, try Geranium, which balances emotions, or Clary Sage, known for its soothing properties. Finally, Vetiver is a powerful grounding oil that eases anxiety. Incorporate these lesser-known oils into your routine to keep stress at bay! Try one today!
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FAQ
Which aromatherapy oils for relieving stress are usually overlooked?
Usually overlooked aromatherapy oils for relieving stress are: lemongrass, peppermint, lemon, rosemary, geranium, clary sage, and vetiver.
References
Pedosky, L (2023) What Are Essential Oils? A Complete Guide on Aromatherapy and Its Potential Health Benefits https://www.everydayhealth.com/wellness/what-are-essential-oils-a-complete-guide-on-aromatherapy-and-its-potential-health-benefits/
Bowers, D (2023) What Is Aromatherapy and How Does It Work? https://www.deeparomatherapy.com/what-is-aromatherapy-and-how-does-it-work/
