5 Essential Oil Safety Tips for Anxiety Relief
Safety Matters when Using Essential Oils for Anxiety
Essential oils are a natural, effective way to calm anxiety and reduce stress. Their soothing aromas and therapeutic properties can transform your mood in just moments. However, because essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts, it’s important to use them with care.
We recently shared an in-depth guide to using essential oils for anxiety relief. In this post, I’ll walk you through 5 key safety tips to help you maximize their benefits while minimizing risks. Whether you’re new to essential oils or looking to refresh your knowledge, these tips will ensure your anxiety-relief practices are both safe and effective!
1. Dilute, Dilute, Dilute!
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. Even a single drop of essential oil is incredibly potent. Undiluted oil can cause unwanted reactions—like allergies, itching, burning, and sensitization. Always dilute essential oils in a lipid-based carrier—like natural vegetable oil or butter. This makes them safer for skin application, giving us a much more soothing experience!
Some favorite carriers include:
Jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
Shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)
Argan oil (Argania spinosa)
Try this recipe for an anxiety relief essential oil roller bottle blend. It works with a number of carriers.
Guidelines for Dilution
| Dilution Level | Drops per 1 fl oz (30 ml) of Carrier | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1% | 5–6 drops | For children (over 5 years old) and sensitive individuals |
| 2% | 10–12 drops | For anxiety, stress, and daily emotional needs |
| 3% | 15–18 drops | For acute needs like pain relief (short-term use only) |
Dilution isn't just a safety measure - it's the secret to a soothing, irritation-free experience!
2. Using Essential Oils for Anxiety in the Bath
Adding essential oils directly to bath water is not recommended, as water and oil don’t mix. Instead, dilute 5–6 drops of essential oil in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of carrier oil before adding it to your bath.
Safe Solution: Avoid using strong oils like peppermint or spicy oils like cinnamon bark in the bath, as warm water can increase their potential to irritate the skin. Learn more about using essential oils in the bath.
3. Avoid Phototoxic Reactions
Bergamot and other citrus oils are wonderful for anxiety relief, but they can make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Avoid applying phototoxic oils to skin that will be exposed to sunlight within 24 hours. Alternatively, opt for diffusing essential oils for anxiety relief. Sweet orange, for example, is a safe and non-phototoxic choice.
Learn more about using phototoxic oils safely.
4. Potential Drug Interactions
Some essential oils can interact with medications like antidepressants. It’s safest to avoid oils rich in compounds like eugenol (clove bud), citral (lemongrass), chamazulene (blue tansy and German chamomile), and others if you’re on medication. Always consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
5. Children and Pets
Children often respond beautifully to the gentle support of essential oils, but their sensitive systems deserve extra care and attention. For children over 5 years old, appropriately diluted essential oils can be a wonderful tool to promote calm and ease. For younger children, hydrosols are an excellent, safe alternative that still offers soothing therapeutic benefits.
When it comes to pets, their natural instincts are a reliable guide. If you’re diffusing essential oils, always leave a door open so they can choose to stay or leave the space as they feel comfortable. This ensures their environment remains calming and supportive without overwhelming their senses.
Read this guide for more information on using essential oils with pets.
Bonus Tip! Use Pure, High-Quality Essential Oils
Quality matters when it comes to essential oils. Synthetic fragrances lack therapeutic benefits and can even cause unwanted reactions. Follow these quick tips to ensure you’re working with the best:
Look for Labels: Choose oils labeled as 100% pure, therapeutic grade, and free from additives. Learn how to ensure you’re buying pure essential oils
Trustworthy Sources: Purchase from reputable companies that provide batch-specific GC/MS testing. Avoid synthetic fragrances
GC/MS Reports: Make sure your oils are tested and verified for purity and quality. Here’s a guide to understanding GC/MS reports
Check Shelf Life: Know when your oils were produced, as older oils are prone to oxidation, which can irritate skin. Not sure if your oils are oxidized? Get insight here
Storage Tip: Store oils in a cool, dark place, with lids tightly closed to slow down oxidation. Learn about proper storage here
My Takeaway
Essential oils can be incredible allies in the journey to reduce anxiety and promote calm—but only when used safely. By following these simple safety tips, you can experience their benefits while protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Safety doesn’t take the joy out of aromatherapy—it enhances it!
