The Power of Essential Oil in Dealing with Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety disorders are some of the most common psychiatric disorders, with potentially debilitating consequences on individual functions. Existing medications for anxiety disorders are limited by delay to therapeutic effect, dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, and abuse potential. Therefore, safe and evidence-based complementary or alternative therapies may be important allies in the care of patients with anxiety disorders. 

Essential oils are lipophilic and concentrated botanical extracts that exhibit many properties of drugs, although perhaps not in such artificial high quantities. Essential oils are basically plant extracts made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant (flowers, bark, leaves, or fruit) to capture the compounds that produce fragrance.

More people are trying essential oils for panic attacks. Aromatherapy is a legitimate form of alternative therapy, especially for panic attacks. Certain scents can reduce anxiety and fear while lifting a person’s mood. For example, Lavender essential oil has an extensive anecdotal history of anxiolytic benefit that has recently been supported by clinical efficacy studies. 

Other essential oils known for their soothing effects include:

• Ylang ylang
• Rose
• Bergamot orange
• Chamomile
• Palo Santo
• Tea Tree
• Peppermint

Essential oils can be used in several different ways, whether in diffusers or skin-safe formulas being dabbed on the inner wrist. But you can also put them on materials! We highly recommend putting a few drops of a calming essential oil on a silk pillowcase before you go to sleep. You’ll get the benefit of the essential oil all night long, along with the benefits of silk. Why is silk so great? Because it’s so soft, it won’t cause any friction on your skin or hair throughout the night and won’t sap the moisture away from your face like cotton does.

Give essential oils a try on your B&B silk pillowcase and let us know if you notice a difference!