Anxiolytic Properties of Essential Oils & Their Effective use in Treating Anxiety

“Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.”

-Arthur Somers Roche

During my case studies as a Student Aromatherapist, I was inspired to study the anxiolytic effects of essential oils, how they affect us psychosomatically, and the potential they have to change how anxiety is clinically treated because of one client’s success. Mark, whose name has been changed for confidentiality, sought a consultation to address his Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder (PD) using aromatherapy. In our interview, I reinforced his diagnosis of anxiety for my research by utilizing the Diagnostic Criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. To understand the description of anxiety, Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as:

“An abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate, by doubt concerning the reality and nature of the threat, and by self doubt about one’s capacity to cope with it.”

Anxiety, at moderate levels, is considered a normal and necessary human emotion as it can help one be successful in daily challenges such as studying for a test, or avoiding a potentially harmful situation. It stimulates anticipatory responses that allow one to prepare for, or react to, challenging stressors. Anxiety is commonly triggered by real or perceived danger that threatens the security of an individual (Mahamuni, S.P. et al.; 2011, p. 7). However, when anxiogenic emotions reach levels considered higher than normal it has the potential to become a debilitating condition that negatively impacts a person’s life. Anxiety is intrusive, causes distress or functional impairment, and often encompasses multiple domains (i.e. finances, work, health) (Locke, A., et al.; 2015, p. 618). When it reaches this level it is diagnosed as Generalized Anxiety Disorder defined as: chronic excessive anxiety and worry “that is difficult to control, causes distress or impairment in daily functioning, and is accompanied by three or more symptoms (restlessness, irritability, poor concentration, and sleep disturbances)” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). As discussed, the identifying trait of GAD is excessive, out-of-control worry and PD is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (Locke, A. et al.; 2015, p. 617). Anxiety disorders are reportedly the most common encountered mental disorders in clinical practice and an issue that needs to be addressed more extensively than it currently is.

Mark is a 21-year-old male studying massage therapy. As part of his training, he is expected to work in the school’s public clinic – a stressful environment that fuels his anxiety and ignites his panic disorder during high-pressure situations (such as a clinical assessment). For Mark, it can be an effort to get out of bed and face the day; a constant battle with his inner dialogue that he described as “…always negative things; it is very rarely positive talk or positive script”. After our first consultation together, Mark had tremendous success with his essential oil blend. Using my knowledge of essential oils and his sense of smell, we created a synergy of Citrus aurantium (Neroli, 32% of total blend), Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender, 25%), and Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit, 43%) into an inhaler that he could utilize during the onset of anxiousness or panic. In regards to anxious, overwhelming thoughts, his feedback was “aromatherapy helped to dampen them down … so [he] could take 5 minutes to breathe”. Effectively, the essential oils quell his inner dialogue and allow him to focus.

In order to understand the success of Mark’s blend, an analysis of each essential oil’s chemical constituents is necessary. Effective anxiolytic essential oils are dominated by terpenoid alcohols (linalool, geraniol, and/or citronellol), the monoterpene limonene, or citral (Setzer, W. N.; 2009, p. 1310). Looking at the main constituents that make up the oils in Mark’s blend, Neroli contains 43-54% linalool and 6-10% limonene; Lavender contains 22-34% linalool; and Grapefruit contains 84-95% limonene (Tisserand & Young 2014; p. 297, 326, 363). At the chemical level, it becomes abundantly clear why these oils work as effective anxiolytics. This is important because inhaled odors activate the release of neurotransmitters that effectively interrupt stress response (Butje, A. et al.; 2008, p. 47). Reflecting back on our first session together, Mark arrived slightly tense and uptight with body language that was noticeably anxious – fidgeting, restless hands during the intake process; little eye-contact; and tense, stiff posture. It was fascinating to watch the physical change in his body language as the first essential oil, Neroli, was introduced. Mark relaxed almost immediately upon inhaling the plant essence, appeared to breathe a little easier, and a look of euphoria came across his face – he mentioned a near-immediate reduction in his anxiousness. The speed at which the inhalation changed his anxiety level is most interesting. As Julia Lawless explains, “it has been found that psychotherapeutic results can be obtained more easily and quickly though smell than through any other method” (Lawless, J.; 1994, p.73). She goes on to explain that physical effects of essential oils on the nervous system combine with an individual’s emotional response with both aspects working in psychosomatic unity (Lawless, J. 1994). It is intriguing how quickly essential oils can enter the body and cause a drastic change in a person’s emotional and physical states via the limbic system. Olfactory stimulation causes immediate physiological changes in the body from blood pressure and heart rate, to muscle tension or brain wave patterns (Butje, A. et al.; 2008, p. 47). During our post-treatment interview, I asked Mark what thoughts came to mind upon smelling Neroli and his response was as follows:

“I want to say … the thoughts that come to mind aren’t really words. Normally the anxious thoughts are script… [But] the script feeling is gone. There’s a lot more sense of focus, sense of calm… it’s interesting because it feels completely different.”

Looking at brain rhythms, Neroli induces an “unusual amount of delta rhythms (4-.75 Hertz) with some alpha (12-8 Hertz) and theta (7-5 Hertz)” (Lawless, J.; 1994, p. 80). These slower rhythms suggest a quieting of mental chatter with the mind going into state of calm or trance; hence Mark’s earlier described look of euphoria (Lawless, J.; 1994, p. 80). This biological effect Neroli has on the brain successfully reduces physical and mental anxiety. These studies on the psychosomatic influence of scent “suggest a link to emotions and memory”, which are both arguably modulators of physical and mental health (Butje, A. et al.; 2008, p. 48). The effect is immediate, as discussed by Julia Lawless, and works beyond conscious awareness – as demonstrated by Mark’s reaction. He had minimal control over his relaxation; however the introduction of Citrus aurantium (Neroli) essential oil quickly altered his physical and mental states. Interestingly, Lavender also shows similar results of increasing theta wave activities as mapped via electroencephalography (EEG). In a study of 20 adults, inhalation of lavender showed a significant increase in theta and alpha waves across all brain regions “indicating EEG evidence of relaxation by lavender [inhalation]” (Koulivand, P.H. et al.; 2013, p. 4). This is not surprising as previously discussed the alcohol constituent linalool, found in both Neroli and lavender, has anxiolytic and relaxant properties.

The swiftness at which essential oils are able to penetrate the mind and body via inhalation deserves specific recognition. This plays a vital role in aromatherapy being a contender in addressing anxiety along side of, or in replacement of, current medications. Research demonstrates the speed of absorption, the rate at which essential oils affect one’s physical and mental states, is superior to conventional drugs. There are a multitude of reports on allopathic pharmaceuticals that discuss a long onset of action – this is most undesirable when entering a state of panic. When Mark was asked if his medication Cipralex is effective, he noted that it is something he takes every day and hopes it will work when needed; however, to some extent “it doesn’t feel like it’s doing too much”. While Mark explained that he felt his anxiety medication has a subtle effect that reduces his general anxiousness, during crucial times (as in clinic) he feels it is relatively ineffective. Current anxiety medications have a lengthy duration of time before the drug’s effects become apparent; thus, it is arguable that these drugs have minimal influence during times of high-stress or when anxiety transmutes into panic. It is in these moments that aromatherapy has more favorable results due to its fast-acting effects on the mind and body. As Mark can attest in his high-pressure clinic situations, he would “use the inhaler and meditate for a few minutes” and he found it extremely helpful. His inhaler was “instantaneous” and a tool he could use when feeling overwhelmed. For people with anxiety compounded by panic disorder, as the essential oils enter the limbic system they efficiently activate the autonomic nervous system, memory, and emotion – it is the rate that essential oils achieve this that makes them crucial for individuals with Panic Disorder.

In addition to the long onset of action, anxiety medications have adverse effects including, but not exclusive to: tolerance, sedation, confusion, increased mortality, weight gain, and drug dependence (Locke, A., et al.; 2015, p.621) (Mahamuni, S.P. et al.; 2011, p.19). Although they may effectively speed recovery from anxiety, commonly used benzodiazepines are not effective for long-term use because of adverse outcomes and high-risk of dependence (Locke, A., et al.; 2015, p. 621). On the contrary, in an experiment involving gerbils exposed to inhaled lavender for 24 hours, the extended repeat exposure of lavender did not decrease its anxiolytic-like effects. Instead, prolonged inhalation of lavender essential oil seemed to increase its efficacy (Pergentino de Sousa, D., et al.; 2015, p. 18639). It is arguable then that the controlled use of essential oils could increase their effectiveness over time in addressing a person’s mental disorder. Comparing the adverse outcomes of medications for mental disorders to those of essential oils, aromatherapy is continually argued as having no adverse effects. One such study suggests, “lavender oil has no potential for drug abuse” (Koulivan, P., et al. 2013). While pharmaceuticals are the go-to for addressing anxiety, and are deemed effective in most cases, they are not without significant risk to the patient. Based on this knowledge, it is apparent there is potential for essential oils and aromatherapy to play a pivitol role in changing how anxiety is treated – by either reducing or eliminating the need for currently used medications. Other studies support this claim, as some essential oils do not act by the “GABA/benzodiazepine mechanism”. Essential oils avoiding this mechanism are: “Achillia wilhemsii, Alpinia zerumbet, Lavadula angustifolia, Citrus aurantium, and Spiranthera odoratissima” (Pergentino de Sousa, D., et al.; 2015, p. 18650). This information could lead to the development of an entirely new class of anxiolytics, “possibly with a better clinical profile, and avoiding benzodiazepine’s drawbacks (i.e. withdrawal syndrome or dependence)” (Pergentino de Sousa, D., et al.; 2015, p. 18649-18650). De Sousa further discusses the adverse effects of conventional anxiety medications many others have reviewed in their research, but goes on to say these adverse effects “highlight the need for new anxiolytic drugs”. He debates that clinical effectiveness of essential oils in treating anxiety disorders “strongly suggests that these natural products are an important candidate source for new anxiolytic drugs” (Pergentino de Sousa, D., et al.; 2015, p. 18620). As many researchers have discussed, and as Mark’s case study supports, there is indeed potential and a need for essential oils to become the new treatment for anxiety.

The future of anxiety care comes down to looking at the mind and body as intrinsically intertwined – with the mind effectively controlling the body and its reactions to the environment. But more importantly, memory and emotional response deserve acknowledgment for they can have dramatic results on a person’s health holistically. Looking at the limbic system, known as the “emotional brain”, it plays a primary role in our range of emotions, olfaction, and memory (Tortora, G. & Derrickson, B.; 2014, p.496). The limbic system is significant because of its susceptibility to fragrance. Aromatherapy can “bring about a change of attitude by allowing the individual to re-experience pleasure or joy” as demonstrated through Mark’s case study (Lawless, J.; 1994, p. 85). As a result, essential oils are able to affect a person’s disposition. Presently used medications have multiple undesirable side effects, “many of which are serious or potentially life-threatening” (Setzer, W. 2009). As one such side effect was discussed, most anxiolytic drugs have a long onset of action. As previously stated, it is their superior speed of penetration that proposes essential oils as the future of anxiety care. Additionally, when properly administered and diluted, these plant essences lack severe adverse side effects unlike pharmaceuticals commonly used for mental disorders. As in certain situations, a quick intervention is most desirable to nullify the onset of anxiety or panic – which is an attribute of essential oils, but a shortcoming of pharmaceuticals. Based on the research presented, aromatherapy could play a fundamental role in addressing ongoing care not only for Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder, but also potentially for many mental disorders.

Works Cited:

Butje, A., Repede, E., & Shattel, M.; 2008; ‘Healing Scents: An overview of clinical aromatherapy for emotional distress’; Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services; p. 46-52

Koulivand, P.H., Ghadiri, M.K., Gorji, A.; 2013; ‘Lavender and the Nervous System’. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Vol. 2013, Article ID 681304, 10 pages

Lawless, J.; 1994; Aromatherapy and the Mind. Thorsons (An Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers); p. 73-84

Lock, A.B., Kirst, N., Shultz, C. G.; 2015; ‘Diagnosis and Management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder in Adults’. American Family Physician, Vol. 91, No. 9, p. 617-622

Mahamuni, S.P., Shenoy, P.A., Nipate, S.S., Bandawane, D.D., Chaudhari, P.D.; 2011; ‘Preclinical Evaluation of Anxiolytic Agents: An Overview’. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Opinion. JPro; p. 7-9

Merriam-Webster; 2017; ‘Anxiety’ & ‘Generalized Anxiety Disorder’. Online Dictionary. Merriam-Webster Inc. https://www.merriam-webster.com/

Pergentino de Sousa, D., et al.; 2015; ‘A Systematic Review of the Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Essential Oils in Animal Models’. Molecules 2015, 20; p. 18620-18660

Setzer, W.N.; 2009; ‘Essential Oils and Anxiolytic Aromatherapy’. Natural Product Communications. Vol. 4, No. 9, p. 1305-1316

Tisserand, R., Young, R.; 2014; Essential Oil Safety. 2nd Edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; p. 297-298, 325-328, 363-364

Tortora, G.J., Derrickson, B.; 2014; Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 14th Edition. Wiley; p. 496