Essential Oils for a More Relaxed and Balanced Life

Finding balance in everyday life isn’t always easy, especially when stress and anxiety start to take over. Essential oils are a natural way to support emotional well-being, and while some are widely known for their calming effects, there are other powerful options that can help promote relaxation and stability.This guide explores lesser-known essential oils that encourage a sense of calm, emotional balance, and clarity. Whether you are looking to ease tension, manage daily stress, or create a more peaceful atmosphere, these essential oils can be a great addition to your self-care routine.

How Essential Oils Support Emotional Balance

Aromatherapy works by stimulating the olfactory system, which is directly linked to the brain’s limbic system—the part responsible for emotions, mood regulation, and stress responses. When inhaled or applied topically (with proper dilution), essential oils can:

Help reduce feelings of nervousness and tension
Support emotional stability and relaxation
Promote deeper breathing, which signals the body to relax
Encourage mental clarity and focus

Choosing the right essential oils can be a gentle yet effective way to bring more balance into daily life while supporting emotional well-being.

Essential Oils for Relaxation and Balance

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara)

Petitgrain, distilled from the leaves and twigs of the bitter orange tree, has a fresh, slightly woody citrus aroma that is both uplifting and grounding.Benefits:

Helps reduce anxious thoughts while maintaining mental clarity
Supports relaxation without causing drowsiness
Encourages emotional resilience during stressful moments

How to Use: Add 3–4 drops to a diffuser in the afternoon to maintain a calm and focused state.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)

Clary sage has a soft, herbaceous scent that is known for its ability to ease nervous tension and promote relaxation.Benefits:

Helps relieve emotional stress and mental fatigue
Encourages a sense of inner calm and mental clarity
Supports relaxation before bedtime

How to Use: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to pulse points before bed for emotional grounding.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)

Derived from orange blossoms, neroli has a delicate floral and citrus aroma that is both uplifting and deeply calming.Benefits:

Helps reduce stress and nervous energy
Encourages relaxation without causing fatigue
Supports emotional balance, making it useful for times of overwhelm

How to Use: Add 2–3 drops to an aromatherapy inhaler for on-the-go stress relief.

Melissa (Melissa officinalis)

Melissa essential oil, also known as lemon balm, has a soft citrus-herbal scent that is widely used to calm the nervous system.Benefits:

Helps ease feelings of stress and emotional tension
Supports a sense of inner peace and relaxation
Can promote a more balanced mood throughout the day

How to Use: Add 2 drops to a diffuser before bedtime to encourage restful sleep.

Sandalwood (Santalum album or Santalum spicatum)

Sandalwood has a rich, woody aroma that is deeply grounding and emotionally centering.Benefits:

Helps quiet an overactive mind and ease tension
Encourages mindfulness and deep breathing
Supports a sense of calm focus

How to Use: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the wrists before meditation or journaling.

Carrier Oils for Dilution

When applying essential oils topically, they should always be diluted with a carrier oil to ensure safe and effective absorption. Here are some excellent options:

Jojoba Oil: Closely resembles the skin’s natural oils, making it great for sensitive skin
Fractionated Coconut Oil: Lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel
Sweet Almond Oil: Rich in vitamins, ideal for moisturizing and calming the skin

For most adults, a 2% dilution is recommended for regular use, which equals approximately 12 drops of essential oil per ounce (30 mL) of carrier oil.

How to Use Essential Oils for Relaxation and Balance

Diffuser Blends for a Calming Atmosphere

Using a diffuser helps disperse essential oils into the air, creating a soothing environment at home or work.Stress Relief Blend:

3 drops Petitgrain
2 drops Sandalwood
2 drops Melissa

Evening Wind-Down Blend:

3 drops Clary Sage
2 drops Neroli
2 drops Frankincense

Roller Bottle for On-the-Go Calm

A roller blend makes it easy to apply essential oils throughout the day.

DIY Relaxation Roller Blend (10mL bottle, 2% dilution):

4 drops Petitgrain
3 drops Neroli
3 drops Sandalwood
Fill the roller bottle with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil

How to Use: Apply to wrists, behind ears, or over the heart when feeling overwhelmed.

Aromatherapy Inhaler for Instant Relief

A personal inhaler offers quick and discreet stress relief wherever you go.Calm & Balance Inhaler Blend:

4 drops Melissa
3 drops Neroli
2 drops Sandalwood

Add drops to a cotton wick inside an inhaler and inhale deeply as needed.

Safety Considerations

Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using essential oils.Dilution Matters: Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil before applying to the skin to avoid irritation.Patch Testing: Before using a new essential oil blend, apply a small amount to your forearm and monitor for any skin reactions.Photosensitivity Warning: Citrus oils like Neroli and Melissa can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. If using topically, avoid direct sun exposure for at least 12 hours.Storage Tips: Keep essential oils in dark glass bottles, away from heat and direct sunlight to preserve potency.

Final Thoughts

Essential oils offer a natural way to support emotional balance and create moments of calm throughout the day. While well-known oils like lavender and chamomile are effective, exploring lesser-known essential oils like Petitgrain, Clary Sage, Neroli, Melissa, and Sandalwood can help you find the perfect blend for your unique needs.If you want to experience these oils for yourself, check out high-quality options here or book a free consultation to create a custom blend tailored just for you.

Affiliate Disclaimer

Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.

General Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating essential oils into your wellness routine.