Top 5 Essential Oils for Relaxation and Stress Relief
In today’s fast-paced world, creating a moment of calm can feel like a luxury. But with the help of nature’s purest remedies — essential oils — you can bring balance, relaxation, and emotional support into your everyday routine.
At Elementary & Co Apothecary, we believe in the healing power of plants. Here are our top 5 essential oils that can help ease stress, calm the nervous system, and promote emotional well-being.
Lavender – The Ultimate Calmer
Lavender essential oil is a timeless favourite when it comes to relaxation.
Benefits:
- Calms anxiety and emotional tension
- Promotes restful sleep
- Soothes headaches and muscle tension
How to Use:
- Add a few drops to your pillow or diffuser at night
- Blend into a carrier oil for a relaxing massage
- Add to a warm bath for instant calm
Sweet Orange – Uplifting and Comforting
This cheerful oil is perfect for those moments when you feel weighed down or emotionally drained.
Benefits:
- Naturally uplifts mood
- Helps reduce cortisol (stress hormone)
- Boosts feelings of warmth and happiness
How to Use:
- Diffuse in the morning to start your day
- Blend with lavender for a calming yet energising mix
- Mix with a carrier oil for a citrusy body oil
🛒 Shop Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Frankincense – Grounding and Deeply Healing
Known as the “king of oils,” frankincense has been used for centuries for spiritual and emotional healing.
Benefits:
- Promotes deep breathing and meditation
- Relieves nervous tension and restlessness
- Supports emotional balance
How to Use:
- Diffuse during quiet time, prayer, or meditation
- Inhale deeply from palms (with a drop of oil diluted)
- Add to your skincare for a grounding ritual
🛒 Shop Frankincense Essential Oil
Bergamot – Gentle Anxiety Relief
This light citrus oil is excellent for easing anxiety and supporting mental clarity.
Benefits:
- Helps lift depression and sadness
- Reduces nervous tension
- Enhances feelings of peace
How to Use:
- Diffuse in the workspace or bedroom
- Blend with lavender and a carrier oil for an anti-stress roll-on
- Add to bath salts for an uplifting soak
Ylang Ylang – Floral Relaxation for the Soul
Known for its sweet floral scent, ylang ylang calms the heart and eases emotional turmoil.
Benefits:
- Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
- Reduces feelings of fear and frustration
- Encourages emotional release
How to Use:
- Diffuse at night to support emotional release
- Add to a massage blend for a romantic, calming effect
- Use in DIY body butters and perfumes
🛒 Shop Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
A Few Ways to Use These Oils Daily:
- Diffuser Blends: Create calming combos like lavender + bergamot or frankincense + orange.
- Roll-Ons: Blend 10ml carrier oil + 5 drops essential oil in a roller bottle.
- Bath Time: Mix 4–6 drops with Epsom salts before adding to warm water.
- Massage Oil: Blend into sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil for a soothing body rub.
- Room Spray: Mix with distilled water and witch hazel for a calming spray.
Shop 100% Pure Essential Oils
At Elementary & Co Apothecary, we source ethically harvested, pure essential oils perfect for self-care rituals, skincare formulations, or just a peaceful night’s rest.
🛍️ Browse our full range of essential oils
📍 Visit us in-store in Pietermaritzburg, Randburg , Howick, or Salt Rock for personalised advice.
Nature’s Gift to Your Nervous System
Self-care starts with small rituals. Whether it’s a diffuser blend at the end of a long day or a drop on your wrist before a meeting — essential oils can gently guide you back to calm.
Feel. Heal. Restore. Naturally.