Examples of Essential Oils for Calming Effects: 3 Standout Examples (Plus More to Try)

3 of the Best Examples of Essential Oils for Calming Effects

Let’s start with three of the most trusted, time-tested examples of essential oils for calming effects. These are the ones I’d hand to a stressed-out friend who’s brand new to aromatherapy.

1. Lavender: The Classic Example of a Calming Essential Oil

If you only remember one example of a soothing essential oil, make it lavender.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) shows up again and again in research on anxiety, sleep, and relaxation. It’s one of the best examples of an oil that’s both gentle and widely studied.

How lavender may help you feel calmer

Scientists think lavender’s aroma interacts with the limbic system—the brain’s emotional center—and may influence neurotransmitters like GABA, which helps quiet the nervous system. Several small studies suggest lavender aromatherapy can:

• Reduce short-term anxiety in medical settings
• Improve sleep quality and time to fall asleep
• Support relaxation before bed

For a readable overview, you can browse the National Institutes of Health (NIH) summary on complementary approaches for anxiety here: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/anxiety.

Simple, real examples of using lavender for calming effects

Instead of just saying “diffuse it,” here are real-life ways people actually use lavender:

• Bedtime pillow mist: Add 10–12 drops of lavender essential oil to 2 ounces of water with a splash of witch hazel in a spray bottle. Shake and lightly mist your pillow 10–15 minutes before bed.
• Desk diffuser routine: During a chaotic workday, diffuse 3–4 drops of lavender in water for 20–30 minutes while you answer emails. Then turn it off so your nose doesn’t get overwhelmed.
• Warm bath wind-down: Mix 5–8 drops of lavender oil into a tablespoon of carrier oil (like jojoba or sweet almond) and stir into warm bathwater. Soak for 15–20 minutes.

Among all the examples of essential oils for calming effects, lavender is the one most people tolerate well—though you should still patch-test on your skin and keep it away from kids’ faces.

2. Chamomile: A Gentle Example of Comfort in a Bottle

Chamomile isn’t just for tea. Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) both produce essential oils often used for calming, especially when emotions run high.

Why chamomile is one of the best examples for emotional soothing

Chamomile is often used for:

• Nighttime relaxation
• Easing nervous tension
• Supporting people who feel restless, weepy, or irritable

Some small studies and traditional use suggest chamomile may help with anxiety and sleep. For example, chamomile extract has been studied for generalized anxiety disorder, and while that’s not the same as the essential oil, it supports chamomile’s reputation as a calming plant. You can read more background on chamomile and anxiety in this NIH fact sheet: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chamomile.

Real examples of using chamomile essential oil for calming effects

• Bedtime foot massage: Blend 2–3 drops of chamomile essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil. Gently massage into the soles of your feet and lower legs before bed. This simple ritual can signal to your brain that it’s time to power down.
• Soothing inhalation during a meltdown moment: Put 1 drop of chamomile on a cotton ball or tissue, hold a few inches from your nose, and take 5 slow breaths when you feel emotionally overloaded.
• Kid-friendly room scent (with caution): For older children (and with pediatric guidance), some parents like 1–2 drops of chamomile in a diffuser at bedtime. Always follow age-appropriate guidelines and avoid strong concentrations.

If you’re looking for examples of essential oils for calming effects that feel like a soft blanket rather than a strong perfume, chamomile is a lovely choice.

3. Bergamot: A Bright Example of Calm-But-Uplifting

Not all calming scents are heavy or sleepy. Bergamot (from the peel of the Citrus bergamia fruit) is one of the best examples of an essential oil that can feel both relaxing and gently energizing.

How bergamot stands out among calming oils

Bergamot’s aroma is citrusy but slightly floral. Some small human studies have suggested that inhaling bergamot oil may:

• Lower perceived stress
• Improve mood
• Support a sense of relaxed alertness

One 2017 study in a mental health setting found that 15 minutes of bergamot aromatherapy in a waiting room improved participants’ positive feelings compared with those who didn’t receive aromatherapy. You can explore general information on aromatherapy and safety at Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/aromatherapy/art-20036282.

Practical examples of using bergamot for calming effects

• Pre-meeting reset: Before a stressful meeting or presentation, inhale 1–2 drops of bergamot from a tissue for 5 slow breaths.
• Midday diffuser blend: Combine 2 drops bergamot, 2 drops lavender, and 1 drop chamomile in a diffuser for a balanced, calm-but-focused atmosphere.
• After-work commute ritual: If you’re not driving, place a drop of bergamot on an aromatherapy inhaler stick and use it on the train or bus to signal the shift from work mode to home mode.

Because bergamot can make skin more sensitive to sunlight (phototoxic), always dilute it well and avoid applying it to skin that will be exposed to sun or tanning beds for at least 12–24 hours.

Among the many examples of essential oils for calming effects, these 3 examples—lavender, chamomile, and bergamot—are a solid foundation. But they’re not the only ones worth knowing.

More Real Examples of Essential Oils for Calming Effects

Once you’ve tried those first 3 examples, you might want to experiment with a few more. Here are additional examples of essential oils for calming effects that show up often in modern aromatherapy and 2024 wellness trends.

Ylang Ylang: For Tension and Emotional Overload

Ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) has a sweet, floral scent that people tend to either love or strongly dislike—there’s not much middle ground.

Why people reach for ylang ylang

• It’s often used to ease feelings of tension and overwhelm.
• Some small studies suggest it may help lower blood pressure and heart rate when inhaled.
• It’s popular in stress-relief blends and spa-style products.

How to use it (with a light hand)

Ylang ylang is powerful, so start with just 1 drop in a blend. Try 1 drop ylang ylang + 3 drops lavender in a diffuser for 15–20 minutes in the evening. If the smell is too strong, turn it off and air out the room.

Clary Sage: A Calming Example for Mood and Grounding

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) has an earthy, herbal scent and is often mentioned in discussions about stress, mood, and menstrual discomfort.

Why clary sage is often included in calming examples

• It’s used in blends aimed at easing nervous tension.
• Some preliminary research suggests it may influence cortisol (a stress hormone) and support a calmer mood when inhaled.

Simple way to try clary sage

Blend 2 drops clary sage with 3 drops lavender in a carrier oil and apply to your wrists or the back of your neck (properly diluted) before a stressful event. Again, always patch-test first.

Frankincense: A Grounding Example for Quieting the Mind

Frankincense (from Boswellia trees) has a resinous, almost meditative scent. It’s often used in spiritual or mindfulness practices.

When frankincense shines

• During meditation, yoga, or breathwork
• When your mind is racing and you want a more grounded, centered feeling

How to use it

Diffuse 2–3 drops of frankincense during a 10-minute breathing practice in the evening. Many people find this combination of scent + slow breathing to be one of the best examples of using essential oils for calming effects in a mindful, intentional way.

Cedarwood: A Cozy, Sleep-Friendly Example

Cedarwood essential oil has a warm, woody aroma that can feel like being wrapped in a cozy blanket.

Why cedarwood makes the calming list

• Often used in sleep blends
• Pairs well with lavender and chamomile for nighttime rituals

Bedtime blend idea

Try 2 drops cedarwood + 3 drops lavender in a diffuser 30 minutes before lights out. Keep the room well-ventilated and turn the diffuser off before you fall asleep, especially in small bedrooms.

How to Use These Examples of Essential Oils for Calming Effects Safely

It’s tempting to think, “They’re natural, so they must be safe,” but that’s not always true. Respect these oils the way you would respect medicine in your cabinet.

General Safety Tips

• Dilute for skin use: A common guideline is 1–2% dilution for adults (about 6–12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil). Sensitive skin may need even less.
• Avoid ingesting: Do not swallow essential oils unless you’re working directly with a qualified healthcare professional. Many medical organizations, including Mayo Clinic, caution against internal use at home.
• Be extra cautious with kids, pregnancy, and pets: Some oils are not recommended for young children, pregnant people, or around animals. Check reliable sources like your pediatrician, OB-GYN, or veterinarian.
• Ventilation matters: Use diffusers for short periods (15–30 minutes) in well-ventilated spaces. More is not always better.

For a broader overview of complementary approaches and safety, including aromatherapy, you can visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): https://www.nccih.nih.gov/.

Building a Simple Calming Routine with These Oils

To keep this practical, here’s how you might build a low-stress routine using these examples of essential oils for calming effects: 3 examples as your core, plus a few extras.

Morning: Calm but Awake

• Inhale bergamot from a tissue for 3–5 breaths before you open your laptop.
• If you like, add 1 drop of frankincense in a diffuser during a 5-minute breathing exercise.

Afternoon: Stress Spike Management

• Use a personal inhaler with a blend of lavender, bergamot, and chamomile when your stress peaks.
• Step away from your screen and take 10 slow breaths while you use it.

Evening: Wind-Down and Sleep

• Take a warm bath with diluted lavender or chamomile.
• Use a bedtime diffuser blend like lavender + cedarwood for 20–30 minutes as you read or journal.

This kind of daily rhythm turns these abstract examples of essential oils for calming effects into real, lived habits that your nervous system can recognize and respond to.

When to Talk to a Professional

Essential oils can support relaxation, but they’re not a replacement for mental health care. If you’re dealing with:

• Ongoing anxiety that interferes with daily life
• Panic attacks
• Depression or thoughts of self-harm

please reach out to a licensed mental health professional. The oils can be a comforting sidekick, but they’re not the main treatment.

For general information about anxiety and treatment options, see the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders.

FAQ: Real-World Questions About Calming Essential Oils

What are the best examples of essential oils for calming effects: 3 examples I should start with?

If you’re brand new, the best examples of essential oils for calming effects: 3 examples to start with are:

• Lavender – for general relaxation and sleep
• Chamomile – for emotional soothing and nighttime comfort
• Bergamot – for calm focus and stress relief with a brighter, citrusy scent

These three give you a nice range of options without overwhelming your nose or your budget.

Can you give an example of a simple calming blend for beginners?

Yes. A gentle starter blend is:

• 3 drops lavender
• 2 drops bergamot

Add to a diffuser with water and run it for 15–20 minutes in the evening. This is one of the easiest examples of using essential oils for calming effects in a living room or bedroom.

Are there examples of essential oils that might actually increase anxiety?

Some people find that very strong, sharp, or stimulating scents (like high amounts of peppermint or rosemary) can make them feel more wired than calm. Everyone’s nervous system is different. If an oil makes you feel restless, dizzy, or uncomfortable, that’s your cue to stop using it.

How often can I use these calming oils in a day?

For most healthy adults, short sessions a few times a day are reasonable—for example, diffusing for 15–30 minutes, 2–3 times daily. Rotate oils, keep your space ventilated, and give your nose a break. If you have asthma, allergies, migraines, or chronic lung issues, talk with your healthcare provider before using them.

Are these examples of essential oils for calming effects safe for children?

Safety depends on the child’s age, the specific oil, and how you’re using it. Some oils, like lavender and chamomile, are often used around older children in very low amounts, but you should always check age-appropriate guidelines and talk to a pediatrician. Avoid putting essential oils directly on babies or young children without professional guidance, and never let them ingest oils.

If you remember nothing else, remember this: pick one or two of these examples of essential oils for calming effects, keep your routine simple, and pay attention to how your own body responds. Your nose—and your nervous system—will tell you what works.