How to Feel Better Right This Second Using Essential Oils

Feeling Worried?
You know that pungent citrusy scent that leaves you remembering just how great your massage was? That’s lemongrass. When you’re feeling anxious, put a couple drops onto your fingertips, rub your hands together vigorously to release the scent and then cup your hands over your face for three super-deep inhale-exhales. (Just maybe not while driving.)

Try: doTerra Lemongrass Oil ($13)

Kind of Depressed?
Bergamot is your answer. This citrus has a lemon-meets-orange scent that is both uplifting and calming. It may cause photosensitivity, so put a few drops into a little spray bottle of purified water and then spritz the air in front of you and inhale deeply.

Try: Young Living Bergamot Oil ($36)

Suffering from Headaches?
Maybe it’s those fluorescent lights. Or perhaps it was that final round of margaritas last night. Take a couple whiffs of your lemony-balsamic-smelling frankincense and feel better. You can also just put some in a glam ceramic diffuser and leave it on your desk, you know, to help the other cranky-pants around you.

Try: Piping Rock Frankincense Oil ($4)

Or Maybe Nausea?
Ugh, too many servings of pumpkin cheesecake. You need ginger to feel less queasy. Open your roll-on tube, inhale the sweet, spicy and warm scent, and then rub the oil on your tummy, where it hurts.

Try: Edens Garden Ginger Essential Oil ($9)

Too Sleepy?
Peppermint oil gives you that alert feeling without the jitters you get from caffeine. We recommend keeping a little vial of it in your desk drawer and taking a couple of inhales (like from this cool lipstick-sized inhaler) about a half an hour after you eat lunch, to help avoid that sinking feeling.

Try: Aura Cacia Peppermint Oil ($4)

Are Your Muscles Sore?
The herbaceous scent (and muscle-relaxing properties) of rosemary are what you need. Get a little roller-topped bottle and fill it with half rosemary oil and half a neutral carrier oil (such as lightweight sweet almond oil). Roll it on to the tight muscle area, give yourself a quick self-massage and ahh... relief.

Try: Rosemary Essential Oil ($7)