The 18 Best Essential Oils for Depression 2020 (Plus Recipes)

According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people around the world are suffering from depression (1).

Depression can make you restless, sad, desperate, moody, and insomniac, among other effects.

Luckily, you don’t have to succumb to meds if you want to treat depression.

As an alternative, you can resort to aromatherapy and use essential oils instead of drugs.

If you are looking for the best essential oils for depression, I am here to help you!

Read on and let’s talk about the most effective essential oils for dealing with depression.

As a bonus, I will also give you some recommended recipes on oils you can mix for depression, which can also be effective against stress relief and anxiety.

How Can Essential Oils Fight Depression?

Animal studies have proven that essential oils are linked to depression-like behaviors in animals, specifically mice (2).

In humans, it is believed that essential oils have the same effect when it comes to relieving physical and psychological symptoms that are related to depression.

Using an essential oil has calming benefits. It will also be good to prevent restlessness and sadness, among other depressive episodes.

However, while essential oils will work, take note that this isn’t a cure.

Instead, it is a drug-free alternative that can help alleviate the symptoms.

The Best Essential Oils for Depression

Ready to find the essential oil that will work best for you?

I will recommend some of the top products below.

I will also talk about some of the best things about these oils to compel you to choose them.

Artizen Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender is one of the most effective essential oils for depression. It can also help fight mood swings and insomnia, among other things you can experience when depressed.

Even the bottle is impressive. It is UV-treated, which protects the oil from the damage that heat might cause.

Lastly, the manufacturer backs this essential oil with a lifetime guarantee.

PURA D’OR Cedarwood Essential Oil

This is a good oil if you want to calm your mind and body, which is a good way to be relieved of depressive symptoms.

No need to worry about the purity of this essential oil.

It has been through a nine-point test. Plus, it was tested in a third-party laboratory to ensure its safety.

You don’t have to waste your money if you are unhappy with this essential oil. Let the manufacturer know and they will issue an unconditional refund.

Natural Riches Sleep Essential Oil Blend

People who suffer from depression can have a hard time sleeping.

With the use of this essential oil, you will be less anxious and can sleep better, making it a great option for dealing with depression.

Like many of the products that I have listed in this guide, this is 100% pure!

You can be confident that there are no additives or fillers, including toxic chemicals.

Radha Beauty Lavender Essential Oil

It is hard to go wrong with lavender when it comes to essential oils for depression.

One thing that I like the most is the high-quality glass dropper. This is user-friendly, making sure that you have the right amount all the time to minimize waste.

It can lower tension and improve sleep, which is why we believe it will be good for people who have depression.

With the calming and healing properties of this essential oil, you might have lesser depressive symptoms.

Plant Therapy Ylang-Ylang Complete Essential Oil

Ylang-ylang, a tropical tree, is one of the most popular essential oils used by people who have depression.

It balances the central nervous system and helps in mental relaxation.

With the sedative and calming benefits of ylang-ylang, no wonder, this essential oil will work for depression.

This oil has been steam distilled for 12 to 18 hours. This makes it possible to extract all the beneficial oils from ylang-ylang.

Edens Garden Joy Essential Oil

Laugh under a cap – this is what you can expect from this essential oil.

During your depressive days, using this essential oil can instantly make you blissful.

With the floral and citrus notes, it can immediately brighten a dull day.

This essential oil has a blend of lavender, jasmine, vanilla, lemon, lime, tangerine, and sweet orange, among other relaxing oils.

Healing Solutions Bergamot Essential Oil

Invoking feelings of joy and improving circulation, bergamot is another essential oil that is good for depression.

This oil from Healing Solutions has a fresh citrus aroma with a spicy undertone.

From the first time you smell bergamot, you can quickly feel its effects.

Sourced from Italy, one of the best uses of this oil is for massage. Use it near the head for the best effect against depression.

Essence-Lux Roman Chamomile Essential Oil

It is believed that inhaling chamomile has a positive impact on providing an anti-depressant activity (3).

With this essential oil from Essence-Lux, you can expect a soothing aroma regardless of the way you use it.

The ingredients are harvested only from the most trusted growers, so you can be confident that the quality will be second to none.

If you are not 100% satisfied, no need to fret! Let the manufacturer know and they will issue a replacement or a refund!

Diffuse Essential Oil 100% Grapefruit Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil

The sweet and citrusy smell of grapefruit can invoke feelings of joy and happiness, which is why this essential oil is included in my recommendations.

With the built-in dropper that comes with this product, you will also love its effortless application.

There are many ways to take advantage of the anti-depression properties of this oil.

You can use this in a diffuser or even for essential oil bath bombs.

Cliganic Organic Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary is more than just a culinary herb. Its clear and crisp aroma will also be beneficial in essential oil.

This product from Cliganic boasts of 100% purity since rosemary is the only ingredient that it uses.

There are no alcohols, chemicals, additives, and other ingredients that will make it less pure.

Purchase this essential oil without risk! You can get a full refund if you are unhappy with its effect.

Ola Prima Bergamot Essential Oil

Packaged in a huge 4-ounce bottle, this is an economical choice for the best essential oils for depression.

The essential oil is in a UV-protected bottle. This avoids UV light from affecting its purity.

It is a therapeutic-grade essential oil, so you can be more confident that it will indeed work.

Gya Labs Patchouli Essential Oil

In aromatherapy, patchouli is popular for calming the nerves, reducing stress, and relieving depression.

In lower doses, you can even use this essential oil as a sedative. I recommend using it in a diffuser or warm bath.

To make it more effective, you can also blend it with jojoba essential oil.

Rainbow Abby Sandalwood Essential Oil

A powerful antidepressant whether inhaled or diffused, this is another essential oil that should be on your radar.

Aside from the calming and harmonizing benefits, it will also be a great mind-booster. This will help to keep you alert.

If you want an essential oil that you can use for your hair, scalp, and skin, this is also a promising product.

Premium Nature Basil 100% Essential Oil

This essential oil uses basil as its main component, which is rich in antioxidants. This can help in free radicals, and hence, effective in minimizing the symptoms associated with depression.

Using this essential oil can also be effective in calming the nerves.

It is also great because of its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, which means that it can also help wounds heal quicker.

doTERRA Lemongrass Essential Oil

The pungent and smoky aroma of this essential oil may not work for everyone.

Some of you might find the smell to be too strong.

Despite the strong odor, this will help in depression.

It has neuroprotective properties, which are powerful enough to help improve mood when you start feeling down.

Sun Essential Oils Geranium Essential Oil

With the high-quality Egyptian geranium that is used in this essential oil, you can be confident that it will work.

Geranium can help in controlling moods and emotions, which will make it a good choice among people who are suffering from depression.

It is tested and bottled in the USA, so you can be confident about its quality.

Artizen Clary Sage Essential Oil

Calm, clear, and relaxed mind – this is what clary sage can do. For that reason, this is another essential oil you might want to consider.

The lifetime warranty that the manufacturer offers is a compelling reason to buy this essential oil!

Diffuse Essential Oils Nutmeg Essential Oil

Pure and undiluted nutmeg has benefits that are similar to how anti-depressant medications work.

This essential oil is warming and stimulating, making it a good way to uplift your mood whenever you are feeling down.

Best of all, the manufacturer can replace the oil or issue a refund if you are unhappy with its use!

The Best Ways to Use Essential Oils for Depression

To be effective in alleviating symptoms of depression, it is important to use essential oils the right way.

One of the best ways is to use an essential oil diffuser by your bedside when you are sleeping.

It is also a good idea to add a few drops of your choice of essential oils in your pillow before you sleep at night.

You can also use essential oils for massage, especially at the back, ear, neck, tummy, and feet.

Inhaling essential oil directly from the bottle or container can also be effective.

Another good thing to do is to have an aromatherapy bath. For sure, it will be refreshing!

Do not be afraid to mix different essential oils if you want. However, one essential oil can already effective on its own, so I don’t see the need to use multiple oils.

If you take blood pressure medications or if you have hypertension, I suggest that you be more careful when using essential oils.

Essential Oil Recipes for Depression

Are you clueless about how to use essential oils for depression?

I am here to help you with a few simple recipes that are guaranteed to deliver a high level of effectiveness!

Essential Oil Bath Blend for Depression

Want to have a relaxing time at the bathtub? This essential oil blend will work.

• 8 drops of grapefruit essential oil
• 8 drops of lavender essential oil
• 2 drops of marjoram essential oil
• 1 drop of chamomile essential oil
• 1 drop of geranium essential oil
• 2 ounces of your choice of carrier oil

Once you have all the oils ready, combine in a dark bottle and mix. When it’s time to hit the bath, add a few sprays in the water and enjoy a relaxing time!

Massage Oil for Depression

Craving for a relaxing massage to deal with depression? Here are the oils you will need.

• 20 drops of lavender essential oil
• 20 drops of chamomile essential oil
• 2 ounces of grapeseed oil

Combine all the ingredients and keep in a jar. Use a few drops for the body, back, head, or any other part of the body.

Mood-Lifting Essential Oil Blend

When you have depressive symptoms, you often feel down. To uplift your mood, here are the oils that will work.

• 10 drops of lemon essential oil
• 10 drops of bergamot essential oil
• 15 drops of frankincense essential oil
• 15 drops of ylang-ylang essential oil
• 20 drops of lemon balm essential oil
• 30 drops of lavender essential oil

Mix all the oils in a dark bottle. Rub on the side of your head whenever you are feeling down or depressed.

Conclusion

Depression is hard to deal with!

Luckily, with essential oils, you don’t need to have a difficult time.

Consider the essential oils mentioned above including our recommended recipes.

Take note, essential oils won’t cure depression. At the very least, however, they can help manage the symptoms.

What are you waiting for? Try the products mentioned above and see if they are effective!

Sources:

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression, accessed February 14, 2020
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4354743/, accessed February 14, 2020
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22894890, accessed February 14, 2020