Essential oils might not be the most obvious form of relaxation for some people, but they should be. For the same price of your average CD (and yes, I do still buy CDs), you can completely revamp the way you approach self-care. After all, essential oils aren't just for making your room smell nice; they have major health benefits that you can reap by dabbing a drop or two on your wrist or temples every day. There are even essential oils for mood swings, which will help you find the balance you crave on the most chaotic of days.
Essential oils can be used in so many ways, and though different types can be used for different purposes, they all work to center your mind, body, and soul. These oils can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, soothe the nervous system, combat inflammation in the body — basically, there's an essential oil for just about anything you can think of.
And, if you ask me, one of the best things about essential oils is how available they are. It's not like you have to go to some hole-in-the-wall Brooklyn joint to find them. There are literally endless amounts of oils to choose from online, and they won't even do any damage to your budget.
Here are eight essential oils for mood swings that'll help you maintain balance when you need it most.
Pure Body Naturals Bulgarian Lavender Essential Oil, $15, Amazon
Lavender is an incredibly popular essential oil. It's known to reduce feelings of depression, stress, anxiety, and even improve PTSD symptoms.
Lavender also helps induce sleep, which is great for all insomniacs out there who know all too well that, when you're exhausted, it can throw off your entire ability to function. A few dabs of lavender oil might be exactly what you need to center yourself again.
Majestic Pure Peppermint Oil, $11, Amazon
Peppermint essential oil's invigorating scent has that magical ability to wake you up and turn your day around when you need it most. Wafting a bit of this bad boy through a diffuser will definitely get the job done, or you can dab a few drops on your skin if you're looking for that cool, refreshing, tingling sensation.
If you're in an awful mood on your way to work, consider using peppermint essential oil to help you shake off the bad vibes and get into the right mindset to tackle your day.
Australian Sandalwood Best Essential Oil, $20, Amazon
Sandalwood has a calming and therapeutic effect when used as an essential oil. Plus, it basically smells like the most chic forest you've ever stepped foot in, and honestly, doesn't that just sound lovely?
This essential oil can also work as an inflammatory, and it can help relieve pain for those living with endometriosis. If you've had an awful day, chilling out with some sandalwood might be just what you need to make sure your evening ends on the right note.
Fabulous Frannie Vanilla Essential Oil, $6, Amazon
Similar to peppermint, vanilla is one of those scents that you're probably already really familiar with, and you either love it or hate it.
Vanilla essential oil works to reduce inflammation, and can even balance out your hormones naturally, which will definitely play a role in regulating your mood swings, too.
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil, $23, Amazon
Chamomile essential oil is extracted from the chamomile flower, which is also where that delicious tea comes from, too.
Chamomile essential oil works to fight infections, can help relieve symptoms of depression and anger, and it can help boost your nervous system. Whether you're drinking a cup of chamomile tea or rubbing a few dabs on your temple, chamomile is bound to relax your mind and bring you back to center in no time.
Essential Oil Labs Jojoba Oil, $12, Amazon
Jojoba essential oil is a miracle worker for your skin and hair. It treats infections, fights acne, and moisturizes your scalp, all in one. It also works as an inflammatory, and can be used to combat chronic pain associated with things like rheumatism and arthritis.
Try combining Jojoba oil's pain-relieving qualities and enriching moisture with a serene bubble bath to create a relaxing environment you won't be able to resist after a long day of battling your mood swings.
Lily & Lush Eucalyptus Essential Oil, $13, Amazon
The eucalyptus plant has always been used for medicinal and healing purposes, so it only makes sense that concentrated eucalyptus oil is good for your mind, body, and soul. When your head is spinning, a quick inhale of eucalyptus oil could be just what you need.
Eucalyptus essential oil also has other random, but equally helpful uses, such as odor removal, cleaning your hands, and cold and flu relief, to name a few.
Radha Beauty Frankincense Essential Oil, $18, Amazon
Frankincense is apparently known as "king of the oils," which is a nickname I'm not personally interested in, but to each their own. Plus, whoever assigned that nickname isn't exactly wrong: Frankincense works to promote a healthy immune system, and it's an excellent moisturizer, too.
Plus, frankincense's aroma is so complex and delicious that it'll definitely provide the perfect, soothing undertone for an otherwise chaotic day.
