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What Essential Oils Are Good For Anxiety While Flying?

Turbulence and Tiny Bottles: Essential Oils for Sky-High Anxiety

For many, the mere thought of setting foot on a plane is enough to send their heart racing and palms sweating. But before you let your anxiety clip your wings, consider reaching for a small, but mighty ally—essential oils. Used for millennia, these potent plant extracts are hailed for their calming effects, transforming your flight into a more serene journey. Let’s take off into the world of essential oils that can counter your flight fright, making your time in the clouds as smooth as the pilots promise.

The Power of Scent in Soothing Nerves

Our noses aren’t just for sniffing out the airplane’s snack cart; they’re direct highways to our brain’s emotional control centers. It’s no wonder that certain scents can calm the mind, ease the heart, and mitigate the unease of flying. Below, you’ll find a curated list of essential oils known for their anxiety-alleviating properties.

  • Lavender Oil: The captain of calm, lavender, with its sweet, floral scent, is the go-to for anxiety relief. A few drops on a cotton ball tucked into your seat pocket can work wonders.

  • Chamomile Oil: Often associated with a soothing cup of tea, chamomile in its oil form is a powerhouse for easing stress. Its light, apple-like fragrance is perfect for reducing in-flight jitters.

  • Peppermint Oil: Need a quick pick-me-up? Peppermint oil is your co-pilot. Its refreshing scent can alleviate nausea and improve your focus, keeping you calm and collected.

  • Bergamot Oil: A staple in Earl Grey tea, bergamot’s citrusy aroma can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Just a whiff can make a heap of difference in how you feel.

  • Ylang Ylang Oil: Known for its uplifting effects, ylang ylang has a sweet, slightly fruity fragrance that can ease fear and cheer up the gloomiest of travelers.

Navigating the Altitude with Aromatherapy

Armed with your arsenal of anxiety-busting oils, here’s how to seamlessly integrate them into your flight routine for a turbulence-free experience:

  • Pre-Flight Prep: Begin your journey on a calm note by applying a drop of lavender or chamomile oil on your wrists or neck before heading to the airport.

  • Takeoff Tension: As the plane taxis and prepares for takeoff, breathe in the calming scent of peppermint or bergamot oil to keep your cool.

  • Mid-Flight Maintenance: Keep ylang ylang or lavender handy for those moments of mid-air anxiety. Apply as needed to maintain a zen state.

  • Landing and Beyond: Touchdown can be as stressful as takeoff. Keep your essential oils close until you’re safely on the ground and through the airport.

Remember, while essential oils can offer relief, it’s crucial to consider others’ comfort and potential allergies. Always keep your oils contained and consider a personal inhaler or scent-free lotion as discreet alternatives.


So, the next time you’re packing your bags and your heart starts doing the pre-flight flutter, reach for your tiny bottles of tranquility. With the right essential oils at your fingertips, you’ll be navigating the skies with ease, making your journey as pleasant as your destination. Who knows? You might just find yourself flying high on a cloud of calm.