10 Calming Essential Oils for Treating Different Types of Anxiety Symptoms

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Essential oils are the new hot topic these days, and they’re not just for smelling good! These little powerhouses are capable of tackling all sorts of problems, from pesky tension headaches and scary heart palpitations to ending those long nights of counting sheep. They’re also easy to use and come in all kinds of beautiful scents. If you’re ready to upgrade your anxiety remedies and self care routine,  let’s discover the most calming essential oils that combat all kinds of anxiety symptoms, from sleep issues to tummy problems.

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How Essential Oils Work for Anxiety Relief

Calming essential oils have been used for centuries in various cultures to promote health and well-being. The effectiveness of these oils in treating anxiety is largely attributed to their interaction with the body’s limbic system, which plays a crucial role in regulating emotions, mood, and behavior. Here are some other ways essential oils alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Aromatherapy and the Limbic System

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefits through inhalation. When you inhale the aroma of an essential oil, the olfactory receptors in your nose send signals to the brain’s limbic system. This system includes structures such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus, which are involved in controlling emotions, memory, and stress responses. The limbic system is directly connected to areas of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and hormone balance. As a result, inhaling essential oils can have a direct impact on your physical and emotional state. For example, lavender oil is known to promote relaxation by reducing heart rate and lowering blood pressure, creating a calming effect ¹.

Topical Application and Absorption

Some calming essential oils can also be applied topically, allowing their active compounds to be absorbed through the skin. Once absorbed, these compounds can enter the bloodstream and provide systemic effects. This method is often used in conjunction with carrier oils to prevent skin irritation and enhance absorption. The transdermal application of essential oils can target specific areas of the body, providing localized relief. For example, massaging diluted peppermint oil blend onto the abdomen can help alleviate digestive discomfort related to anxiety. The calming properties of the oil can soothe the gastrointestinal tract, reducing symptoms like bloating and nausea.

Interaction with Neurotransmitters

Certain calming essential oils are believed to interact with neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. For example, lavender oil has been shown to increase the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. GABA inhibits the nervous system’s activity, helping to calm the mind and body. Similarly, essential oils like bergamot and chamomile have been found to influence serotonin and dopamine levels, which are critical for mood regulation ². By modulating these neurotransmitters, essential oils can help alleviate anxiety and improve overall mood.

Reducing Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” because it is released in response to stress and anxiety. High cortisol levels can lead to various health issues, including anxiety disorders. Essential oils for anxiety, such as rose and frankincense, have been shown to reduce cortisol levels, thereby mitigating the physical effects of stress and promoting a sense of calm.

10 Calming Essential Oils for Different Anxiety Symptoms

Essential oils are the new hot topic these days, and they’re not just for smelling good! These little powerhouses are capable of tackling all sorts of problems, from pesky tension headaches and scary heart palpitations to ending those long nights of counting sheep. They’re also easy to use and come in all kinds of beautiful scents. If you’re ready to upgrade your anxiety remedies and self care routine,  let’s discover the most calming essential oils that combat all kinds of anxiety symptoms, from sleep issues to tummy problems.

How Essential Oils Work for Anxiety Relief

Calming essential oils have been used for centuries in various cultures to promote health and well-being. The effectiveness of these oils in treating anxiety is largely attributed to their interaction with the body’s limbic system, which plays a crucial role in regulating emotions, mood, and behavior. Here are some other ways essential oils alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Aromatherapy and the Limbic System

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefits through inhalation. When you inhale the aroma of an essential oil, the olfactory receptors in your nose send signals to the brain’s limbic system. This system includes structures such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus, which are involved in controlling emotions, memory, and stress responses. The limbic system is directly connected to areas of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and hormone balance. As a result, inhaling essential oils can have a direct impact on your physical and emotional state. For example, lavender oil is known to promote relaxation by reducing heart rate and lowering blood pressure, creating a calming effect ¹.

Topical Application and Absorption

Some calming essential oils can also be applied topically, allowing their active compounds to be absorbed through the skin. Once absorbed, these compounds can enter the bloodstream and provide systemic effects. This method is often used in conjunction with carrier oils to prevent skin irritation and enhance absorption. The transdermal application of essential oils can target specific areas of the body, providing localized relief. For example, massaging diluted peppermint oil blend onto the abdomen can help alleviate digestive discomfort related to anxiety. The calming properties of the oil can soothe the gastrointestinal tract, reducing symptoms like bloating and nausea.

Interaction with Neurotransmitters

Certain calming essential oils are believed to interact with neurotransmitters, the chemicals that transmit signals in the brain. For example, lavender oil has been shown to increase the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. GABA inhibits the nervous system’s activity, helping to calm the mind and body. Similarly, essential oils like bergamot and chamomile have been found to influence serotonin and dopamine levels, which are critical for mood regulation ². By modulating these neurotransmitters, essential oils can help alleviate anxiety and improve overall mood.

Reducing Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” because it is released in response to stress and anxiety. High cortisol levels can lead to various health issues, including anxiety disorders. Essential oils for anxiety, such as rose and frankincense, have been shown to reduce cortisol levels, thereby mitigating the physical effects of stress and promoting a sense of calm.

10 Calming Essential Oils for Different Anxiety Symptoms

Each essential oil has unique properties that targets specific aspects of anxiety, from improving sleep quality to calming a nervous stomach. By incorporating these calming essential oils into your daily routine, you can create a personalized approach to managing anxiety. Here are ten top calming essential oils and how they can help with different types of anxiety symptoms, providing you with holistic tools for a more balanced and relaxed life.

1. Lavender Essential Oil for Sleep Issues

Lavender essential oil is one of the most well-known and widely used essential oils for anxiety, particularly for sleep issues. Its soothing aroma has been proven to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Studies have shown that inhaling lavender oil before bedtime can enhance sleep duration and quality, making it an excellent remedy for those who struggle with insomnia or restless nights.

• Reduces anxiety
• Improves sleep
• Eases depression
• Relieves headaches
• Balances mood and emotions
• Helps with PTSD symptoms

To use lavender essential oil for sleep, add a few drops to a diffuser, mix it with a carrier oil for a calming massage, or sprinkle a few drops on your pillow before bed.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

2. Peppermint Essential Oil for Nervous Tummy

Peppermint essential oil is effective for alleviating digestive issues often associated with anxiety, such as a nervous tummy. Its cooling and soothing properties can help relax the gastrointestinal tract and reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and nausea.

• Alleviates nervous stomach
• Enhances focus
• Eases tension headaches
• Promotes relaxation
• Reduces stress
• Eases muscle tension

To use peppermint essential oil for a nervous tummy, dilute it with a carrier oil and massage onto the abdomen in a circular motion. Alternatively, inhale the aroma directly from the bottle or use a diffuser to spread the scent throughout the room.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

3. Chamomile Essential Oil for Generalized Anxiety

One of nature’s most versatile herbs (and most calming essential oils) is chamomile. It provides numerous benefits, such as enhancing heart health, strengthening bone health, easing menstrual pain, and soothing generalized anxiety.  Thanks to the presence of apigenin, a natural compound similar to those found in anti-anxiety medications known as benzodiazepines, which allows chamomile to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Some benefits of chamomile include:

4. Rose Essential Oil for Panic Attacks

Rose essential oil is highly effective in managing panic attacks due to its ability to reduce cortisol levels and promote a sense of tranquility. The sweet, floral scent of rose oil helps calm the mind and ease the intensity of panic symptoms.

• Eases panic attacks
• Reduces anxiety
• Alleviates depression
• Promotes emotional balance
• Improves sleep
• Supports heart health
• Eases physical anxiety symptoms

To use rose essential oil for panic attacks, inhale directly from the bottle, use it in a diffuser, or apply a diluted mixture to your pulse points.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

5. Bergamot Essential Oil for Stress Relief

Bergamot essential oil is well-regarded for its uplifting and stress-relieving properties. Its citrusy aroma can help improve mood and reduce feelings of depression, stress and anxiety, making it an ideal choice for those experiencing emotional tension. It also improves blood circulation, helping to boost energy levels and promote a sense of cheerfulness and revitalization.

6. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil for Heart Palpitations

Ylang ylang essential oil is effective in reducing heart palpitations, heart rate, stress hormones and blood pressure caused by anxiety. Its sweet, floral scent helps lower blood pressure and heart rate, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. It’s also known for its antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic and sedative properties. As an added bonus, it can also help you grow thick and healthy hair and to heal the skin.

• Has antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and sedative properties
• Can reduce anxiety and stress levels, as well as stress hormones
• Reduces blood pressure and heart rate caused by anxiety
• Helps you grow thick and healthy hair
• Heals the skin

To use ylang ylang essential oil, add a few drops to a diffuser, blend it with a carrier oil for topical application, or inhale directly from the bottle.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

7. Clary Sage Essential Oil for Hormonal Anxiety

Clary sage essential oil is particularly beneficial for hormonal anxiety, often experienced during PMS or menopause. Its earthy, herbaceous scent helps balance hormones and alleviate anxiety symptoms related to hormonal fluctuations. It is also known to improve circulation, support digestion, promote eye health, and even fight leukemia, thanks to the anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, nerve tonic, and sedative properties. Studies show that clary sage can ease tension and control cortisol levels (your stress hormones). The benefits of clary sage are:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Helps with sleep and insomnia
• Enhances focus and cognitive function
• Boosts mood and overall emotional wellbeing
• Reduces inflammation and pain
• Improves respiratory function
• Supports cardiovascular health
• Enhances athletic performance
• Boosts immune system function
• Acts as a natural anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent

To use clary sage essential oil, diffuse it in your room, add it to a warm bath, or apply a diluted mixture to your abdomen.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

8. Frankincense Essential Oil for Anxiety-Related Inflammation

Frankincense essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for anxiety-related inflammation. Its woody, spicy aroma helps reduce stress and promote a sense of grounding and peace. Thanks to the calming effect it has on the nervous system, it can also create feelings of euphoria. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also aid in gut functioning and reduce symptoms of inflammatory gut diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which can be exacerbated by anxiety disorders. Here are the benefits of frankincense:

• Improves mood
• Eases anxiety and depression
• Promotes relaxation
• Uplifting and calming to the nervous system
• Creates feelings of euphoria
• Anti-inflammatory properties may help gut functioning

To use frankincense essential oil, inhale it through a diffuser, apply it topically after diluting with a carrier oil, or add it to a warm bath.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

9. Jasmine Essential Oil for Boosting Mood

Jasmine essential oil is excellent for boosting mood and alleviating anxiety. Its sweet, exotic scent has been shown to increase energy levels and improve mood, making it a great choice for combating feelings of sadness and anxiety.

• Uplifts the mood and alleviates stress
• Harmonizes hormones
• Used as a natural cure for insomnia, low libido, emotional stress, anxiety, and depression
• Gentle, yet effective way to balance emotions and enhance well-being

To use jasmine essential oil, diffuse it in your home, add a few drops to your bath, or apply it topically after diluting with a carrier oil.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

10. Vetiver Essential Oil for Grounding and Stability

Vetiver essential oil is known for its grounding and stabilizing effects, making it ideal for those experiencing anxiety and nervousness. Its earthy, woody scent promotes a sense of stability and calm, helping to reduce anxiety symptoms. This sacred herb can also be used to treat heat strokes, joint disorders, skin problems, and boost energy levels. It’s also great for soothing feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Recent studies also found Vetiver oil to be effective in treating symptoms of ADHD and ADD, as well as increasing libido and aiding in insomnia. In fact, it’s sweet, earthy scent has the same anti-anxiety properties as prescription medications, such as diazepam.

• Helps treat heat strokes, joint disorders, and skin problems.
• Boosts energy levels and soothe feelings of anxiety and nervousness.
• Effective in treating symptoms of ADHD and ADD.
• It can also increase libido and aid in insomnia.
• Contains the same anti-anxiety properties as prescription medications, such as diazepam.

To use vetiver essential oil, inhale it through a diffuser, apply it topically after diluting with a carrier oil, or add a few drops to a warm bath.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

How to Use Essential Oils Safely for Anxiety

When using essential oils for anxiety, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines to avoid adverse reactions. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. Perform a patch test to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. Use a diffuser to disperse the oils into the air, or add a few drops to a warm bath for inhalation.

Combining Essential Oils for Anxiety Relief

Combining different essential oils can enhance their anxiety-relieving effects. Blending techniques involve mixing oils that complement each other’s properties. For example, a blend of lavender, chamomile, and bergamot can provide a comprehensive relaxation effect. Personalizing blends to suit your preferences and needs can maximize the benefits.

DIY Essential Oil Blends for Anxiety

Creating your own essential oil blends for anxiety is simple and cost-effective. Here are a few recipes to get you started:

• Calming Blend: 3 drops lavender, 3 drops chamomile, 2 drops bergamot
• Sleep Aid: 4 drops lavender, 3 drops clary sage, 2 drops vetiver
• Stress Relief: 3 drops bergamot, 2 drops ylang ylang, 2 drops frankincense

Mix these blends with a carrier oil and store in a dark glass bottle.

Final Thoughts on Calming Essential Oils

Calming essential oils offer a natural and effective way to manage anxiety symptoms. From lavender for sleep issues to peppermint for a nervous tummy, these oils provide various benefits that can help alleviate different types of anxiety. By understanding how to use these oils safely and effectively, you can incorporate them into your self care routine and enjoy a calmer, more balanced life. So go ahead and treat yourself to some much-needed relaxation with your favorite essential oils. Whether you choose to diffuse them, add them to a bath, or use them in a massage, take some time to unwind and let the calming scents transport you to a state of peace and tranquility. After all, life can be stressful, but with the help of essential oils, finding your inner calm is just a sniff away!

1. Lavender Essential Oil for Sleep Issues

Lavender essential oil is one of the most well-known and widely used essential oils for anxiety, particularly for sleep issues. Its soothing aroma has been proven to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Studies have shown that inhaling lavender oil before bedtime can enhance sleep duration and quality, making it an excellent remedy for those who struggle with insomnia or restless nights.

• Reduces anxiety
• Improves sleep
• Eases depression
• Relieves headaches
• Balances mood and emotions
• Helps with PTSD symptoms

To use lavender essential oil for sleep, add a few drops to a diffuser, mix it with a carrier oil for a calming massage, or sprinkle a few drops on your pillow before bed.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

2. Peppermint Essential Oil for Nervous Tummy

Peppermint essential oil is effective for alleviating digestive issues often associated with anxiety, such as a nervous tummy. Its cooling and soothing properties can help relax the gastrointestinal tract and reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and nausea.

• Alleviates nervous stomach
• Enhances focus
• Eases tension headaches
• Promotes relaxation
• Reduces stress
• Eases muscle tension

To use peppermint essential oil for a nervous tummy, dilute it with a carrier oil and massage onto the abdomen in a circular motion. Alternatively, inhale the aroma directly from the bottle or use a diffuser to spread the scent throughout the room.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

3. Chamomile Essential Oil for Generalized Anxiety

One of nature’s most versatile herbs (and most calming essential oils) is chamomile. It provides numerous benefits, such as enhancing heart health, strengthening bone health, easing menstrual pain, and soothing generalized anxiety.  Thanks to the presence of apigenin, a natural compound similar to those found in anti-anxiety medications known as benzodiazepines, which allows chamomile to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Some benefits of chamomile include:

4. Rose Essential Oil for Panic Attacks

Rose essential oil is highly effective in managing panic attacks due to its ability to reduce cortisol levels and promote a sense of tranquility. The sweet, floral scent of rose oil helps calm the mind and ease the intensity of panic symptoms.

• Eases panic attacks
• Reduces anxiety
• Alleviates depression
• Promotes emotional balance
• Improves sleep
• Supports heart health
• Eases physical anxiety symptoms

To use rose essential oil for panic attacks, inhale directly from the bottle, use it in a diffuser, or apply a diluted mixture to your pulse points.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

5. Bergamot Essential Oil for Stress Relief

Bergamot essential oil is well-regarded for its uplifting and stress-relieving properties. Its citrusy aroma can help improve mood and reduce feelings of depression, stress and anxiety, making it an ideal choice for those experiencing emotional tension. It also improves blood circulation, helping to boost energy levels and promote a sense of cheerfulness and revitalization.

6. Ylang Ylang Essential Oil for Heart Palpitations

Ylang ylang essential oil is effective in reducing heart palpitations, heart rate, stress hormones and blood pressure caused by anxiety. Its sweet, floral scent helps lower blood pressure and heart rate, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. It’s also known for its antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic and sedative properties. As an added bonus, it can also help you grow thick and healthy hair and to heal the skin.

• Has antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and sedative properties
• Can reduce anxiety and stress levels, as well as stress hormones
• Reduces blood pressure and heart rate caused by anxiety
• Helps you grow thick and healthy hair
• Heals the skin

To use ylang ylang essential oil, add a few drops to a diffuser, blend it with a carrier oil for topical application, or inhale directly from the bottle.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

7. Clary Sage Essential Oil for Hormonal Anxiety

Clary sage essential oil is particularly beneficial for hormonal anxiety, often experienced during PMS or menopause. Its earthy, herbaceous scent helps balance hormones and alleviate anxiety symptoms related to hormonal fluctuations. It is also known to improve circulation, support digestion, promote eye health, and even fight leukemia, thanks to the anticonvulsive, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-infectious, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, nerve tonic, and sedative properties. Studies show that clary sage can ease tension and control cortisol levels (your stress hormones). The benefits of clary sage are:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Helps with sleep and insomnia
• Enhances focus and cognitive function
• Boosts mood and overall emotional wellbeing
• Reduces inflammation and pain
• Improves respiratory function
• Supports cardiovascular health
• Enhances athletic performance
• Boosts immune system function
• Acts as a natural anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent

To use clary sage essential oil, diffuse it in your room, add it to a warm bath, or apply a diluted mixture to your abdomen.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

8. Frankincense Essential Oil for Anxiety-Related Inflammation

Frankincense essential oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for anxiety-related inflammation. Its woody, spicy aroma helps reduce stress and promote a sense of grounding and peace. Thanks to the calming effect it has on the nervous system, it can also create feelings of euphoria. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also aid in gut functioning and reduce symptoms of inflammatory gut diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which can be exacerbated by anxiety disorders. Here are the benefits of frankincense:

• Improves mood
• Eases anxiety and depression
• Promotes relaxation
• Uplifting and calming to the nervous system
• Creates feelings of euphoria
• Anti-inflammatory properties may help gut functioning

To use frankincense essential oil, inhale it through a diffuser, apply it topically after diluting with a carrier oil, or add it to a warm bath.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

9. Jasmine Essential Oil for Boosting Mood

Jasmine essential oil is excellent for boosting mood and alleviating anxiety. Its sweet, exotic scent has been shown to increase energy levels and improve mood, making it a great choice for combating feelings of sadness and anxiety.

• Uplifts the mood and alleviates stress
• Harmonizes hormones
• Used as a natural cure for insomnia, low libido, emotional stress, anxiety, and depression
• Gentle, yet effective way to balance emotions and enhance well-being

To use jasmine essential oil, diffuse it in your home, add a few drops to your bath, or apply it topically after diluting with a carrier oil.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

10. Vetiver Essential Oil for Grounding and Stability

Vetiver essential oil is known for its grounding and stabilizing effects, making it ideal for those experiencing anxiety and nervousness. Its earthy, woody scent promotes a sense of stability and calm, helping to reduce anxiety symptoms. This sacred herb can also be used to treat heat strokes, joint disorders, skin problems, and boost energy levels. It’s also great for soothing feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Recent studies also found Vetiver oil to be effective in treating symptoms of ADHD and ADD, as well as increasing libido and aiding in insomnia. In fact, it’s sweet, earthy scent has the same anti-anxiety properties as prescription medications, such as diazepam.

• Helps treat heat strokes, joint disorders, and skin problems.
• Boosts energy levels and soothe feelings of anxiety and nervousness.
• Effective in treating symptoms of ADHD and ADD.
• It can also increase libido and aid in insomnia.
• Contains the same anti-anxiety properties as prescription medications, such as diazepam.

To use vetiver essential oil, inhale it through a diffuser, apply it topically after diluting with a carrier oil, or add a few drops to a warm bath.

Buy Now: Available on Amazon

How to Use Essential Oils Safely for Anxiety

When using essential oils for anxiety, it’s crucial to follow safety guidelines to avoid adverse reactions. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin. Perform a patch test to ensure you do not have an allergic reaction. Use a diffuser to disperse the oils into the air, or add a few drops to a warm bath for inhalation.

Combining Essential Oils for Anxiety Relief

Combining different essential oils can enhance their anxiety-relieving effects. Blending techniques involve mixing oils that complement each other’s properties. For example, a blend of lavender, chamomile, and bergamot can provide a comprehensive relaxation effect. Personalizing blends to suit your preferences and needs can maximize the benefits.

DIY Essential Oil Blends for Anxiety

Creating your own essential oil blends for anxiety is simple and cost-effective. Here are a few recipes to get you started:

• Calming Blend: 3 drops lavender, 3 drops chamomile, 2 drops bergamot
• Sleep Aid: 4 drops lavender, 3 drops clary sage, 2 drops vetiver
• Stress Relief: 3 drops bergamot, 2 drops ylang ylang, 2 drops frankincense

Mix these blends with a carrier oil and store in a dark glass bottle.

Final Thoughts on Calming Essential Oils

Calming essential oils offer a natural and effective way to manage anxiety symptoms. From lavender for sleep issues to peppermint for a nervous tummy, these oils provide various benefits that can help alleviate different types of anxiety. By understanding how to use these oils safely and effectively, you can incorporate them into your self care routine and enjoy a calmer, more balanced life. So go ahead and treat yourself to some much-needed relaxation with your favorite essential oils. Whether you choose to diffuse them, add them to a bath, or use them in a massage, take some time to unwind and let the calming scents transport you to a state of peace and tranquility. After all, life can be stressful, but with the help of essential oils, finding your inner calm is just a sniff away!  References:

1. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (2017). “Lavender and the Nervous System.” Retrieved from Science Direct
2. Watanabe, E., Kuchta, K., Kimura, M., Rauwald, H. W., Kamei, T., & Imanishi, J. (2015). “Effects of bergamot (Citrus bergamia (Risso) Wright & Arn.) essential oil on mood states, autonomic nervous system, and salivary cortisol levels in healthy adults.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015.