For many of us, stress and the anxiety it causes are an unavoidable part of our daily lives. A low level of stress is indeed often necessary to motivate us, but it is important to keep its impact within a level you can tolerate. If allowed to dominate, stress can cause intense anxiety and a general deterioration in health. It can also increase the risk of more serious ailments developing, such as stomach ulcers and heart disease. Many essential oils help to reduce stress by promoting relaxation, in particular the more expensive, highly aromatic ones, such as rose otto, neroli, and true melissa. Fortunately, other less expensive oils can be as effective: clary sage, geranium, Roman chamomile, juniper berry, lavender, sandalwood, sweet marjoram, and ylang ylang are all useful in providing stress management.