Stress touches everyone—at work, at home and sometimes during good times. People are increasingly turning to tools that soothe the mind and steady the body without side effects, such as doTERRA essential oils. Popular choices include lavender, copaiba and frankincense because they offer natural support that helps people feel calmer, breathe easier and stay more at peace.

How They Work

When essential oil molecules enter the body, whether inhaled or absorbed, they bind to receptors that signal the brain’s limbic system. Each oil affects the brain in a different way. 

Lavender is widely known for its soft, relaxing scent. Studies show it can ease feelings of anxiety and help people feel calmer. 

Copaiba contains beta-caryophyllene (β-CP), a plant compound that interacts with body receptors linked to mood and relaxation. Renowned essential oil expert Dr. Scott Johnson explains that β-CP-rich oils promote balance in the nervous and immune systems. Understandably, many users say it helps tension melt away.

Frankincense, often called the “king of oils,” has several effects. Rich in compounds like alpha-pinene (linked to clear breathing and an uplifting sense), limonene (known for mood elevation and antioxidant support) and incensole acetate (studied for its calming, grounding influence on the nervous system), frankincense is prized for both emotional steadiness and overall cellular health. Many describe it as helping them feel “centered,” especially during high stress or grief.

These oils can be used in a variety of ways as anchors for calm in a busy life:

• Diffusion: Add a few drops of lavender, frankincense, or a calming blend to a diffuser or simply place a drop in the palm and breath directly from the hands.

• Topical: Dilute copaiba or frankincense and apply to wrists, chest or neck for steady calm.

• Routine: Use essential oils before meetings, during study sessions or at bedtime to release worries.

St. Elizabeth’s doTERRA Center 

Patients facing cancer carry deeply rooted stress. In Kentucky, St. Elizabeth Healthcare has brought integrative support into cancer care with the doTERRA Center for Integrative Oncology. Opened in early 2021 within the new St. Elizabeth Cancer Center in Edgewood, this calming 8,400-square-foot space offers holistic services in a spa-like atmosphere.

Patients and families can access aromatherapy with doTERRA essential oils—lavender, copaiba, frankincense and more—alongside massage, meditation, yoga, music and art therapy, acupuncture, counseling and demonstration cooking. The idea is to care for the whole person: mind, body and spirit during a difficult journey.

Leaders at St. Elizabeth say this integrative center allows patients and caregivers to access support, all under one roof, reducing stress and improving quality of life during treatment and beyond.

While the aromatherapy component is one part, the greater goal is to provide evidence-based complementary resources. Clinical trials are planned to measure how integrative approaches—including doTERRA’s certified pure tested grade essential oils—may improve symptom management, emotional well-being and survivorship.

A Calming Bridge for Healing

Essential oils can’t erase life’s pressures, but they can help people feel better able to respond with clarity. In a cancer care setting, they may offer a moment of peace in chaos, assisting the body in its healing process. Lavender relaxes, copaiba balances and frankincense grounds—together offering powerful support for both everyday stress and moments of great challenge. 

Hope R. Clark, a local doTERRA Certified Essential Oil Specialist, has over a decade of experience in natural health education. She is the author of When Emotions Erupt and founder of Pure Hope Wellness.  PureHopeWellness.com