Aromatherapy is a healing art that dates back to Ancient Egypt. In her book, "Natural Beauty at Home," Janice Cox states that aromatherapy's roots go back 5000 years, and that incense, essential oils and perfumes were used by Ancient Greeks, Babylonians and Romans in a variety of ways to heal, or to create certain moods. Although aromatherapy can provide a variety of benefits, essential oils are most commonly used to provide stress relief and to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Stress Relief
Aromatherapy can be used in several ways to provide stress and tension relief. Chamomile, basil, orange blossom and lavender essential oils have soothing and relaxing properties. They can be used in an oil diffuser, massage oil, or in the bath. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that benefits from an aromatherapy massage are obtained because the skin absorbs the oils and the scent is also inhaled. In "Natural Beauty at Home," Janice Cox provides a recipe to make a homemade, relaxing massage oil: Choose a carrier oil, such as sunflower, almond or sesame oil, and add to it, a drop or two of chamomile, basil, orange blossom, or lavender oil. Adding a few drops of one of these essential oils to a warm bath will also provide relaxation and stress relief.
Anxiety
Incorporating essential oils that have proven anti-anxiety properties into one's daily routine can help alleviate some of the symptoms of anxiety. Essential oils such as lavender, lemon balm, and roman chamomile reduce the effects of anxiety when used in a massage oil or in aromatherapy as a meditation or relaxation aid. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that lavender produces a calming, slightly sedative effect; lemon balm can help to reduce anxiety and promote sleep; and Roman chamomile is widely used for its anti-anxiety effects. Use essential oils in a diffuser, or add a few drops of one of these essential oils to warm bath water when anxiety occurs.
Depression
Symptoms of depression can be lessened through the use of certain essential oils in aromatherapy. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that essential oils such as lavender, basil, orange, sandalwood, lemon, jasmine, sage, chamomile, peppermint and rosemary are frequently used during massage to help people with depression. Additionally, any of these oils may be used in an oil diffuser or in a bath to obtain benefits. AltMD's article on the use of essential oils for depression relief explains that inhalation of these scents can have a beneficial effect on the areas of the brain that control moods and emotions.
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