Essential Oils And Anxiety

The use of essential oils to treat illnesses of the mind and body dates back almost 5,000 years. In her book "Natural Beauty at Home," Janice Cox describes the use of certain essential oils by the Ancient Egyptians and Greeks to purify the spirit, clear the mind and relax the body. Today, essential oils are used in aromatherapy to help calm, relax and alleviate some of the symptoms of anxiety and other forms of mental distress.

History

The history of the use of essential oils for symptoms of mental distress dates back not only to ancient Egypt. In her book, "Natural Beauty at Home," Janice Cox discusses the use of incense, perfume and essential oils in medicine, cosmetics and massage by the Babylonians, Greeks and Romans. Essential oils were thought to have curative properties that could create certain moods or heal specific illnesses. In the early 1900s, French chemist René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the phrase "aromathérapie." Today, essential oils such as lavender, sandalwood and davana are used in aromatherapy and massage to relax the mind and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Types

Lavender, davana, and sandalwood essential oils have been shown to be effective in combating symptoms of anxiety. The Organic Facts website says davana essential oil has a relaxing effect on the brain and nervous system. Organic Facts also says sandalwood essential oil is useful in fighting anxiety because of its sedative properties and ability to induce feelings of relaxation and calmness. The University of Maryland Medical Center says lavender is a commonly used essential oil for anxiety, which produces a calming, relaxing and sedative effect when the scent is inhaled.

Benefits

Aromatherapy can be a very useful supplementary treatment for sufferers of anxiety disorders. While aromatherapy should not be used as a primary modality for treatment, aromatherapy can be used as a home treatment in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as self-help, by attending support groups, or with individual or group psychotherapy. Aromatherapy benefits those with anxiety disorders because these essential oils can induce relaxation and feelings of calmness.

Use

Using lavender, davana or sandalwood in an oil diffuser at home or in a bath can help stimulate relaxation and calm when feelings of anxiety come up. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that massage with essential oils can be beneficial for people suffering from anxiety or depression. Those suffering from severe anxiety may wish to consult with a professional aromatherapist to find the best blend for alleviating symptoms.

Expert Insight

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy discusses the top 10 essential oils most commonly used. Seven out of ten of these essential oils can be beneficial for use in treating mental illnesses such as anxiety because of their ability to lift the mood and induce feelings of relaxation. These oils include ylang ylang, geranium, lavender, lavandula vera, lemon, clary sage, Roman chamomile, and rosemary.