If you've ever inhaled eucalyptus oil or taken a menthol cough drop to help you feel better when you had a cold or the flu, then you have a good idea what aromatherapy is all about. Aromatherapy is the practice of using plant essential oils to boost physical and emotional well-being. Just as certain foods contain elements that nourish your body in different ways, essential oils have unique properties that can improve or enhance the way you feel.
Essential oils are made up of naturally occurring chemicals that work together with one another. Because they evaporate quickly, they are easily inhaled and you can feel the effects right away. The inhalation of these naturally occurring chemicals triggers our brain to respond, which in turn affects our emotions.
Aromatherapy and Depression
Although the use of aromatherapy may not be a "miracle cure" for serious emotional issues, the use of essential oils may help to ease a variety of particular conditions. One of those is depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression affects nearly 18.8 million Americans a year. Many of them take antidepressants to ease their symptoms. Unfortunately, only 30 percent of people who are depressed go into full remission after taking their first course of an antidepressant. Side effects of these medications include dizziness, nausea, insomnia, anxiety and weight gain or weight loss. Additionally, antidepressants have been associated with suicide, violence, psychosis, abnormal bleeding and brain tumors. These drugs are also considered dangerous for children.
All the more reason to think about trying aromatherapy! Additionally, research has shown the proper use of essential oils may enhance your emotional outlook, provide support and help balance your emotions during the day.
The following essential oils are beneficial for a host of emotional issues, including depression and anxiety.
Lavender
Known for relieving anxiety better than any other oil, lavender has a calming effect on the central nervous system and reduces blood pressure. It is an excellent "tonic" for the nerves and helps in treating headaches, muscle and joint pain, depression, insomnia and emotional stress. Its refreshing aroma helps ease nervous exhaustion and restlessness, and increases mental activity.
Bergamot
The components of bergamot oil are antidepressant and stimulant in nature. They give a feeling of freshness, joy and energy in cases of sadness and depression by improving circulation. The flavonoids present in bergamot oil are very good relaxants too. They soothe nerves and reduce nervous tension, anxiety and stress, and therefore can help cure ailments associated with stress such as sleeplessness and high blood pressure.
Lemon
The fragrant citrus smell of lemon oil has been shown to restore balance following stressful events. A study conducted at the Mie University School of Medicine in Japan concluded that treatment with citrus fragrance was "rather more effective that antidepressants." It appears that the activity of lemon oil has impressive effects on the circuits in the brain that regulate anxiety.
Orange
The smell of orange oil helps provide emotional balance and bring on a positive outlook. Sweet orange oil is a wonderful cure for the winter blues. It also blends nicely with many oils and has the added advantage of being one of the more inexpensive essential oils. It is also generally regarded to be one of the safer essential oils to use.
Ylang Ylang
No one with anxiety disorders should be without this essential oil. A study in the international plant journal "Planta Medica" found that inhalation of ylang ylang was "harmonizing" as it caused decreases in blood pressure and pulse rate, while increasing attentiveness and alertness.
Patchouli
The findings of a Japanese study show that inhaling patchouli essential oil has a significant effect on the sympathetic nervous system. This system operates without conscious thought, as in the "fight or flight" response to stress. Patchouli is also helpful for easing fatigue.
Rose
Rose is unique among aromatherapy oils. Its fragrance is perhaps more recognized than its relaxing, soothing and balancing applications in aromatherapy. Rose oil has been found to help ease menopause symptoms in women. In addition, a seventeenth-century English physician wrote that red roses strengthen the heart. He may have been referring to a physical action, but those who inhale fresh roses or their essential oil also know the aroma strengthens the heart, emotions and soul.
Blue Tansy and German Chamomile
The blue hue of both of these oils comes from chamzulene, which has been shown to be a muscle relaxant in animal studies. A USDA review of German chamomile discussed its anti-anxiety effects and deemed it a natural sleep aid. Blue tansy has been shown to induce relaxation, and can be used to ease nervous tension and stress.
Roman Chamomile
When used in massage, a British study reported that Roman chamomile caused a significant reduction in anxiety in cancer patients. Roman chamomile has a sweet, apple-like fragrance, and can help with irritation, impatience and feeling disagreeable. It has been found to help in treating PMS and other menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
Conclusion
It's best to consult with an aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils. For more information, visit aromaweb.com, which offers hundreds of articles about essential oils and their indications.
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