Everyone suffers from anxious feelings from time to time. However, if you experience excessive levels of anxiety, you may have an anxiety disorder. Aromatherapy is a holistic healing art form that has been used to alleviate a variety of physical and mental conditions for thousands of years. Aromatherapy treatments using bergamot essential oil may have a beneficial effect on symptoms of anxiety.
Symptoms of Anxiety
While it's normal to experience anxious feelings in response to a stressful situation, it's not normal to have persistent, unexplainable anxiety symptoms. An anxiety disorder occurs when your anxiety persists after the stressful situation has subsided. Common symptoms of anxiety include irritability, nervousness, fear, excessive worry -- especially over things you cannot control, heart palpitations, sweating, shaking or trembling, muscle tension, twitching, insomnia or changes in appetite. According to the New York Times Health Guide, the causes of anxiety are not always obvious, but many people experience anxiety as a stress response.
Aromatherapy and Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are generally treated with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. However, many people turn to holistic remedies in the hopes of avoiding the negative side effects of some of these medications. Aromatherapy using bergamot essential oil is used widely to alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety, despite little clinical evidence proving its effects. However, a study published in the Nov. 23, 2010, edition of the journal "Phytotherapy Research" demonstrated the beneficial impact of bergamot essential oil on stress and anxiety-related behavior in lab rats. The findings of this experiment may prove beneficial for people suffering from anxiety and stress. Additionally, a literature review published in the September 2010 "Fitoterapia" states that bergamot essential oil is commonly used to reduce stress-related anxiety and mood disorders.
Bergamot Oil Properties
Bergamot essential oil is extracted via steam distillation and centrifuge from the fruit of the bergamot tree. In her book, "Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health," aromatherapist Susanne Fischer-Rizzi states that bergamot essential oil has a balancing effect on the hypothalamus, which helps alleviate feelings of stress and anxiety. Bergamot has a calming, uplifting aroma that can create an uplifted, cheerful mood. Fischer-Rizzi explains that bergamot essential oil can provide benefits for stress and anxiety when used in a bath, massage or body oil or burned in an aromatherapy lamp.
Considerations
Anecdotal evidence suggests that bergamot essential oil is beneficial for anxiety, although further scientific research is still needed. Do not use aromatherapy in place of your doctor's advice. Inform your doctor if you plan to use alternative or holistic treatments. Do not stop taking prescription anti-anxiety medication unless directed to do so by your physician.
References
- New York Times Health Guide: Stress and Anxiety
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Acute Effects of Bergamot Oil on Anxiety-related Behaviour and Corticosterone Level in Rats; S.Saiyudthong and C.A. Marsden; November 2010
- "Fitoterapia"; Neuropharmacology of the Essential Oil of Bergamot; Giacinto Bagetta et al; September 2010
- "Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health"; Susanne Fischer-Rizzi; 1991
