Everyone feels anxious and stressed from time to time. However, too much anxiety can interfere with your ability to function and leave you unable to relax and calm down. Sometimes, excessive levels of anxiety can lead to the development of anxiety disorders. While not a substitute for professional intervention, certain holistic treatments like aromatherapy with calming oils such as vetiver may help to decrease anxiety and induce relaxation.
About Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal human response to fear and stress. When you are faced with an anxiety-provoking situation, your body's "fight-or-flight" response is activated. Your body increases its production of stress hormones like cortisol in order to help you prepare to fight or flee. However, sometimes this system malfunctions, and you may experience anxiety even without an easily identifiable stimulus. If you experience excessive levels of stress, you may find yourself in a constant state of anxiety. Professional treatment, such as psychotherapy or medication, may be warranted if you feel that your anxiety levels are out of control. However, certain home remedies and holistic healing techniques, like aromatherapy, can also be beneficial.
Benefits of Vetiver
Vetiver, also referred to by its scientific name Vetiveria zizanioides, is a member of the Gramineae family of grasses. The essential oil processed from this grass is often used in aromatherapy healing to promote stress relief, ease tension and alleviate anxiety. In fact, in an article for Meditate.com, aromatherapist K.G. Stiles reports that vetiver is thought to help alleviate stress and tension by stimulating red blood cell production and is believed to have sedative and calming properties. Vetiver may also help to improve anxiety-related symptoms of insomnia. In their book, "Reference Guide for Essential Oils," Connie and Alan Higley state that vetiver can provide benefits when used in a bath, in massage oil blends or when used in a diffuser.
Clinical Evidence
As with many essential oils, there's not much clinical evidence to support vetiver's purported benefits. A study published in 2010 in the " International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research" evaluated vetiver for its antibacterial properties and points out that vetiver does have sedative properties that make it useful in aromatherapy for treating anxiety and stress. However, as of 2011, no studies have confirmed these benefits. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate and confirm the effects of vetiver on symptoms of anxiety.
Considerations
While anecdotal evidence suggests that aromatherapy with vetiver essential oil may help symptoms of anxiety, you should not rely on alternative healing methods as a replacement for conventional medical advice. If you think you have an anxiety disorder, consult your doctor or a qualified mental health professional. Anxiety disorders can become worse if left untreated. According to authors Connie and Alan Higley, vetiver should be used with caution by pregnant women. Do not take essential oils orally unless under the supervision of your doctor or a qualified aromatherapist.
References
- Meditate.com.au: Anxiety Relief - Best Essential Oils to Use and Why; K.G. Stiles
- "Reference Guide for Essential Oils"; Connie and Alan Higley; 2005
- "International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research"; In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Vetiveria zizanioides; V. Devi. et al; 2010
