So much pain, so many forgotten, ignored, or unknown remedies. Someone being dragged about by a mood or anxiety disorder can’t let that stand. Aromatherapy would be a great discussion topic right about now. Here’s why…
Neroli: anxiety relief, antidepressant, nourishing, PMS, postpartum depression, pregnancy/delivery
That being the case, all potentially helpful remedies have to be considered. Last week we handled Healing crystals: Why they may help you feel better. This week we’re going with aromatherapy.
Let’s get busy…
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts – aromatic essential oils – to improve emotional, mental, and physical health. It’s been around for thousands of years and has been getting a lot more attention these days in the worlds of science and medicine.
How does aromatherapy work?
Aromatherapy works through skin absorption and the sense of smell (“aroma”). It’s delivered via diffusers, aromatic spritzers, bathing salts, body oils, creams, lotions, hot and cold compresses, and more.
For each essential oil, there’s a characteristic healing property, use, and effect. Combining oils is frequently done to create additional benefits.
Speaking of benefits, we don’t have the space to include all of the suggested benefits and targeted miseries of essential oils. Suffice it to say there are plenty, some of which you’ll see when we review the most popular essential oils.
But keep in mind, there are benefit claims that may be a little dicey. These include using aromatherapy as a treatment for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and heart disease.
Also be aware that though most essential oils are safe to use, there are precautions and side effects to consider. For instance, don’t apply essential oils directly to your skin. Use a carrier oil to dilute your chosen oil. Beware if you’re taking a prescribed medication, checking-in with your doc and/or pharmacist. Touching base with a doc before using essential oils is a good idea for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children. There are others, so be sure to do your due diligence.
I’ll also add that using essential oils for the mood and anxiety disorders may be best considered a complimentary treatment. Just my opinion.
When it comes to using essential oils, you can go it alone, purchasing product online and at retail outlets. But be mindful that essential oils aren’t regulated by the FDA, so you’ll want to make sure your source is trustworthy. You may want to consider working with an aromatherapist. Do an internet search to find one or you can hit the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy website.
The most popular essential oils
Rose Essential Oil
Okay, so now you know what aromatherapy is and how it works. At this point you may be ready to give it a go, but you need specifics.
It’s time to name names.
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, here are the most popular essential oils with some of their reported benefits or what they’re believed to address…
- Clary Sage: antispasmodic, menstrual cramps, anxiety and stress
- Cypress: astringent, respiratory complaints, edema, cellulitis, muscle pain
- Eucalyptus: expectorant, decongestant, cold and flu, bronchitis, clearing the mind, energizing (don’t apply to or near the face of infants or children under 10, dilute to 1% or less for children’s topical preparations)
- Fennel: digestive, antimicrobial, menstrual irregularities
- Geranium: PMS, hormonal imbalance, antimicrobial, nerve pain
- Ginger: digestive, constipation, nausea relief, emotionally and physically warming, anti-inflammatory, relieves pain, immune modulator
- Helichrysum: cell regeneration, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, bruises and swelling
- Lavender: calming, anxiety reduction, wound healing, burns, insect bites, reduces itchiness, general skin care, great for children
- Lemon: antimicrobial, antioxidant, uplifting, anti-stress, immune enhancing
- Lemongrass: antiviral, insect repellant, cleansing, antimicrobial
- Mandarin: calming, great for children
- Neroli: anxiety relief, antidepressant, nourishing, PMS, postpartum depression, pregnancy/delivery
- Patchouli: antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, soothes nervous system
- Peppermint: nausea relief, muscle aches and pains analgesia, migraine relief, energizing
- Roman chamomile: menstrual cramps, sedative, relieves anxiety and stress, insomnia, anti-inflammatory, soothing and comforting to children
- Rose: “Queen of Essential Oils,” cell regenerative, emotionally nourishing, aphrodisiac, relieves anxiety and stress
- Rosemary: respiratory congestion, bronchitis, colds and flu, sinus congestion, expands and deepens breathing, circulatory stimulant
- Tea Tree: enhance immune system, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral
- Vetiver: calming, grounding, astringent, varicose veins
- Ylang Ylang: aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, antidepressant, nourishing
Essentially oiled and ready to go
When it comes to managing the mood and anxiety disorders, aromatherapy – essentials oils – may well be one of the forgotten, ignored, or unknown remedies. But given their helping potential, we can’t let that stand.
As you’re considering your mood or anxiety disorder treatment strategy, think about including aromatherapy – essential oils. Could be one slick move.
For more details, check-out the article on Healthline I used for reference: Aromatherapy Uses and Benefits. And thank you to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy for even more info.
Plenty more Chipur articles where this baby came from. Go ahead, peruse the titles.
