There are essential oils in existence that can be used to treat just about every ache, pain, condition, illness, and feeling under the sun. Got muscle aches? Try some lavender, eucalyptus, or rosemary. Sunburn? Use some lavender, peppermint, or chamomile. Want to help a wound heal? Antiseptic powers are held by lavender essential oils. No matter what, there’s probably an essential oil that can help you.
This also applies to feelings of depression. Aromatherapists have been using essential oils to treat depression for years.
Essential Oils
For thousands of years, essential oils derived from stems, flowers, trees, plants, etc., have been used for medicinal purposes. They are but concentrated plant extracts, but their properties and powers seem nothing short of miraculous. As early as Roman times, plants and essential oils were used in perfumes, in foods, and to treat a plethora of ailments. Some essential oils can even be used to repel bugs.
So why not use essential oils to treat depression? The truth is, it’s already being done. Along with conventional depression treatments like antidepressants and behavioral therapy, definite benefits have been demonstrated by the use of essential oils.
How Effective Are Essential Oils?
Lab animal studies and tests have proven that, to relieve physical and psychological symptoms linked to depression, certain essential oils may be effective.
Specifically, a study was done in 2016 with college students. The sleep cycle of troubled sleepers, it was determined, had a direct effect on their psyche. Many were suffering from depression. However, sleep cycles were improved in those who inhaled lavender.
Yet another study took lab animals that resembled depressed people and found that the behaviors that are caused by depression could be reduced by the use of Asarum heterotropoides essential oils.
Yes, humans’ brain structure and psychology are far more complicated than are lab rats. That’s true. But research definitely shows that the use of essential oils may improve quality of life, enhance mood, and improve sleep.
Essential oils also can help relieve depression by reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders. To help manage the symptoms of stress and anxiety, alternate therapies are used by approximately 43% of those suffering from psychological/mental disorders/conditions. Use of essential oils is one of those alternate treatments.
Which Essential Oils Are Best?
At least where the treatment of anxiety, stress, and depression are concerned, there are some specific oils that seem to work better than others. These can be used in recipes, in diffusers, by themselves, during massage, and more. They are as follows:
As a note (and not to promote one particular type of aromatherapy) a comparison was done comparing individuals treated through inhaled aroma therapy and those treated through aromatherapy massage.
Here are the results: A greater effect on mood symptoms was experienced by those treated with aromatherapy massage than by those treated through inhaled aromatherapy.
Though little scientific data supports the benefits of essential oils, individual experiences and personal accounts continue to exaltedly sing the accolades of the use of essential oils for the treatment of numerous illnesses and conditions. At Plant Guru, we want everyone to experience the joy of better living which can be achievable through the use of our 100% natural, organic essential oils, body butters, and more. Got questions? Feel free to contact us today.