Suffering From Depression? Try Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves using organic compounds to enhance your mood and mental health. These organic compounds are usually in the form of essential oils. Made from plant parts including seeds, roots, blossoms, and leaves, essential oils are commonly used alone or in combination with other oil types.

Essential oils can be used by diffusing them into air, dissolving them during baths, applying them on the body during massages, or by any other means where their aroma is spread.

If you are currently suffering from depression, aromatherapy isn’t the holy grail. It is best to add aromatherapy to a more comprehensive treatment plan. Aromatherapy, in conjunction with other treatment methods can help to boost mood, increase energy, and relieve stress.

Aromatherapy And Its Use For Depression

According to Mayo Clinic, essential oils contain chemicals that possible trigger your nose’ smell receptors and send signals to the part of the brain that regulates your mood. Further research has to be made in order to conclude that aromatherapy can indeed treat depression in patients.

However, evidence suggests that aromatherapy indeed has benefits for the depressed. One study found out that aromatherapy leads to a significant reduction in depressive symptoms. However, patients suffering from depression must not rely on this technique alone. Instead, it should be done in conjunction with other therapies.

Essential oils most useful for depression include the following: Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Sandalwood, Clary Sage, Bergamot, Basil, Geranium, Rose, Petitgrain, Neroli, Chamomile, and Lavender.

Various Methods Of Aromatherapy

There are various methods for using aromatherapy and its essential oils. When you want to purchase certain essential oils, it is best to go for products that are formed from pure essential oils.

Avoid products that are artificial or synthetic. These types of scents don’t have the same benefits as pure, true essential oils. The different methods wherein you can make use of essential oils include the following:

Diffusion

You can use diffusers in order to spread the aroma of essential oils in a specific room. You can even do it within your entire home.

Room Sprays

You can quickly spray the aroma of essential oils to a particular area by using a spray. You can buy sprays that are pre-mixed. Or, you can simply buy a spray bottle and mix your essential oil with water.

Massage Therapy

Essential oils can be used in combination with massage oils. Aromatherapy massage is a great way to relax the body and relieve stress. It is important to note that essential oils should not be directly applied to the skin. You should ensure that it is applied with massage oil.

Relaxing Baths

Bath oils and bath salts come in scented forms. It can make your shower or bath more relaxing and fun.

Hair And Skin Products

Scented lotions, soaps, and hair products can be a source of aromatherapy as well. You can have the scent of your favorite essential oil wherever you go.

Aromatherapy Benefits

Aromatherapy is a great way to boost one’s mood and relieve stress. They are very easy to apply, convenient, and inexpensive. Aside from doing the methods stated above, you can use aromatherapy with other traditional treatment forms such as counseling and medication. Aromatherapy can also be done in conjunction with alternative therapies such as meditation and massage.

Aromatherapy helps a person be present in the moment. In addition, inhaling certain scents can result to a conditioned response. Certain scents can help us relieve memories and precious moments. They can be very powerful in eliciting happy responses and moods.

Aromatherapy And Its Risks

Generally, aromatherapy is considered safe. However, some people have allergic reactions to certain scents especially when inhaled. If you are sensitive to strong aromas, it is best to consult your physician first.

Essential oils, when taken orally, can be toxic as well. Other oils can irritate a person’s skin too. That’s why it is advised to dilute essential oils first before applying them directly on the skin. It is recommended to dilute essential oils in massage oils before application.

To Wrap It All Up

Like all alternative therapies out there, aromatherapy is not considered as a major replacement for your physician’s treatment plan. If you are depressed, do not stop taking medications and regularly attend your counseling session.

In addition, you must not go into alternative treatments without consulting your psychiatrist or healthcare professional. If you are prescribed to include aromatherapy into your overall treatment plan, try to get one by finding a massage clinic that offers aromatherapy massage.