Friday, April 19, 2024

What Essential Oils Are Good For Depression

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Healing Solutions Organic Sweet Basil

Top Essential Oils for Depression

Price: $

Sweet basil essential oil comes from the same herb that you use to make marinara sauce. It has a crisp, herbal scent.

In aromatherapy, sweet basil is thought to help calm the mind and relieve stress. Research into using sweet basil for anxiety is rather limited, with many studies focusing on animal models.

According to a in mice, the phenol compounds in sweet basil oil helped relieve anxiety and had a sedative effect. These compounds were found to be less sedating than the anxiety medication diazepam.

A 2018 study , also in mice, looked at sweet basil extracts effect on stomach ulcers. In addition to showing an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect, the mice that were given the extract also showed reductions in anxiety-like behavior.

Healing Solutions sweet basil oil is 100 percent pure. If you dont love it, the company offers a money-back guarantee.

  • How to use: Add several drops of sweet basil oil to a room diffuser or inhale through an inhaler tube.
  • Best used for: Sweet basil oil may be used for digestive upset, skin care, and pain or inflammation.

Things To Do For Depression Along With Aromatherapy

Sometimes aromatherapy alone will not conquer depression or stress. Some other hacks should be followed to speed up the healing process. Some such activities are:

  • Affirmative words While doing aromatherapy utter positive words aloud. These can be, Im alright, or This feeling will go away soon. These or any other words/sentences will not only instill positivity, but also breaks the train of negative thoughts.
  • Reverse Counting While inhaling the aroma of essential oils count from 10 to 1, in reverse. Counting in reverse helps regain control of ones thought. This can be taken a step further. Say out loud some tough mathematical equations or spell out difficult words.
  • Follow the rule of three When feeling depressed, say out loud any three things it can be the name of something nearby including animals or fruits. Then move your focus to three other things.

Effective Essential Oils For Depression

In this busy day to day life, we sometimes lose control over our emotions and curb towards anxiety. In the past, there was no proper awareness given about depression and anxiety but as our society progresses people are getting more educated about this illness. Early stage depression can be cured using therapy, meditation and some healthy lifestyle changes. But major depression disorders need medications to be cured. And these medications have serious side effects such as nausea, increased appetite, weight gain, loss of sexual desire, fatigue and drowsiness, insomnia, dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation. To avoid such side effects many people turn towards other natural alternatives such as essential oils for severe depression.

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Description Of The Subjects

Detailed information on the subjects is stated in Table 2. The total number of subjects from all the studies was 1226 from which 984 were female and 224 were male participants. The study conducted by Lemon did not specify the number of female and male subjects in the control group therefore the gender of 18 subjects was not taken into account in the above mentioned percentages. The mean subject age included in the studies was 47 with mean average age range of 2173. The participants included in the studies selected are people with cancer , pregnant women , women in menopause phase , patients diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety , postpartum women , women whose children were diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder , healthy female volunteers , and patients diagnosed with idiopathic environmental intolerance .

Edens Garden Valerian Essential Oil

Best Essential Oil Blends to Ease Anxiety and Fight Depression ...

Price: $$$

Valerian is an herb that has been used since ancient times. Valerian essential oil comes from the roots of the plant and has a bold scent that may be described as woody, earthy, or musky. Some individuals may find this scent to be unpleasant.

Valerian is thought to contain compounds that promote sleep and calm nerves. It can have a mild sedative effect on the body. Because of this, its often used as a sleep aid.

A 2020 review looked at the benefits of valerian for sleep and other associated disorders. In this review, seven studies on valerian and anxiety were examined. Six of these studies observed positive outcomes when valerian was used as a supplement for anxiety.

We like the oil from Edens Garden because the company tests every batch of essential oils and makes GC/MS reports available to confirm purity and therapeutic value.

  • How to use: Add a few drops of valerian oil to an aromatherapy diffuser and inhale. Valerian may make you sleepy or relaxed.
  • Best used for: In addition to its uses for sleep and anxiety, valerian can also be used to help with headache, trembling, and heart palpitations.

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Using Eos With Other Alternative Treatments For Depression

Because depression medication sometimes isnt effective for certain individuals , many people choose complementary and alternative medicine instead.

Medication side effects can include:

  • Sexual dysfunction

Its estimated that around 53.6% of depression patients report using CAM as complementary therapies for the treatment of depression.

Aromatherapy, homeopathy, and acupuncture are examples of CAM.

Other useful habits and lifestyle practices to consider are:

1- Quality sleep

Lack of sleep wreaks havoc not only on your hormones and body function but also on your mood and outlook on life. Aim to get at least 7.5-8 hours of quality sleep a night to support mental health.

2- Diet & Supplementation

What you eat, how you eat, and when you eat greatly impacts your mood and mental state. Try eating lots of anti-inflammatory and vital whole foods while limiting processed and sugary foods, dairy, and gluten. Aim to eat like a yogi and notice how your mood shifts.

3- Forest Bathing & Sunshine

Its no wonder that low Vitamin D3 levels are linked to depression.

Our body produces its own vitamin D from sun exposure so getting out in nature and being in sunshine literally helps your body boost its own happiness quotient!

Studies have shown that spending time amongst trees and greenery is not only great for our mental health, it also causes a major boost in our immune system.

Forest bathing can increase the count of natural killer cells in the body.

4- Breathwork

5- Meditation

Types Of Depressive Disorders

Although major depressive disorder is the most common form of depression, there are more specific depressive disorders.

  • Bipolar disorder: Also known as manic depression, this involves extreme mood swings ranging from high energy to depressive periods. During these lows, they show typical symptoms of depression.
  • Seasonal affective disorder : This form of depression happens during the winter months when there are shorter days and less sunlight.
  • Persistent depressive disorder: This lasts two years or longer. It was previously known as two separate conditions: chronic major depression and dysthymia .
  • Postpartum depression: This occurs in some women after they give birth. Depression symptoms can get so severe that mothers can end up neglecting their children.
  • Psychotic depression: Along with typical symptoms of depression, this disorder involves hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions.

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Us Organic Patchouli Essential Oil

Price: $$

Musky patchouli is used in Ayurvedic medicine to address a variety of conditions, including stress and anxiety. Its made from the leaves and stems of the patchouli plant, which is a type of herb.

Patchouli can be used on its own but is often combined with other essential oils such as lavender. Its thought to promote calmness and relaxation, though most evidence is anecdotal.

A 2020 study assessed the effects of inhaled patchouli oil on emergency room nurses. Compared to the control group, nurses who inhaled the patchouli oil reported lower levels of stress and higher levels of compassion.

We like this oil because its USDA-certified organic and ultra-concentrated, so a little bit goes a long way.

  • How to use: To relieve anxiety, inhale patchouli oil directly or add it diluted to a warm bath or room diffuser.
  • Best used for: Patchouli can be used to help with depression. It may also have anti-inflammatory properties, help ease pain, and help to promote skin health.

The Best Essential Oils For Seasonal Affective Disorder

6 Essential Oils for Anxiety + Depression

Seasonal affective disorder , commonly referred to as seasonal depression, is a form of major depressive disorder, known as a major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. SAD is typically treated with a variety of interventions ranging from light therapy to medications to therapies.

However, recent research has shed light on the potential for essential oils to help manage some symptoms of this disorder.

Have you considered clinical trials for Seasonal affective disorder ?

We make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for Seasonal affective disorder , and get access to the latest treatments not yet widely available – and be a part of finding a cure.

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Essential Oils And Depression

Did you know that at some point in their lives, around 1 in 4 Americans will experience depression? It is estimated that every year over 20 million people suffer from depression in the United States alone, and worldwide the projected figures are at 350 million sufferers.

Let’s face it, we’ve all been hurdled with the blues at some point in our lives but depression is more than just feeling low, and for some it is a severe disorder that they struggle with every day.

If you or someone you know has one or more of the symptoms below it could very well be a signal for depression and getting help:

  • Constant fatigue and tiredness
  • Avoiding going out with friends, social situations, or spending time with family
  • Wanting to stay in bed all day

If you answered yes to one or more of the above then you may have depression or be in a depressive state at this time in your life.

So what are the next steps? A visit to your doctor who can assess your individual case is a good start. Depending on the severity of your condition you can turn to medication, alternative treatments or a mix of both.

You might perhaps think that medication is the easy answer to depression, but that’s not always the case. Anti-depressant medications come with adverse side effects, are hard to wean off and can at times make the condition worse. Using natural and alternative treatments or complementing a low dose of medication with these treatments can help control depression symptoms and keep your mood in check.

Helpful Essential Oils For Mental Health

The research is limited on the effects of different types of essential oil. However, the studies in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine review involved the use of lavender oil, as well as bergamot, sandalwood, yuzu, and a mixture of rose otto and lavender.

Creating blends is another way to make the most of the mental health benefits of essential oil. For example, as the study published by The Mental Health Clinician explains, the combination of lavender and rose oil helped ease symptoms of anxiety in postpartum women.

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When To Seek Help

Essential oils may help reduce anxiety for some people, but for others, they may not be enough. If your anxiety feels unmanageable despite your current wellness regimen, seek help from a healthcare professional or mental health professional.

Also, if youve been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and your treatment includes medication, keep in mind that essential oils cannot replace your medication. If you want to try essential oils as an addendum to your regular treatment, its advisable to speak with your treatment team first.

Rose Essential Oil Rosa Damascena

4 Essential Oils for Helping Treat Depression

Rose oil is an extremely popular remedy for feelings of anxiety, stress and depression. It is also effective in calming down panic attacks and can help with shock and the grieving process.

An Iranian study into the effectiveness of rose oil was done on a group of women who were pregnant with their fist child.

Participants were given a foot bath with rose oil and also treated with inhalation. Those treated with aromatherapy or an essential oil foot bath experienced a reduction in anxiety compared with the control group.

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Mood Boosting Essential Oils: Cos You Dont Want To Feel Down Any Longer

Uplifting and energizing essential oils that are the best natural mood enhancers

Feeling out of sorts? Try this little trick to quickly lift your mood. Grate a little lemon rind, take a few deep breaths, and youll instantly feel refreshed, energetic and happy. Youve just experienced the power of uplifting and energizing essential oils to boost your mood.

Much as we would like to be happy all the time, a bad mood can often strike without warning. A mix of emotions that can be triggered by anger, frustration, irritation or sadness that we struggle to shrug off. You could even be grumpy because you didnt sleep well.

Essential oils can change all that. These powerful, potent elixirs have natural mood boosting scents that can shift emotions, ease anxiety, refresh the mind, make you feel happy and totally enhance your mood in a matter of minutes no matter how bad you feel

Ylang Ylang Essential Oil For Depression And Mood Swings

Notable benefits of ylang ylang essential oil include stress reduction and the ability to promote a sense of calm. If anxiety is a symptom of your depression, essential oils made from ylang ylang may help you calm down, reduce heart rate and even lower cortisol levels.

In a 2012 study, users who inhaled a blend of essential oils including ylang ylang were observed to have lower cortisol levels than a control group.

When individuals are stressed, cortisol levels increase and may stay elevated in a constant fight or flight response. When this stress response stays on for long periods of time, it can lead to health complications and compromise the normal functioning of the immune system, digestive system and even growth.2

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Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Cananga Odorata

Ylang ylang oil is another essential oil with calming effects and the ability to elevate mood. It is a popular choice for people hoping to overcome feelings of depression and anxiety. It can also calm the palpitations associated with anxiety and has mild sedative effects that may help with sleep issues like insomnia.

A Korean study published in 2006 found that a combination of ylang ylang oil with lavender and bergamot oil helped reduce blood pressure as well as stress response and human cortisol levels. In the study, patients inhaled the combination of oils twice a day for a period of 4 weeks.

Essential Oils Really Work

Best Essential Oils for Depression and Anxiety

A number of studies have demonstrated that certain essential oils are extremely effective in elevating mood and combating emotional issues like anxiety and depression. They are effective because their aromatic molecules can quickly cross through the blood-brain barrier. This means they can have a direct effect on those parts of the brain that control emotional responses like stress, fear, mood and depression.

A fairly recent study into the effects of essential oils on depression was conducted on 58 terminal cancer patients in a hospice. 58 patients were treated to a hand massage daily for a week. The massage oil was made up of 3 essential oils bergamot, lavender and frankincense diluted with a carrier oil .

Every patient treated with the hand massage reported a reduction in pain and feelings of depression.

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Plant Therapy Ylang Ylang Complete Essential Oil

Price: $$

Ylang ylang comes from the yellow flowers of the tropical Cananga tree. It has a sweet fruity or floral scent.

Ylang ylang can be used in aromatherapy to help lift an individuals mood. It can also have a calming effect and may help lower blood pressure.

Overall, research into using ylang ylang for anxiety is limited. According to a 2006 study involving nurses, inhaling a blend of ylang ylang, lavender, and bergamot lowered stress and anxiety levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and serum cortisol.

We like the ylang ylang oil from Plant Therapy because its undiluted and 100 percent pure.

  • How to use: Apply diluted ylang ylang to your skin, add to a room diffuser, or inhale directly.
  • Best used for: Ylang ylang can be used for its antidepressant properties. Some people may also use it as an aphrodisiac.

Saints Essential Oil Blend For Inspiration And Creativity

Saints Essential Oil Blend Concentrate helps you connect with your guides, saints, and angels and allows them to give you input. This essential oil blend is helps depressive moods spiritually as it helps increase inspiration and creativity.

The essential oils in Saints help promote a high level of spirituality and protect from negativity, enhance healing, and increase a spiritual cleansing, all of which can be very beneficial to those suffering from depression.

Saints Essential Oil Blend is available in a concentrate for diffusing into the air or blending with a carrier oil. Also available in a convenient roll on, pre-diluted with almond oil and safe for skin contact. Saints Essential Oil Spray is Reiki charged with gem elixirs and a quartz crystal to amplify results.

Combine with Emotional Freedom Technique EFT Tapping to help clear related emotional issue. Download our free EFT Scripts today!

Saints Essential Oil Blend Safety Information

  • Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
  • May pose sensitization and/or irritation risk in high doses.
  • Do not use if you have endometriosis, estrogen-dependent cancers, or on children under five years of age.
  • See our Safety Information page for further details when using essential oils.

See our references at the bottom of this page for additional information.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent anydisease.

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