Aromatherapy For Depression

Aromatherapy For Depression

It’s true that aromatherapy can help in treating wide range of health ailments, it is most popular in treating stress and depression related psychological problems. In aromatherapy, an alternative treatment of aroma and fragrances is used to relax the mind of the patient. It is believed that as the mind gets relaxed, the body also attains the state of relaxation.

But most of the studies that has been done in the field of depression and aromatherapy say that if depression is in the earlier stage and yet mild and moderate enough to treat, one can use aromatherapy. This will prove to be effective. But when the problem is too sever then this can be taken up as an alternative treatment and the main treatment being the medicinal pills.

In aromatherapy there is no stress that a particular scented product should be used in one particular manner. There are so many options in which you can use the fragrance and aroma of essential oils. The first thing is, you can always carry it with you on your tissue or kerchief. You may even use it as a bath or massage. You may just ignite the aroma candle and get the amazing experience. Thus, these are some of the options.

For depression the soothing essential oils will simply work wonders and they include lavender oil, jojoba oil, and lemon balm and so on. The lotions as available in the market for aromatherapy can be used for facial massage or full boy massage. If you are doing this for the first time then it would be apt to take proper guidance of the aromatherapies’ specialist and then only do it yourself.

If you are a depression patient then you will be told to use the aroma candles while you are doing meditation. This will help you in concentrating in a better way and gaining a better aromatherapy experience. But again, most of the doctors suggest that aromatherapy should be used as an alternative treatment. There should be some potent changes in the lifestyle too. You should avoid taking too heavy meals at night; also there should be avoidance of caffeine. It is also vital that you should sleep well at night and avoid staying awake till late nights. This will help you to get the required rest and so you can stay fit and fine.

It is important that a chronic and severe depression case should seek doctor’s treatment. And along with the pills and tablets they can use various remedies that are helpful in alternative treatments. This treatment has been helpful in many cases. If you interview people who feel mood less or feel a bit frustrated they will tell you as to how they got freedom from such mood wings mainly because of aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is a natural treatment that will give you all the benefits naturally. But the only thing that you should consider is, it gives results slowly. You can’t expect too fast results. So, if you are patient enough then you can take up aromatherapy for depression.

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Aromatherapy For Headache

Aromatherapy headache

If you have problem of headaches then you would want to see a doctor. This is because headaches create lots of irritation and frustration. You may not feel like doing anything. You may not feel that active. And that’s why it is important to find the best solution that would be naturally treating headache.

Aromatherapy is very popular in treating many different kinds of health ailments. Aromatherapy is said to soothe your system and help in balancing various emotions as well as the bodily hormones. It is therefore apt that one can get the best treatment out of aromatherapy in a completely natural manner.

What you should do is, use aromatherapy essential oils to make your moods on. You should buy a candle which has aromatherapy wax and fragrances like lavender, jojoba, jasmine etc. You should relax in a room in the position that you like. Then you should lighten this candle and get the fragrance in the entire room. You may even buy some aromatherapy creams and lotions and then apply it on your face and massage thoroughly. You may even use some carrier oil and then add aromatherapy essential oils in that and then take up a thorough head massage.

Aromatherapy has the power to give you a good life that is full of excitement and joy. This is because health experts suggest that aromatherapy can touch your soul and thus you can stay relaxed away from anxiety and stress. Whether your headache is because of flu or some kind of stress, it is for sure that after doing aromatherapy you will feel much better and much relaxed than before. This will happen in a natural manner and thus there will be absolutely no side effects. You can therefore keep the tension of ill effects or side effects away.

If you wish to get this down from someone else then you can search for a reputed aromatherapy parlor. If you wish you may even tell your partner to take up aromatherapy for head massage for you so that headache can be treated. There are so many people who have tried this and are quite satisfied. Some people who have already tried this will let you know as to how good this is. This therapy is a natural one and works towards treating your mind, body and soul from the very root. Normal allopathic medications just treat the symptoms. But such traditional alternative therapies mainly work towards treating any health ailment slowly but aptly.

If you don’t have much information about aromatherapy then in that case you should first work towards finding enough information on this case and then you should also ask the specialist who have enough knowledge over this. After you are thorough with several information and data, you can use aromatherapy for treating headache rightly and quickly. Aromatherapy for headache makes you get relief from headache which may be either due to stress or migraine or anxiety. This therapy gives you relief in a complete natural way.

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Aromatherapy Diffusers

Aromatherapy Diffusers

With aromatherapy diffusers there is diffusion of aromatic oils. This will help in dispersing the fragrance of oil in the entire room. But while selecting the aromatherapy diffusers you should know a few details in connection to the same.

The first method of aroma diffusion is simple tissue diffusion. You can take a tissue and then put the aromatherapy essential oil in that. And then thereafter soon in sometime there will be fragrance in the entire room. However, this method is quick but still the prominence of aroma is not that much.

The second important method of aromatherapy diffusion is steam diffusion. In this method you can take some water and then boil it. When it has boiled then you should put the essential oil in this quickly. You should take care while putting the essential oils in this. This is because too much oil can cause problems in mucus membrane and then there may be sneezing and related troubles. Cinnamon oil, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil etc. are some of the important oils used in this type of aromatherapy diffusion.

And the third and the last option is candle diffusion. In this the aromatherapy candle can be lightened. If you don’t have the special aromatherapy candle then you can take the regular candle and place a few drops of essential oils on the heated wax. The entire room will have amazing fragrance. But again due to flammable nature of the candle as well as the essential oil, you should take care.

Now since each method has its own drawbacks, it is vital to understand that you should be able to find out some method that is perfectly apt to use at home, in your bathroom or in the office. Well, you can plan to use diffusers. There are so many aromatherapy diffusers available in the market. You must search for them on the internet or you may even ask to someone in the local shop. Aromatherapy diffuser plays a vital role in aromatherapy and the reason for this is, it helps in dispersal of aroma in the atmosphere.

There are so many websites which are dedicated to aromatherapy in the world of internet. This itself make sit clear that aromatherapy ahs great influence on human body and mind. The diffusers help in dispersal of the fragrant molecules in the air and thus, it plays a vital part in aromatherapy. On the intranet you will be able to find a few discount deals. And that’s the reason why people prefer buying from online shops. There are articles on the internet that will give you an idea about how to buy aromatherapy diffusers. You will also find various product reviews. There are conventional diffusers as well as electric diffusers.

Aromatherapy is an amazing thing and with this you will get the most deserved relaxation. You can fight with so many health ailments. This is because it is a form of alternative medical treatment. And so many people all over the world are using this alternative method for relating various health problems.

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is the use of pure essential oils to enhance physical and mental well-being. Essential oils are aromatic, highly concentrated distilled essences of plants. These oils can have many different applications in our lives. They can sometimes be used as a natural adjunct to, or substitute for, prescription or over-the-counter drugs. We can also use them simply to make ourselves feel better.

Aromatherapy uses the sense of smell to enrich our experience of the world. Smell plays a significant role in our daily perceptions and how we react physically, emotionally, and mentally to what is going on around us. Various scents help us orient ourselves to the season of the year, our location, and situations of danger. Essential oils not only affect the physical but also the mental and emotional aspects of our lives. The inhalation of certain essential oils has been associated with the release of brain chemicals that simulate various emotions. For example, lavender oil has the ability to evoke and increase the release of serotonin, thus producing a calming effect on the body. Some essential oils also have healing properties when applied topically to the skin.

When purchasing essential oils, make sure they are 100­percent pure botanical extracts, not chemical reproductions of different fragrances. Chemical reproductions are not effective in aroma therapy because they do not evoke the same biochemical response as natural, pure essential oils. Pure essential oils are extracted directly from various parts of different plants. The oils can be obtained by a variety of methods, including distillation, solvent extraction, carbon dioxide extraction, expression (pressing), and enfleurage (a process in which some type of odorless oil is used to extract essential oil from flower petals). The type and part of the plant being used determines which type of extraction process is appropriate.

The following are some helpful hints to keep in mind when shopping for essential oils:

  • Buy in small quantities (the oxygen in partially filled bottles deteriorates the oil).
  • Read the label carefully and make sure it says “pure essential oil.”
  • Be aware that the availability of different plants and the extraction methods used affect prices, so there can be great variations in the costs of different oils. This is normal.
  • Certain plant oils, such as apple blossom and peach blossom, cannot be extracted. If you find oils with such scents, they are not true essential oils.

Using essential oils is really very simple. Basically, you dilute a small amount of essential oil in a base of some kind (either water or another oil, termed a carrier oil, depending on the intended use), and apply or inhale it. For inhalation therapy, there are special devices available, including dif­fusers, simmer pots, aroma therapy lamps, and light bulb rings. When using one of these devices, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Or you can inhale an essential oil directly from the bottle. For topical applications, you can use any of the following to dilute essential oils:

  • Almond oil.
  • Apricot oil.
  • Grape seed oil.
  • Jojoba oil.
  • Olive oil.
  • Water.

The following are some suggested dilution ratios for topical applications:

  • Baths. Add 8 drops essential oil to 1 cup water and add to the bath.
  • Body lotion. Add 25 drops essential oil to 8 ounces of unscented lotion.
  • Carpet freshener. Add 25 drops essential oil to 16 ounces of water.
  • Cleaning. Add 25 drops essential oil to 2 gallons of water.
  • Facial oil. Add 6 drops essential oil to 1 ounce of jojoba oil.
  • Hair conditioner. Add 1 drop essential oil to 4 to 6 ounces of unscented conditioner.
  • Hair rinse. Add 10 drops essential oil to 16 ounces water.
  • Massage oil. Add 25 drops essential oil to 2 ounces almond, apricot, grape seed, jojoba, or olive oil.
  • Perfume. Add 12 drops essential oil to 1fz ounce water or jojoba oil.
  • Room deodorizer. Add 25 drops essential oil to 16 ounces water.
  • Shampoo. Add 12 drops essential oil to 16 ounces unscented shampoo.

Common Essential Oils

There are many different essential oils available, each with its own special properties. The table below lists some of the more commonly used oils and their qualities. Use it to determine which essential oil or oils you might like to try.

Essential Oil
Uses
BergamotA balancing oil. Lifts melancholy and depression
CedarwoodAn antiseptic, astringent, expectorant, and sedative. Normalizes sweat gland function. Good for bronchial problems and useful for controlling mold and mildew.
ChamomileAn analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic. Excellent for headaches (apply as a compress to head). Good in baths, hair rinse, and massage oil
Cinnamon barkUseful for scent enhancement in the home or office. Makes a good air freshener and is also anti fungal.
Clary SageA very aromatic oil that is enjoyed by both men and women. An antidepressant, anxiety-reducer, anti inflammatory, antispasmodic, and aphrodisiac. Helps to counteract insomnia. Good used in skin and hair care products. Caution: Should not be used in the first months of pregnancy.
CypressAn astringent, antiseptic, antispasmodic, and deodorant. Constricts the blood vessels. Repels fleas. Reduces coughing and excessive perspiration
EucalyptusAn antiseptic, antiviral, chest rub, decongestant, disinfectant, and expectorant. Reduces fever. Used as an ointment for muscular aches and pains. Good for repelling insects, and for use on insect bites or stings. Has a normalizing, balancing effect
FrankincenseAn anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, sedative, and expectorant. Promotes cellular regeneration. Good for cleansing and purifying the home. Helpful for bronchitis
GeraniumAn antidepressant, anti diabetic, antiseptic, hormone balancer, and insect repellent. A normalizing and balancing, mildly sedating oil good for PMS, nervous tension, skin concerns, and neuralgia. Good as a bath additive.
GrapefruitReduces appetite; useful in treating obesity. Balances moods, relieves depression, cleanses the body of toxins, reduces water retention, and cleanses and detoxifies the skin. Useful in baths, skin care products, and colognes.
HyssopAn antiseptic and tonic. Useful for cleansing and detoxifying. Stimulates the respiratory system. Good for bronchitis as it helps clear the lungs of congestion. Caution: Do not use if you have epilepsy or other seizure disorder.
JasmineAn antidepressant, antiseptic, and sedative. Useful for anxiety, emotional imbalances, frigidity, and impotence. Benefits scalp and skin.
JuniperAn antiseptic, detoxifier, diuretic, and internal cleanser. Helps rid the body of toxins and parasites, reduces spasms, improves arthritis, and reduces cellulite. Caution: Do not use during pregnancy. Do not use if you have kidney problems.
LavenderUseful as an antiseptic and for improving immune system function, calming and normalizing the body, fighting bacterial and fungal infection, easing depression, and reducing inflammation. Good for acne, burns, eczema, skin healing, sleep disorders, and stress.
LemonAn antiseptic, astringent, and bacteriostat. Helps to increase the body’s defense against infections. Good for varicose veins, stomach ulcers, anxiety, depression, and digestive disorders. Emulsifies and disperses grease and oil. Helpful in cleaning products and hair rinses and for wound cleansing
LindenA calming, sedating, and soothing tonic. Moisturizing for the skin.
OrangeBalances and uplifts emotions. Has antispasmodic and regenerative properties. Useful in skin care products. Caution: This oil increases sensitivity to the sun. Do not use it if you will be spending considerable time outdoors.
PatchouliAn earthy scent used in personal fragrances, baths, and hair care products. Good for dry skin. Has antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, and fungicidal properties.
PeppermintHelpful for headaches, congestion, fatigue, fever, indigestion, muscle soreness, sinus problems, and stomach problems. An antiseptic, antispasmodic, mental stimulant, and regenerative. Good for use in baths and oral care products.
PineAn antiseptic, antiviral, expectorant, restorative, and stimulant. Helps to clear the mind.
RoseAn antidepressant, antiseptic, and tonic astringent. Also a mild sedative. Good for female complaints, impotence, insomnia, and nervousness. Used in skin care products.
RosemaryAn analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, and mental stimulant. Enhances circulation. Helpful for cellulite, dandruff, hair loss, memory problems, headache, and sore muscles. Used in hair care products as a conditioner and shine enhancer. Caution: If irritation occurs, discontinue use. Do not use directly on the skin without diluting. Use caution inhaling it if you have asthma or bronchitis. Do not use if you have epilepsy.
RosewoodAn antiseptic and regenerative. Calms and helps restore emotional balance. Good for anxiety, cellular regeneration, depression, headaches, nausea, PMS, and tension. Good in facial or massage oils.
SandalwoodAn antidepressant, antiseptic, expectorant, aphrodisiac, and skin moisturizer. Good for bronchitis and nervousness; it is soothing for both mind and body. Good in skin care blends.
Tea treeA potent anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, expectorant, fungicide, and parasiticide. Good for athlete’s foot, bronchial congestion, dandruff, insect bites, ringworm, and yeast infections.
ThymeMainly used as a fragrant scent for the bath and body. Used in skin care products.
YarrowAn anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. Improves digestion and lowers blood pressure. Similar in function to chamomile
Ylang ylangAn antidepressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, and calming sedative. Lifts mood, eases anxiety, reduces stress, normalizes the heartbeat, and lowers blood pressure. Good for frigidity, high blood pressure, and impotence.

When using essential oils, be aware that they are highly concentrated and very potent. Keep the following commonsense precautions in mind:

  • Do not use oils full strength. Always dilute them first.
  • Do not use oils near the eyes.
  • Do not touch your face, mucous membranes, or genitals if your hands have been in direct contact with the oils.
  • Keep essential oils out of the reach of children.
  • Be cautious about using essential oils for children, especially young children. If you do use essential oils on a child, reduce the concentration of the essential oil by half or more.
  • Be cautious using essential oils during pregnancy.
  • Avoid sun exposure when using bergamot and other citrus oils.

Useful References