Aromatherapy for Depression

Depression is a serious medical illness that involves the brain. Depression is very common and affects as many as 1 in 8 people in their teen years. Depression affects people of every color, race, economic status, or age. Depression can run in families, and usually starts between the ages of 15 and 30. It is much more common in women. Women can also get postpartum depression after the birth of a baby. Some people get seasonal affective disorder in the winter. Depression is one part of bipolar disorder. Many factors play a role including genetics, environment, life events, medical conditions, and the way people react to things that happen in their lives. Depression symptoms are characterized not only by negative thoughts, moods, and behaviors, but also by specific changes in bodily functions.

The functional changes of clinical depression are often called neurovegetative signs. Depression can cause physical symptoms, too. Some people have an upset stomach, loss of appetite, weight gain or loss, headaches, and sleeping problems when they're depressed. An increased risk of depression include a family history of the disorder, pregnancy or stressful life events, such as the loss of a loved one or a job. Depression can increase the risks for developing coronary artery disease, HIV, asthma, and some other medical illnesses. Depression caused significant problems in the functioning of those affected more often than did arthritis, hypertension, chronic lung disease, and diabetes, and in two categories of problems, as often as coronary artery disease.

There are effective treatments for depression, including antidepressants and talk therapy. Aromatherapy may be helpful for depression, through the sense of smell. Massage and bath oils are probably the most relaxing forms of antidepressant aromatherapy. Essential oils used in aromatherapy are known to stimulate both the endocrine system and limbic area of the brain, both of which are key in the mechanisms of depression. Essential oils such as bergamot, clary sage, geranium, lavender, jasmine, neroli, sandalwood, orange, basil, cedarwood, frankincense, grapefruit, lemon, myrrh, rose, ylang ylang and spruce are used in aromatherapy for depression. If the depression is developed with a loss, essential oils beneficial for bereavement and grief.

Some instructions always remember when you apply essential oils. Never exposure to the ultraviolet rays and sun lamps for minimum 5 hours after using bergamot and orange essential oils. Avoid sun lamps and exposure to the sun for at least 6 hours after using orange and bergamot essential oils. Do not use jasmine essential oil for babies and avoid jasmine if you are pregnant. Use a 1% dilution for children, pregnant women and for anyone with sensitive skin. One with headaches or depression, do not use jasmine essential oil. Use a blend of bergamot, geranium and melissa to uplift your spirits. Never use alcohol with clary sage essential oil. Keep essential oils away from heat and open flames. Keep essential oils away from children and pets.