Aromatherapy for Depression - Does it Really Work?

If you've ever suffered from depression, you know how debilitating it can be. It can touch every part of your life, from eating and sleeping to your work, relationships, and how you see yourself as a person.

Feelings of sadness and disconnect can range from a mild case of the blues to clinical depression requiring medical treatment.

Can Aromatherapy Help?

Yes, it can. This is not to say that aromatherapy can "cure" depression - but it can help ease the anxiety, tension, stress and fear that are often part of the depression package. Aromatherapy is also useful for insomnia, low energy and poor concentration.

How Does Aromatherapy Work?

Aromatherapy works by boosting the body's internal healing process. Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory nerves (sense of smell), which send signals to the brain's limbic system, which, in turn, triggers an emotional, physiological, endocrine and / or immune system response. Voila! You get the therapeutic effect!

Published clinical studies show positive results on (among other things) sleep problems and emotional, stress-related disorders. Although aromatherapy can help ease the symptoms of depression, it's best to use aromatherapy to support other treatments if your depression is severe or unmanageable.

Essential Oils for Depression

Try using some of the following essential oils to help ease the various symptoms of your depression.

• Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon and Orange to lift mood. Caution: these oils can cause sunburn when applied to your skin before sun exposure.




• Chamomile, frankincense, lavender and sandalwood for relaxation and to help you sleep.




• Cedar, chamomile, frankincense, lavender and sandalwood for anxiety, tension and frazzled nerves.




• Peppermint and rosemary for an energy boost and to help improve mental clarity and concentration. Caution: DO NOT use rosemary if you have high blood pressure or epilepsy.




• Clary sage, geranium, lavender and rose to balance your system (including hormones.)

Using Essential Oils Safely

Always dilute essential oils when applying them to your skin (in a bath or massage oil, for instance.)

Pregnant women need to be careful about using essential oils. Only some essential oils are considered to be safe when used in small, well-diluted amounts. Safe oils include: geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, spearmint and ylang ylang.

If you're highly allergic or have extremely sensitive skin, do a spot test before using essential oils.

Make Your Own Aromatherapy Inhaler

This is great because you can carry the bottle in your bag or keep it in your desk (keep an extra one in your car - it's great for road rage!) and use it whenever you need a lift.

Pour a teaspoon of coarse sea salt in a very small dark glass or PET plastic bottle and add:

• 10 drops Bergamot essential oil




• 5 drops Grapefruit essential oil




• 4 drops Sweet Orange essential oil




• 1 drop Geranium essential oil

To use, take three long, slow, deep breaths of the aroma. If you're really stressed out, take a short break, then take three more deep breaths. You can do this up to three times.

There are many more excellent aromatherapy remedies you can quickly and easily make for yourself or someone who needs a lift. Bath salts and oils, massage oils and even aromatherapy perfumes use a few simple ingredients that pack a powerhouse of mood-lifting, stress-relieving benefits. Try making some the next time you need a little something special!

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, prevent, diagnose, or cure any condition.