To deal with depression and mental health issues, what can be the better way around than a completely natural and holistic one? Yes, essential oils meet these criteria as they’re the essences that contain the natural therapeutic properties of their source plants. Among many uses of essential oils, using them for mental health and curing depression is groundbreaking. The process is also called Aromatherapy. This is backed by the latest scientific studies that when essential oils are absorbed through the skin or inhaled, it results in improvements in psychological conditions and cognitive functioning.
How Do They Actually Work?
You might have noticed how the good and bad smells around you impact your mood and feelings. The scents of essential oils do the same one way or the other. During aromatherapy, essential oils’ aromas trigger receptors of the brain that control your moods, feelings, and emotions. Plus, essential oils also contain organic components that are proven to be supportive for your emotional, mental, and cognitive working. If you are looking for a pleasant way to improve your mental health or want help with depression, try using essential oils without any delay.
Which essential oils are beneficial for mental health & depression
Below is an ultimate list of essential oils that have been used for different mental conditions and depression symptoms.
- Lavender – for soothing, soporific, panic, depression.
- Basil – for restful feeling, nervous tension, and depression.
- Sandalwood – for relaxation, hypersomnia, migraine, depression, and unease.
- Jasmine – for panic, depression, and developing self-confidence.
- Chamomile – for relaxation, nervine, sleep deprivation, nervous tension, and depression.
- Rose – soothing, self-esteem, and depression.
- Bergamot – for soothing, nervous tension, and depression.
- Ylang-ylang – for helping restlessness.
- Rosemary – for helping with depression.
Buying essential oils is synonymous to a pure and quality-oriented product. So, if you don’t want your time and money to be wasted, go for completely natural, absolutely pure, and fit-in-budget bulk essential oil right away.
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Essential Oils DIY Blends Recipes for Certain Purposes
Follow the below-mentioned recipes or your intuition and prepare a rollerball blend to have your favorite mixture on hand. Here’s a few general recipes that might suit your taste.
For Peace of mind
- Bergamot essential oil – 4 drops
- Lavender essential oil – 5 drops
- Sweet Orange essential oil – 5 drops
For a Quality Sleep
- Cedarwood essential oil – 5 drops
- Lavender essential oil – 5 drops
To Gain or Regain Mental Energy
- Black Pepper essential oil – 4 drops
- Lavender essential oil – 6 drops
- Rose essential oil – 4 drops
- Ylang Ylang essential oil – 3 drops
How to Use Them? Many Options Available
Using essential oils for mental health has become a new trend and gained a name called ‘aromatherapy’. This therapy is quite simple to perform and you don’t need any certified therapist. The only things that will help you are your own self and some easy-to-access materials. The game is simple – you have to either absorb a certain essential oil/blends through the skin or inhale their aroma. These can be done by methods stated below :
For Inhalation Only
Simple Inhalation
The easiest and simplest way to inhale the essential oils’ scent is to open the oil bottle and inhale deeply. Repeat this method a few times a day. Make sure your nose doesn’t touch the oil as it can lead to skin irritation and skin burn.
Try Diffusers
A diffuser is a jug-like device that uses waves and water to disperse essential oil particles into the air. You simply inhale the aroma around you and avail of its therapeutic benefits from the comfort of your pillow. Many types of essential oil diffusers are available out there today. And the latest and perhaps the most effective one is the ‘ultrasonic diffuser’. When using a diffuser, make sure you don’t overfill the water tank as it can lose the real properties of the essential oil used. You may need tons of essential oils if you are a regular EO user with a diffuser. Purchasing bulk essential oils can save you a big chunk of money over time.
Steam Water
You simply need a bowl half-filled with boiling water and a towel. Place the bowl on a table and pour a few drops of the chosen essential oil in it. Lean towards it as if you’re looking inside it. Cover your head and bowl with a towel. Start deep breathing in with eyes closed. Repeat the process a few times a day. This method is best chosen especially before going to bed and after you get free from a hectic day.
Make Dry Vapours
You just need some dry material like tissue paper, cotton ball, or a fine piece of cloth. Add a few drops of the essential oil on it and hold that near your nose. Let the oil disperse naturally. You can also place that material into your shirt collar, car vents, and pillowcase.
During You Take Bath/Shower
Adding a few drops of certain essential oil into your shampoo, conditioner, or body wash will enable you to inhale the oil’s aroma for a long period of time. While taking shower, add a few drops on the shower walls and enjoy a calming and soothing aromatic shower! Also, you can combine essential oils and pink salt adding them to your bathtub while bathing. Read more about pink salt here.
For Absorption of the Oil
Massage or Apply the Oil on the Skin
Dilute the chosen essential oil with a good carrier oil. By adding a few drops on the cotton ball, rub it gently on the skin unless it absorbs deeply. Massaging the essential oil helps calm nerves and improve blood circulation which leads to getting rid of depression symptoms.
Safety Must be the First Priority
Taking account of the following precautions can keep you and your beloved ones safe from the adverse reactions of essential oils.
- While diffusing the oil, consider breastfeeding, and pregnant women, pets, and children. Make sure all these don’t come in contact with the aroma.
- If you’re an asthma patient, then essential oils might not be a good fit for you. If you’re an essential oil fan and crave for using them, then obey what your doctor advises you.
- For topical use, never forget to dilute the essential oils with some carrier oil like Jojoba oil and Coconut oil.
To Sum Up it All
Both scientific studies and first-hand users of essential oils claim that essential oils can win the game when it comes to supporting mental health and alleviating depressive symptoms. Though the list can’t end but we’ve listed a few essential oils that are believed to be useful for these two conditions. Whether you choose essential oils alone or prepare their blends, you’re free to use them in any of the aforementioned ways. Also, by ensuring the proper and safe use, you can grab anything from nature that is good for your mind and body.