Depression and Aromatherapy
Depression, especially manic depression, is a condition that millions of Americans suffer from each year that can be treated via medications, cognitive therapy, or aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is one of the most popular treatments because it uses natural oils that come from plants to treat the symptoms and assist in a healing process. Depression can be caused by a lack of sleep and aromatherapy can relax the mind and help patients suffering from depression get their sleep back on track. The oils used in aromatherapy can also help to brighten one’s mood, but should only be used as a complimentary treatment that is combined with a variety of other treatments.
Clary Sage essential oil is used to help treat insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Basil is used to help treat fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Rose essential oil is used to treat the nervous system and other disorders. Ylang-ylang is used to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Sandalwood is used to treat depression and tension. Lavender is used to treat headaches, insomnia, migraines, nervous tension and stress related conditions. Jasmine essential oil is used to increase the beta waves in the front of the head which gives the patient a more alert and responsive state of mind.
The emotional centers in the brain are closely related to the sense of smell, which is why aromatherapy is so commonly used in treating depression. Smelling the scents listed above can easily help patients suffering from depression relax and remove tension from their bodies. Receiving aromatherapy can help to relieve depression that is associated with one or more of the following things:
- Death of a Loved One
- Divorce/Breakup
- Health Issues
- Physical or Verbal Abuse
- Job Loss or Unemployment
- Stressful Job or Career
- Financial Hardship
- Retirement
- Moving
- Major Lifestyle Change
- Loneliness
- Pressure from Loved Ones
The following is a list of some of the products used in aromatherapy treatments for depression:
- A room diffuser
- Air freshener or a room spray
- Massage
- Skin and hair care products
- Aromatic cotton ball by one’s bed
- Bed linen spray
- Oil in the shower or tub
- Bath oils
- Bath salts
If anyone feels that they are experiencing depression they should consult their doctor as soon as possible before beginning an aromatherapy regimen because there could be other treatment options available including medication, cognitive therapy, and other treatments. When using aromatherapy patients can do perform aromatherapy on their own or they can go to a masseuse and receive a massage to help with their depression. If the patient does their aromatherapy on their own they can use candles, diffusers, and other scented items to help with their depression. The candles can be lit during a bath, when reading a book, or at any time during the day to make the house or the office more relaxing. Aromatherapy should never be used as a sole treatment for depression but as a complementary treatment to go along with other options.
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