Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses aromatic essences that are extracted from plants. The essential oils are like the plant's hormones: They control its biochemical reactions and relay messages between cells; they also protect the plant from parasites, bacteria, and fungi. They are the most vital substance of the plant.
Essential oils are very potent, and many are too strong to use directly on the skin. If you use them for massage, add them to massage oil or cream, and experiment with the amount to use. Even in a bath, too much of a particular oil could be irritating to your skin. Begin by using just a few drops. If you like the effect, you can gradually add a bit more if you wish.
Some oils can counteract homeopathic remedies, so be sure to check with a homeopath if you are using both treatments simultaneously.
Aromatherapy can help in mild forms of depression. It may ease mental fatigue and help with sleep. However, if you, or someone you know, are severely depressed, additional support and therapy are necessary. Aromatherapy is more effective when used as a Complementary therapy, assisting other therapies.
Uplifting Oils | Soothing Oils |
Bergamot Cypress Lemongrass Rosemary Sage | Chamomile Geranium Jasmine Lavender Marjoram Neroli Patchouli Rose Sandalwood Ylang Ylang |
Essential oils used for depression are basil, bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, jasmine, myrrh, neroli, rose, sandalwood, spruce, orange, and ylang ylang.
Essential oils that can have a positive influence on feelings of anger, which are associated with depression, include rose, chamomile, ylang ylang, and rosemary.
If the depression is associated with a loss, then essential oils helpful for grief and bereavement, such as lavender, rose, frankincense, neroli, hyssop, and marjoram, should be included.
Many of the essential oils used for depression are from flowers and fruit. These essences have an uplifting effect on the mind and emotions.
Inhalation blend for mild depression
4 parts Clary sage essential oil
4 parts Ylang ylang essential oil
3parts Geranium essential oil
2 parts Basil essential oil
1 part Sandalwood essential oil
Mix the above essential oils in an amber glass bottle, Label. Use three to four times daily.
Essential Oil Blend for Depression
Basil
Clary sage
Jasmine
Rose
German chamomile (matricaria recutita)
Mix the oil together. Place it in a bowl of steaming water (2 or 3 drops), or in a bath (5 or 6 drops ), or on the edge of your pillow (1 or 2 drops).
Camomile-Bergamot Blend
Take the following essences once per day on a brown sugar tablet:
Camomile 6%
Jasmine 4%
Bergamot 4%