How To Use Essential Oils For Anxiety And Depression

Life can be demanding and hectic, leading to stress and anxiety. Health professionals urge us all to find ways to de-stress and relax, but that usually seems easier said than done. Essential oils, however, are your natural super-power to effectively and safely help you relax and let go of feelings of anxiety and depression.

Below are some of the most effective essential oils for anxiety and depression, as well as tips on how to use them.

1. Frankincense

When it comes to dealing with fear, stress, worry, or anxiety, frankincense is recognized as one of the most effective essential oils. For best results, rub 1-2 drops onto the bottoms of your feet as well as the back of your neck.

2. Lavender

Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils used to induce relaxation and feelings of calm. Internally, lavender has over 150 components that work together to eliminate depressed and anxious feelings. Lavender can actually slow down your brainwaves, allowing the whole body to slow down and unwind. Lavender essential oil is effectively used in a diffuser or by adding 1-2 drops to your pillow at night before bed.

3. Roman Chamomile

This slightly sweet-to-fruity essential oil has been used for hundreds of years to treat insomnia and hyperactivity, as it has a pronounced calming effect.

4. Bergamot

Bergamot helps the body release pent-up feelings of negativity, such as depression, stress, and anger. It can also help with insomnia as well as mood swings. Bergamot oil works by restoring the hypothalamus to a state of calm. This essential oil can be applied topically to the bottoms of the feet, the back, or the neck.

5. Rose Geranium

This essential oil works to balance the hormone levels in your body, thereby regulating stress and anxiety. It is believed that rose geranium essential oil works through the lymphatic system to decrease depressed feelings and create calm in the mind and body.

6. Jasmine

Jasmine’s efficiency in calming patients has been compared to that of valium, which is often prescribed to combat anxiety. This essential oil regulates emotions of excitement and anxiety, helping the brain and body to find a happy balance between these emotions. Jasmine oil is best utilized in aromatherapy to combat anxiety.

7. Sandalwood

These sweet, woody fragrance in enjoyed by most and automatically creates a feeling of peace. Sandalwood essential oil has found to be especially effective for those suffering from insomnia and other sleep disorders.

8. Sweet Marjoram Blend

Sweet marjoram alone helps to regulate blood circulation, which can relax the body and improve one’s quality of sleep. Combine sweet marjoram with lavender, bergamot, and/or jasmine to heighten the effect on your sleep.

9. Clary Sage

Clary sage essential oil can address nervous system disorders that contribute to depression and anxiety. This oil is not a cure in it of itself, but will enhance any treatments you may be utilizing to combat depression, worry, or fears.

10. Wild Orange

This citrus essential oil is a natural mood-lifter thanks in large part to its delicious aroma. Wild orange also helps to detoxify the body, which can improve your emotional well-being. Run this oil onto your feet or the back of your neck whenever you feel gloomy; or combine with frankincense for a double-whammy calming pick-me-up.

A blend to improve breathing

This blend will help to cleanse and open up the respiratory system. Combine essential oils of eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, tea tree, and cardamom seed. This is especially handy for those that are prone to panic attacks.

A blend for joy

This blend helps replace feelings of anxiety and depression with positive, joyful thoughts and emotions. Combine essential oils of elemi, tangerine, lemon myrtle, ylang ylang, osmanthus, and sandalwood. For rapid relief, apply the blend behind the ears, to the eyebrows, over the chest, and around the neck.

How to use essential oils

Some of the essential oils or blends mentioned above have specific applications that improve their efficacy. However, in general there are three main ways in which essential oils can be used. For health, safety, and efficacy, it is important that you buy high-quality pure essential oils.

• The first is through aromatherapy: use a diffuser and just a few drops of your essential oil of choice to breathe in the benefits of the oil(s).
• A second form is through simple inhalation: simply add 1-2 drops of the oil to your hands, rub together, and inhale.
• The third method is massage: combine 8-10 drops of your preferred oil (if using a combination, do not exceed 10 total drops of essential oil) with 3 ounces of any carrier oil (such as grapeseed or jojoba); use this oil to massage the whole body or just the typical areas of need (neck, back, feet).

Finally, you can also utilize your essential oils in a bath: simply add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil to your warm bath water (not under running water) and soak up the benefits. If you have sensitive skin, use a carrier oil to dilute the essential oils before adding them to your bath.

Essential oils are nature’s gift to us and are useful in healing a variety of remedies. Use these suggested oils to eliminate all negative thoughts and feelings, and you’ll be on your way to a happier, healthier, and better-rested you.

Now you know how to use essential oils for anxiety and depression, why not pass on the information to others? Feel free to share it with your friends and family. After all, sharing is caring!

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