Essential Oils for Depression and Anxiety

I briefly touched on aromatherapy in a previous post, and I thought I would expand on essential oils a bit more.  Essential oil usage can be as simple as being used on a cotton ball, in an aromatic pendent necklace, a satchel, candles, in the bath, 1-2 drops added to your shampoo and conditioner while showering, in a compress... or you can make your own combination of essential oil blend to be worn or used on the skin.

Blends for topical usage must be used with a carrier oil. Carrier oils are used to dilute essential oils to make them safe for topical application and help protect against skin irritations.

Essential oils are broken up in three categories: Top Note, Middle Note, and Base Note. The recommended blend for depression is the Balancing blend, however I have listed other combinations you might want to try:

Balancing: 

2 drops Top Note, 5 drops Middle Note, 3 drops Base Note.  

Invigorating: 

8 drops Top Note, 1 drop Middle Note, 1 drop Base Note. 

Relaxing: 

1 drop Top Note, 6 drops Middle Note, 3 drops Base Note

Refreshing: 

5 drops Top Note, 4 drops Middle Note, 1 drop Base Note

Top Note                                                                    

Grapefruit, Lemongrass, Orange, Basil, Bergamot                                                                      

Middle Note 

Aniseed, Rose, Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram                                          

Base Note

Clove, Neroli, Cinnamon, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Ylang Ylang
                                                                           

Carrier Oils

Corn, Jojoba, Sesame, Coconut, Safflower,  Grape Seed, Sunflower, Apricot, Olive, Rose Hip,  Wheatgerm, Soy, Avocado,  Sweet Almond (not to be confused with bitter almond, which is toxic) Peanut, Passion Fruit  Hazelnut, Macadamia, and Calendula.

How Much?
For the average adult= 10-12 drops of essential oil to every 1 ounce of carrier oil
For children, elders or pregnant women= 5-6 drops essential oil  to every 1 ounce of carrier oil

All oils should be stored in dark tinted bottles (amber or colbalt) with tight caps, and kept in a cool dark place for a longer lifespan. Carrier oils will go rancid after time, whereas essential oils do not.                                                                                                      

CAUTIONS:

(1) Do not use the following if you are pregnant, and/or have sensitive skin, and/ or epilepsy:
Aniseed, Orange, Cinnamon, Rose, Geranium, Marjoram, Ylang Ylang.

(2) BERGAMOT AND CITRUS OILS MAY CAUSE SUN SENSITIVITY REACTIONS


Sources:

• Enhancing your Mind Body Spirit, by IMP Inc.
• Secrets Beyond Aromatherapy-Use Essential Oils to Heal and Clear Your Mind Body and Spirit by Myra Sri

Disclaimer:

I am not a healer or expert on essential oils, nor am I a medical professional. I encourage you to do your own research regarding the use of essential oils and to seek medical advice prior to use. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard or delay in seeking medical advice because of something you have read.