CAN ESSENTIAL OILS HELP WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY? ?

There has been a lot of discussion lately about emotional disorders like depression and anxiety. Talking about this difficult topic is an enormous step forward on the road to supporting those who suffer. One question I am often asked is: Which natural remedies work for depression and anxiety? And this is often followed-up with something like: Can essential oils REALLY help? With a recent study showing a link between anti-anxiety medications and dementia, there is more reason than ever to choose essential oils instead of pharmaceuticals. I know it’s hard to imagine that inhaling a “nice aroma” could alter your body’s chemistry and imbalances that lead to mood disorders, but here are three essential oils that research has shown can help ease depression and anxiety. Bergamot: A Powerful Mood-Booster One essential oil that stands out for depression is bergamot Citrus aurantium (L.) var. bergamia. Many citruses are acknowledged for their uplifting effects, but bergamot is particularly powerful. But does it work? There are a lot of historical and anecdotal reports of the calming and antidepressant effects of bergamot essential oil. However, are there any scientific studies supporting these claims? A recent 2014 study with 58 hospice patients presented some interesting conclusions.The hospice patients were given hand massages once a day for one week with an essential oil blend in 1.5% dilution with sweet almond oil. The essential oil blend consisted of these essential oils in equal ratios: bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia frankincense Boswellia carterii (Birdw.) lavender Lavandula angustifolia (Mill.) Here’s the good news: all the patients who received the aromatherapy hand massage reported less pain and depression.However, no tests were done on the separate essential oils. The only conclusion that can be made is that aromatherapy massage with this essential oil blend is more effective for pain and depression management than massage alone. What about anxiety? Another study conducted in Taiwan in 2011 provided clearer and more powerful evidence. The authors selected elementary school teachers, who are known to constantly work under significant stress, and used an inhalation of bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia essential oil as the method of administration; they focused on the physiological stress signals that are easy to record and straightforward to interpret. They found that even a 10-minute-long weekly inhalation of aromatherapy resulted in a significant reduction of blood pressure and heart rate, and drove autonomic nervous activity toward a balanced state. In addition, participants with moderate and high degrees of anxiety benefited more than the light anxiety group. Researchers even demonstrated in an animal study with mice that bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia essential oil’s anxiety relieving properties can be as strong as diazepam (valium), although it’s important to note that in this animal study, mice received injections of bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia essential oil. I am certainly not advocating injections with bergamot oil, but inhalation or diluted topical application could be effective. Looking to test it yourself? Try this blend: Anti-Stress Aromatherapy Blend Anti-Stress Blend Lavender Lavandula angustifolia oil: 5 drops Ylang ylang Cananga odorata var. genuina oil: 3 drops Bergamot Citrus aurantium var. bergamia oil: 2 drops Blend the oils and add 3 drops to a full bath or use a foot or hand bath once daily. Adding this formula to liquid soap and using it daily in the shower is an effective alternative, too. Clary Sage: Clear, Calm, and Content The English name clary originates from the Latin sclarea, which was derived from clarus, meaning “clear.” I like to think of clary sage Salvia sclarea (L.) essential oil as “clearing” away the dark clouds of our mood, as it’s traditionally been known for its uplifting and euphoric actions. This is a fantastic oil to diffuse before bed or add to the bath for a relaxing, blissful soak. But does it work? A 2010 research study with rats documented clary sage S. sclarea essential oil’s antidepressant effects,suggesting that it could be a useful essential oil for depression and anxiety. Additionally, a randomised controlled trial in 2013 suggested that clary sage S. sclarea essential oil may be useful—more so than lavender Lavandula angustifolia [Mill.]—in reducing stress for female patients undergoing urodynamic assessments. Give this relaxing bath blend a try tonight: Relaxing Bath Essential Oil BlendRelaxing Bath Clary sage Salvia sclarea essential oil: 3 drops Ylang ylang Cananga odorata var. genuina: 2 drops Add the essential oil to the bath after it is full. Mix the oils well and immerse yourself for a wonderful, relaxing soak. Lavender: The Purple Flower of Peace L. angustifolia here at the American College. Not only does it smell divine, it is an extremely versatile herb and essential oil with a number of practical uses, including pest control, sleep support, and of course, promoting a healthy mood. But how does it help depression? The British Pharmacopoeia recommends lavender tincture for mild depression, and research supports this. In a small but relevant double-blind trial, patients with mild to moderate depression showed improvement after receiving 60 drops of lavender tincture (1:5 in 50% alcohol) per day. A study in 2007 also showed that lavender aromatherapy reduced serum cortisol—which plays a central role in the body’s response to stress—in healthy men. The researchers concluded: “These findings suggest that lavender aromatherapy has relaxation effects and may have beneficial acute effects on coronary circulation.” Further, it’s possible that lavender essential oil can be an effective substitute for other common and potentially addictive psychoactive drugs used for anxiety. A 2010 study investigated the use of lavender with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Silexan, an oral lavender oil capsule preparation, when taken over 6 weeks was shown to effectively relieve generalised anxiety comparable to a common benzodiazepine (lorazepam), a powerful psychoactive drug. Researchers also noted: “The safety of silexan was also demonstrated. Since lavender oil showed no sedative effects in our study and has no potential for drug abuse, silexan appears to be an effective and well tolerated alternative to benzodiazepines for amelioration of generalised anxiety.” However, it’s important to note that these studies were assessing the relaxing properties of lavender L. angustifolia and NOT lavandin Lavandula intermedia (Emeric ex Loisel.), which can have stimulating effects. When using lavender essential oil for relaxing therapeutic purposes, it is crucial to check that the Latin name reads: Lavandula angustifolia. More Mood-Boosting Oils While bergamot, clary sage, and lavender are excellent oils to support a healthy mood, here are 10 more oils that can help calm you down, brighten your day, or both. Basil Ocimum basilicum (L.) Geranium Pelargonium graveolens (L'Her.) Grapefruit Citrus paradisi (Macfad.) Lime Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Neroli Citrus aurantium (L.) var. amara Roman Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All. Rose Rosa damascena (Mill.) Sandalwood Santalum album (L.) Sweet orange Citrus sinensis (Osbeck) Ylang ylang Cananga odorata (Lam.) var. genuina Experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety? While essential oils are wonderful aids for wellness, depression and anxiety are serious mood disorders. You do not have to face this struggle alone. If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, please seek the attention of a trusted physician, naturopath, or mental health provider, who may in fact suggest an aromatherapy regime.