Essential Oils and Depression

It is increasingly common for people fighting depression to utilize complimentary and alternative therapies. Many people turn to the age old tradition of aromatherapy.

Scents evoke a wide range of emotional feelings. It is well known that bakery shops pipe the smell of their fresh baked cookies and pies out onto the street where those passing by will be compelled to come in and purchase. Why is this? These scents evoke good feelings possibly about warmth, childhood, caring and the like.

So how does aromatherapy work? Essential oils are volatile liquids that carry through the air into the nasal passageway and then into the limbic center of the brain where emotions are stored. When you smell an essential oil, you are actually getting molecules from the oil into your brain!

Whenever lavender is mentioned, most people will say "I love lavender, it is really relaxing". Lavender, in fact, has been clinically evaluated for its relaxing effect. But what makes lavender evoke relaxation? This effect comes from the biochemistry of the plant which interacts with our biochemistry in a perfect match. In other words, we have receptor sites in our bodies that are like key holes, and the plants have chemical properties that are the keys.

There are many essential oils that can be used to alleviate depression such as frankincense, lemon, sandalwood, geranium, lavender, orange and ylang ylang.

Dr. Ann Blake Tracey of The International Coalition for Drug Awareness states "...you know that I mention aromatherapy oils as a very effective treatment in rebuilding after using antidepressants. I explain my own reservations at first but go on to explain how my look at the scientific research on the oils helped me to see how they can be so very effective in rebuilding after the damage done by these antidepressants."

Using therapeutic-grade essential oils can be a valuable tool in easing anxiety and depression.