Essential oils date back to ancient times when cultures such as China, Egypt, India and Southern Europe used oils as part of their embalming process. Essentials oils have been used to treat the dead for centuries, and we only know this because residues have been found in ancient tombs dating more than 2,000 years old. And what’s more, not only do they preserve the dead, but essential oils have also been used in aromatherapy which was an advanced technique brought to life by French surgeon Jean Valnet, who learnt that essential oils, really were essential for treating wounded soldiers in World War II, when medications were scarce and hard to come by.
What is so miraculous about essential oils is where they have been extracted from and the power it holds. The beauty and quite literal beauty of an essential oil is that they are naturally acquired from flowers, leaves, bark or roots of plants. It is best effective to use non-diluted oils as they can provide the much-needed relief for healing several physical and mental ailments. One of the most common ailments essential oils are used for is anxiety and or depression.
World Mental Health Day has only recently passed, as the world embraced mental health and the power of speech. It is well-known and well-documented that anxiety is a tough battle for many people in their daily lives, and much to the delight of our NHS services, private clinics and psychological groups and organizations, much more is being done to help patients who suffer from any form of mental health issue.
So how can essential oils help you if you suffer from anxiety?
Back in 2014, a study was conducted by the American College of Healthcare Sciences, where 58 hospice patients were given a hand massage once a day for a week. The hand massage incorporated an essential oil blend in 1.5% dilution with sweet almond oil. The essential oil had been blended in equal ratios of bergamot, frankincense and lavender. The study had found that those patients who received a hand massage with this blend reported less pain and depression and had concluded that an essential oil blend is vital and an effective pain relief for anyone suffering from a mental health condition.
So, if you’re not into pumping yourself with useless and over-used pills that you can buy over the counter to calm your nerves and anxiety, here are some of the best essential oils for anxiety – with a few named by some of my customers at Fear-busters. What’s more – you can purchase whatever it is you’re seeking through my online shop which can be found here: mydoterra.com/laurenrosenberg/#/
Lavender
This is one of the most commonly used essential oils as it has a calming and relaxing effect, due to its scent. Lavender itself is known to be a nervous system restorative, and helps you sleep and feel less panicked, as well as helping with a nervous stomach or tension.
Bergamot
Bergamot oil provides energy whilst calming your nerves and treating depression. It also helps with insomnia and reduce any agitation or restlessness. Bergamot is also a citrus found in Earl Grey tea, with a distinctive floral aroma and subsequent flavour when enjoyed. It is known to reduce corticosterone response to stress in rats, and it can also help treat patients with anxiety and or depression.
Chamomile
This aromatic European plant comes from the Daisy family and has beautiful yellow daisy like flowers. With an acquired taste, it is most often used as an herbal tea. Chamomile intends to create a peaceful and calming scent which decreases irritability, anxiety, worry and overthinking. In a study by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, they found that chamomile capsules ease symptoms of anxiety – it is generally safe to consume. However, be wary if you have an allergy to ragweed, chamomile might antagonize your allergy.
Rose
Rose is at the very heart of many beauty products and bath essence. It is the second most popular scent after lavender for relieving anxiety and depression. Rose oil has many benefits, but when used in an aromatherapy setting is has distinctive benefits. Some benefits are also known to help pregnant women, who may be feeling anxious or experiencing panic attacks.
Frankincense
This oil is sometimes referred to olibanum – which you may recognize more than its official name. it is a type of essential oil that is used for a wide range of health benefits. Its primary use is to assist with chronic stress and anxiety. When used correctly it can also relieve pain and inflammation, boost your immunity and help fight cancer.