Essential oils have been found to improve mood in clinical trials. You may be wondering how essential oils work. Smells are emotional triggers because they are carried directly to the brain. The limbic system is responsible for processing the sensory information we receive, and determining whether it is pleasurable, painful, or dangerous. Our emotions are created and directed by our thoughts, which can include feelings of fear, anger, depression, and attraction.
The smells that we are most sensitive to are the ones that trigger our emotions and affect our hormonal balance. The reason scents are powerful in our everyday lives is because they can directly trigger memories and emotions. This is why they can help with depression and anxiety. Here are my top essential oils for depression:
- Bergamot
Bergamot oil can help to improve your mood by making you feel more alert and energetic. Bergamot can improve your circulation, making you feel more Joyful, fresh, and energetic. A 2011 study found that bergamot lowered anxiety in rats.
Applying a blended essential oil that includes bergamot may help treat depression, according to a 2011 study. The study participants had their blood pressure, pulse rates, breathing rates, and skin temperature measured after they were exposed to a blend of bergamot and lavender essential oils. Subjects had to rate their emotional condition in order to assess behavioral changes in terms of relaxation, vigor, calmness, attentiveness, mood, and alertness.
The study found that those who were given the blended essential oil had significant decreases in both their pulse rate and blood pressure compared to those who were given the placebo. Subjects who were in the group that used a blend of essential oils rated themselves as calmer and more relaxed than the subjects in the control group. The investigation found that a mixture of lavender and bergamot oils had a relaxing effect and provides evidence for its use in medicine for treating depression or anxiety in humans.
Bergamot oil can be used by rubbing two to three drops into your hands and cupping your mouth and nose. Breathe in the oil slowly. In addition to your head, you can also rub the oil on your feet and stomach.
- Lavender
Lavender oil has long been revered for its ability to improve mood and alleviate depression. The study found that 80-milligram capsules of lavender essential oil can help alleviate anxiety and depression. The study found that using lavender oil to treat anxiety and depression had no negative side effects. This is great news because we know that synthetic medications and psychotropic drugs often have many negative side effects.
A 2012 study found that diffusing lavender in the home reduced postnatal depression and anxiety disorder in 28 high-risk women after four weeks.
A study done on people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can result in depression, showed that lavender aromatherapy improves mood. Lavender had amazing results, showing signs of enhanced moods. The results revealed that lavender oil, when used daily, significantly decreased depression and sleep disturbances, and also improved mood and overall health, in 47 people suffering from PTSD.
Essential oils can help to reduce stress and improve sleep. Try putting a diffuser by your bed and diffusing oils at night, or in the family room while you’re reading or winding down in the evening. In addition to taking it internally, you can also benefit from rubbing it behind your ears.
- Roman Chamomile
One of the best medicinal herbs for fighting stress and promoting relaxation is chamomile. Chamomile is commonly used as an ingredient in candles and other aromatherapy products due to its calming properties. Chamomile can be consumed in tea, tincture, or essential oil form.
Chamomile can help improve your mood by providing soothing qualities that may help with depression. TheAlternative Therapies in Health and Medicine and Pharmacognosy Review has suggested that chamomile oil can be used to treat anxiety and depression by inhaling the vapors.
- Ylang Ylang
Ylang-ylang has amazing benefits for reducing depression and the negative emotions that come with it. Inhaling ylang-ylang can have positive effects on your mood and can act as a mild remedy for depression. Research shows that letting go of negative emotions can help improve your overall well-being!
The mild sedative effects of ylang-ylang help to lower stress responses and promote relaxation. To make yourself feel more confident, try diffusing the oil in your home or massaging it into your skin.
Essential Oils For Anxiety
Anxiety is believed to be caused by factors such as genetics, stress, and the environment. Anxiety disorders are mainly treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Additionally, some people have found that using essential oils for aromatherapy can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Aromatherapy is often used to relieve anxiety and stress by applying the essential oils to the skin or inhaling them. The common consensus is that this method works by stimulating the smell receptors in the nose. These receptors then send messages to the nervous system. Some people believe essential oils can have a slight effect on the body by providing nutrients from the plants they are extracted from. This can help to keep the body’s chemical and energetic systems in balance.
How Aromatherapy Helps Relieve Anxiety
An essential oil diffuser releases the oil into the air, where it can be inhaled for aromatherapy purposes. The aroma is caused by aromatic molecules that travel through the nose and reach the brain through the olfactory nerves. The device basically emits a scent that stimulates the nasal smell receptors. This sends a signal to the nervous system which is then sent to the limbic system. We should know what the limbic system is before continuing.
How Essential Oil Aroma Works
Essential oils can be used to help with anxiety in two ways: inhaling them or applying them topically. Do not ingest essential oil to lower anxiety symptoms and help relieve anxiety and stress. Inhaling the oil is the faster method of the two. The hairs inside the nose have receptors. The molecules that create the aroma of the substance become attached to the hair, and send signals to the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb is a collection of nerve cells in the limbic system. It’s time to introduce another term – bioavailability. A substance’s bioavailability is the amount of it that is absorbed by the body. The typical range of absorption for aromatic molecules is 25% to 75%.
The scent of the oils activates the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which controls the release and regulation of hormones. For example, jasmine essential oil can help to ease anxiety. Jasmine oil can help improve sleep by affecting the limbic system. It also relaxes the muscles. Volunteers who inhaled patchouli oil had lower levels of anxiety in a study. The limbic system’s response to this particular smell is a clinically validated report.
But, are these facts backed by evidence? Yes, it is. The study found that the oils have potential therapeutic effects, but they can also be toxic. The researchers found that oil was effective for both anxiety and stress and could also be used to treat Alzheimer’s and other neurological disorders. More research is needed to determine the effects of the drug with human trials and peer reviews.
What essential oils are good for anxiety?
- Valerian Essential Oil
Valerian is a flowering plant that is native to Europe and Asia. Traditional uses date back to the ancient world. Ylang-ylang oil is known for its ability to help ground people who are nervous or stressed. Valerian oil can help with anxiety because it has a calming effect on the body. It is often used to treat sleep disorders.
Valerian oil can help lower the symptoms of anxiety and depression when used with holy basil or rose oil.
Scent Profile: Woody and balsamic
- Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is a popular aromatherapy remedy for anxiety. It can also help you sleep if you have trouble sleeping. Some people believe that the scent of lavender has the ability to calm anxiety by impacting the limbic system. The limbic system is responsible for regulating emotions in the brain.
Scent Profile: Floral and herbaceous
A report published in 2009 found that lavender oil and other essential oils may help to reduce anxiety.
- Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine oil is used in perfume making and it has a calming effect, but it does not cause sleepiness. Romantic moments with your partner can be enhanced by diffusing a sweet-scented essential oil.
If you’re pregnant and feeling anxious about labor, try taking a sniff of jasmine or orange oil. Inhaling the pleasant smell may help ease your anxiety symptoms. Essential oils are liquid plant extracts that are used to promote relaxation and reduce pain and anxiety. They are typically derived from flowers, leaves, and stems, and have potent aromatic properties.
Scent Profile: Floral and sweet
- Basil Essential Oil
Phenol compounds in basil may help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Basil is used in aromatherapy because its scent is thought to calm the mind and relieve stress.
Scent Profile: Herbaceous and refreshing
- Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot oil is commonly used in perfumes and Earl Grey tea. It is known for its zesty and uplifting scent which is said to relieve stress and improve moods. This oil may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so we don’t recommend using it if you’re going to be in the sun.
Bergamot oil can help lower high cortisol levels when blended with oils like lemon, rose, or rosemary. The essential oil may help to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of calmness and relaxation. It can be applied topically to the skin after mixing with almond oil to reduce anxiety levels.
Scent Profile: Sweet, tangy, and citrusy
- Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
The chamomile plant was believed to have healing properties by many cultures including the Greeks and the Vikings. The soldiers in Rome used to smell the flower’s aroma to make themselves feel brave before fights. Its relaxing effects and pleasant aroma are well known.
Scent Profile: Floral and herbaceous
- Rose Otto Essential Oil
Roses emit a scent that has been known to calm people’s senses. Soak your feet in a relaxing footbath with a few drops of Rose Otto oil. The herb is known to help reduce anxiety in pregnant women during labor, so it should help give you the calm feeling you need.
Scent Profile: Sweet and floral
- Vetiver Essential Oil
Vetiver oil has a calming effect and can help to improve focus. This oil is good for sleep and anxiety problems.
Scent Profile: Earthy, smokey, and woodsy
- Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
The oil extracted from ylang ylang flowers has a calming effect that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Aromatherapy using this essential oils is said to be uplifting for moods and able to create feelings of romance. If you need a substitute for Ylang-Ylang, Jasmine is the closest you can get. If you cannot find jasmine, then rose, neroli, or geranium can be used instead.
Scent Profile: Floral and sweet
- Frankincense Essential Oil
The scent of Frankincense oil is known to be very grounding and has been shown to alleviate anxiety and stress. Brave locals in countries like Somalia travel on rugged mountains to collect the resin from the Boswellia Serrata tree.
Scent Profile: Warm and woodsy with balsamic notes
- Clary Sage Essential Oil
Some people believe that Clary Sage oil has a unique, fresh scent because it is linked to the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. Other people believe that Clary Sage oil has spiritual benefits. Clary sage oil has been shown to lower stress hormone levels, making it an effective treatment for anxiety and sleep disorders.
Scent Profile: Herbaceous and earthy with floral notes
- Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli oil can help ease stress and anxiety, according to Ayurvedic medicine. Patchouli is a popular scent on its own, but it’s often combined with lavender to create a calming atmosphere.
Scent Profile: Earthy, woodsy, and herbaceous
- Egyptian Geranium Essential Oil
For hundreds of years, Egyptians have used geranium to make their skin look nicer for special occasions, like weddings and big parties. It is common to use the plant’s scent in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes. Egyptian Geranium oil has calming effects and may be used to help reduce feelings of stress or anxiety.
Scent Profile: Sweet and floral with refreshing fruity notes
- Marjoram Essential Oil
The oil from the marjoram herb is thought to be from the Mediterranean. The ancient Greeks often used crowns during wedding ceremonies and to treat many ailments. Although there is some anecdotal evidence to suggest that CBD oil may help to relieve anxiety, there is currently little scientific proof to support this claim. However, it’s still a popular option amongst aromatherapists.
Scent Profile: Minty, herbaceous and spicy
- Fennel Essential Oil
A plant that is green all year and is native to the Mediterranean. Fennel was used a lot in cooking by ancient Romans and Greeks because it has a strong flavor. Fennel was used to treat snake bites in ancient China. Fennel oil supplements can help reduce menopause symptoms such as anxiety, hot flashes, sleep problems, and depression. There is no definitive answer as to whether or not inhaling fennel oil would produce the same results, but it may be worth trying.
Scent Profile: Sweet and peppery
- Mandarin Essential Oil
Mandarin oil was used as a beauty elixir in ancient Asian communities to fade scars. Bergamot oil is good for you! Bergamot oil has a calming effect that can help you relax and fall asleep.
Scent Profile: Sweet and citrusy
- Mace Essential Oil
The oil comes from the outer seed covering of nutmeg, which is native to the tropical rainforests of Indonesia. Arabs have used mace as a remedy for fevers, diarrhea, and insomnia for centuries. When you inhale this spicy oil before bedtime, it relaxes your mind so you can get some much-needed rest.
Scent Profile: Sweet and spicy