Essential Oils and Anxiety

We all suffer from anxiety or some sort. The bills are due, the kids are sick, you're late for work, the car broke down...you could fill a book with reasons for anxiety to kick in. A study shows 40 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorder. Depression seems to go hand in hand with anxiety. Either problem by itself or combined is debilitating. And there is no shortage of medications one can be prescribed for either disorder. Neither is there a shortage of side effects. Let's look into the side effects of anxiolytics (anti anxiety medications). These were taken from the Physician's Desk Reference, National Institute of Health's Medline Plus and/or drug labels themselves list 32 possible side effects, not including addiction. Antidepressant medication provides 17 side effects. Now, I'm not saying ditch all your medications. I'm on an antidepressant myself. But if you can relieve some of the effects of anxiety and depression without any side effects, why not give it a whirl?

A study conducted in Germany showed the healing compounds in essential oils can be found in the bloodstream as quickly as five minutes after skin application. When you inhale the essential oils, the nose sends signals straight to the limbic system of the brain; the part that rules emotions. That's why certain oil scents can trigger a peaceful and content sensation. The limbic system is also connected to the parts of the brain that control major functions: Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, stress levels and hormone balance. It makes sense to provide this system with something nontoxic such as essential oils which can balance the emotions and other functions of the limbic system. 

What oils can be used?

The list is about as long as the side effect list of the medications. Here are a few to get you started:

• Bergamot: A citrus oil that creates uplifting effects. (In fact a study performed on teachers showed that 10 minutes of aromatherapy with bergamot showed a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate. (Bergamot is a photosensitive oil. Avoid sunlight if used on skin)
• Lavender: Well known for it's relaxation effects, heart health and general well being.
• Orange: Along with is uplifting scent, a study from Yale Scientific showed patients with depression needed smaller amounts of their medication after using citrus aromatherapy such as orange.
• Clary Sage: A study conducted by the Department of Basic Nursing Science in Korea document that clary sage oil has antidepressant-like effects useful after highly stressful situations and may even be more powerful than lavender in women. 

Here's a useful anti-anxiety mix:

5 drops lavender

3 drops Ylang Ylang

3 drops bergamot

Add to liquid soap for a relaxing shower. Add to 4 oz. coconut oil for a moisturizing cream. 

(This is in no way intended as medical advice or to replace the advice or your healthcare practitioner.)