Essential oils can help anxiety and depression sufferers through aromatherapy treatements. We have listed the top 10 most popular essential oils used by aormatherapists to help calm, relax and change the moods of their patients.
1. Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils on the market and for good reason. It smells great and is an effective stress-relieving oil.
Lavender is extracted from the flowers of the plant and steam distilled. Lavender can be used several different ways. Its a wonderful essential oil to use in a bath.
Many massage therapists use it to help relax their clients. Add a few drops to a diffuser or even your pillow before bedtime to get a good nights sleep.
2. Bergamot
Bergamot is a citrus-scented essential oil extracted from the Citrus Beragamia tree, a native of Southeast Asia, but can now be found primarily in Italy and along the Ivory Coast.
Bergamot is extracted by pressing the oil from the rind of the fruit. Bergamot can be used as incense or in a vaporizer. It can also be diluted with bath water or blended with massage oils.
Bergamot is used to treat stress, depression and anxiety. It is a great antidepressant because it’s very stimulating. Bergamot can create a feeling of joy, freshness and energy.
3. Peppermint
Peppermint is widely used and recognized worldwide for its copious applications in natural health and beauty comes from the leaves of Mentha piperita, the humble peppermint plant.
Peppermint oil is extracted before the herb flowers and is then steam-distilled. It is used in vaporizers, massage oils and lotions and baths.
Peppermint oil has a number of therapeutic properties. It is a cooling agent that enhances mood and sharpens focus.
4. Sweet Orange
Orange (Citrus sinensis) belongs to the Rutaceae family. The fruit comes from a small grayish-brown bark tree, which is almost similar to a shrub.
Orange oil is extensively utilized in aromatherapy as it helps soothe tensed muscles as well as depression. It can also be useful in maintaining a youthful appearance when applied externally.
5. Ylang Ylang
Ylang-Ylang is recognizable because of its strong fragrance. Its sweet aroma is excellent for reducing stress.
Ylang-Ylang is extracted from the flowers of a tropical tree and steam-distilled.
Much like other essential oils, Ylang-Ylang can be used in a vaporizer or blended with other lotions for massage purposes. You can also add some drops into a bath for a relaxing time.
While its calming properties are its most powerful, Ylang-Ylang oil is also used for many other treatements.
6. Lemongrass
Lemongrass Oil boosts self esteem, confidence, hope and mental strength, and it uplifts spirits and fights depression.
This also relieves anxiety. As an antidepressant, lemongrass can be systematically administered to patients of acute depression who are undergoing rehabilitation after acute shock.
Lemongrass essential oil is extracted through the process of steam distillation of dried lemongrass. Lemongrass is known by the scientific names Cymbopogon Citratus or Andropogon Citratus.
7. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus oil comes from the Eucalyptus tree, native to Australia. It has a powerful scent and is easily recognizable.
One very important reason that many people use eucalyptus oil is that it creates a cooling and refreshing effect.
Normally, people suffering from certain conditions and disorders are slightly sluggish. Eucalyptus oil, a stimulant, removes exhaustion and mental sluggishness and rejuvenates the spirits of the sick. It can also be effective in the treatment of amxiety and depression.
Eucalyptus oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs of some Eucalyptus trees.
8. Jasmine
Sweet-smelling Jasmine is extracted from the Jasminum grandiflorum, an evergreen with origins in China.
Jasmine is an expensive oil that has powerful healing properties and it aids with everything from depression to childbirth. It is known mostly for its relaxing properties.
Extracting Jasmine is a little different from other essential oils, which are primarily steam distilled. Jasmine is obtained via solvent extraction, which means it results in a concrete substance rather than oil. It then must go through an extensive process whereby the flowers are placed over fats to absorb the fragrance. This process takes a number of days
9. Chamomile
Chamomile, widely known for its soothing characteristics and is extracted as an essential oil from the leaves of the flowering plant of the same name.
There are two types of Chamomile plants, the Roman Chamomile and German Chamomile. The aromatherapy oil can be extracted from both varieties, but healing properties are slightly different.
Chamomile is a powerful calming agent, as well as antibiotic, antiseptic, antidepressant and overall mood lifter.
10. Cedarwood
Cedarwood is a woody-scented essential oil that comes from the Juniperus Virginiana tree native to North America.
It has been around for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Egyptians, and is thought to be one of the first essential oils ever extracted.
Cedarwood oil is often used as a calming agent to help alleviate stress and anxiety. It provides a spiritual lift.