Anxiety & Depression
Modern life with our smart phones, emails and the internet has given rise to various health problems. Anxiety and Depression is incredibly common and even in today's modern society a taboo subject. In fact, you may be near someone every day and not even know that he or she is suffering from either anxiety or depression.
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. Where as depression is where you have feelings of severe despondency and dejection. Fore example self-doubt creeps in and that swiftly turns to depression.
However, there are some symptoms that may indicate signs of depression, such as regular fatigue, sadness, moodiness, low self-esteem, loss of appetite, feelings that the days are getting tougher, becoming more introvert and avoiding social activities. These symptoms are not conclusive but may signal a change in someones well-being.
The good news is, there are natural remedies for depression out there, including using certain essential oils similar to the way you can use essential oils for anxiety.
View our collection of Aromatherapy Range and Body Essentials Range
Historical Use of Essential Oils
Historically essential oils have been used medicinally for different treatments. Medical applications proposed by those who sell medicinal oils range from skin treatments to remedies for cancer and often are based solely on historical accounts of use of essential oils for these purposes. Claims for the efficacy of medical treatments, and treatment of cancers in particular, are now subject to regulation in most countries including UK.
Over the years use of essential oils declined as evidence based medicine was more easily accessible and affordable.
Interest in essential oils has revived in recent decades with the popularity of aromatherapy. Oils are diluted in a carrier oil and used in massage, diluted in bath water, diffused in the air by a nebulizer, heated over a candle flame, or burned as incense.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses natural plant materials and aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, and other aroma compounds for the purpose of altering one's mood, cognitive, psychological or physical well-being to help you calm and relax.
Usually it can be offered as a complementary therapy but there are many rules and regulations around the use of Aromatherapy as an alternative medicine. Complementary therapy can be offered alongside standard treatment, with alternative medicine offered instead of conventional, evidence-based treatments.
Aromatherapists, who specialise in the practice of aromatherapy, use blends of therapeutic essential oils that can be issued through different applications such as massage, inhalation or water immersion to stimulate a desired response.
Popular Essential Oils
Lavender oil is made out of different lavender herbs and can help change your mood and has long been used to help with anxiety and depression. The most popular type of lavender is Lavandula angustifolia.
Bergamot oil is distilled from the peel of the fruit of Citrus bergamia and is a great antidepressant because it’s very stimulating. Bergamot can create a feeling of joy, freshness and energy.
Peppermint is another distillate which is widely used and recognized worldwide for its copious applications in natural health. The invigorating minty essential oil of Peppermint claims the longest list of uses and benefits of any of the other oils.