Aromatherapy for Depression

Aromatherapy Scent is the most enduring of ourcarbon dioxide method: in part due to high cost, it is
senses. Aromatherapy is the use of pure essentialnot as commonly available.
and absolute oils. Essential oils are complex, highlyAromatherapy uses aromatic essences that are
fragrant and volatile substances, with varying degreesextracted from plants. Aromatherapy is particularly
of complexity, fragrance, and volatility. They are theeffective in dealing with stress, depression and stress
most potent and concentrated extracts of variousrelated disorders. 'Depression' is a term which
parts of flowers, fruits, leaves, spices, roots, andencompasses a wide spectrum of psychic problems
woods. The plant's essence molecules areans symtoms which, in turn, can lead to more serious
approximately 75-100 times more concentrated as anillnesses. Aromatherapy, in helping to relax the patient
essential oil than in the dried plant. It is a holisticand by reducing stress, may actually help to prevent
treatment of caring for the body with pleasantsuch conditions. Depression related disorders, such as
smelling botanical oils such as rose, lemon, lavenderdigestive problems, stress and other mental
and peppermint. It has the power to transform ourproblems, can be treated by Aromatherapy. As
emotions, and heal our bodies. Aromatherapy is onedepression is reduced, there is a corresponding
of the fastest growing fields in alternative medicine.improvement in sleep patterns and energy levels. In
It is widely used at home, clinics and hospitals for aaromatherapy it is believed that the sense of smell is
variety of applications such as pain relief for womenvery powerful and directly connected to our brain,
in labor pain, relieving pain caused by the side effectsand therefore, to the hormonal activity in the body.
of the chemotherapy undergone by the cancerBased on this logic, we can balance our hormones
patients, and rehabilitation of cardiac patients. The oilsusing essential oils. Many of the essential oils used for
are obtained by steam distillation, expressiondepression are from flowers and fruit. These
(squeezing the oil from peel), maceration (immersingessences have an uplifting effect on the mind and
the plant in hot oil to release the essence) oremotions. An aromatic bath two to three times per
enfleurage (pressing flowers between oiled glassweek is especially helpful for depression. Sometimes
plates). The essential oils are aromatic essencesthe aromatic baths are effective enough on their
extracted from plants, flowers, trees, fruits, bark,own as a remedy for mild bouts of depression or
grasses and seeds with distinctive therapeutic,feeling blue.
psychological, and physiological properties, whichSandalwood is an essential oil used in yoga and in
improve and prevent illness.temples in many religions. It is indicated to treat
There are about 150 essential oils. These oils areanxiety, nervousness, and depression. Aromatherapy
extracted by the means of steam distillation, coldcan help you relax, be energized, and create a feeling
expression, or fixed oil or alcohol extraction. Most ofof well being. Aromatherapy is an alternative
these oils have antiseptic properties; some aretheatment that uses the highly concentrated essential
antiviral, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving,oils that are extracted from plants to treat
antidepressant and expectorant. When you takesymptoms and assist in the healing process.
"Aromatherapy massage" with the essential oils,Aromatherapy is aimed at revitalizing the body and
these oils are absorbed into the bloodstream via themind while lifting your spirits. Aromatherapy will aid in
skin. Other properties of the essential oils which arepromoting a sense of well being. Aromatherapy is
taken advantage of in aromatherapy are theiralso known for easing mental fatigue and insomnia.
stimulation, relaxation, digestion improvement, andWhen you use these wonderful essential oils in the
diuretic properties. To get the maximum benefit fromcorrect blend for massages, baths, diffusers and
essential oils, it should be made from natural, pureeven personal perfumes you will begin to benefit
raw materials. Synthetically made oils do not work.from the use of aromatherapy. Using aromatherapy
They may also be added to steam inhalations orfor depression will give you the peace of mind and
baths, added to compresses or spread throughout athe well being that you need. Bergamot (pressed
room with diffusers. The essential oils used infrom the peels of bitter oranges) has a strong
aromatherapy are the life force of the plants fromreputation for its ability to uplift the mind and
which they have been extracted. These oils can beemotions. Bergamot has the ability to both relax the
massaged on your body, inhaled, added to your bathnerves and invigorate the spirit; with these actions,
or sprayed in the air. Cold expression is used forthis important oil can be helpful for a variety of
citrus oils, and a method of solvent extraction fordepressive condtions. Sweet orange, a close relative,
absolutes, concretes and resinoids. The newestworks in a similar fashion, with a slightly sweeter
technological process of extraction is the hypercriticalaroma.