Introduction
Aromatherapy, particularly in the use of essential oils can be extremely useful in promoting strong emotional well-being. It can help promote positive emotional states of being and can assist in dealing with issues such as grief, anger, or frustration. People who experience stress on a daily basis should consider the use of essential oils daily to help promote a less stressful environment to assist them to calm their nerves.
One reason why aromatherapy works so well in this particular situation is that essential oils are comprised of chemicals that occur naturally in plant material and that can be introduced in synergy with each other. Their molecules are easily inhaled which allows them to be fast acting and be absorbed into the body quickly.
The molecules released through aromatherapy will stimulate and affect portions of the brain. The triggers that it provides to the brain can produce specific types of emotions or can mask other types of emotions. Naturally, not all the essential oils will affect everyone in the same manner. Other memories that are associated with particular types of aromas may affect how the aroma will impact their emotional state of being.
For instance, if you have a particularly strong emotional response to a certain type of oil or scent, this will affect its ability to positively influence your emotional well-being. If cinnamon, normally a warm and comforting scent, has become associated with the death of a family member, you are less likely to be positively influence by cinnamon.
What essential oils influence emotional well-being?
It is believed by those who practice aromatherapy that it can greatly influence and improve upon a person’s emotional well-being. We, as human beings, experience a wide variety of emotional states and we need to address these emotional states in order to continue functioning in society. It is hard to deal with other people when stricken with grief – even more when stricken with anger.
Therefore, some people turn to aromatherapy as a method to deal with these strong emotions. Different oils have properties that deal with different emotional states.
The list below covers most human emotions that we wish either to suppress or to enhance.
Anger
Bergamot, Jasmine, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang
Anxiety
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Confidence
Bay Laurel, Bergamot, Cypress, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Orange, Rosemary
Depression
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Orange, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang
Fatigue, Exhaustion and Burnout
Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Fear
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Roman Chamomile Sandalwood, Vetiver
Grief
Cypress, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Happiness and Peace
Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang
Insecurity
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Irritability
Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood
Loneliness
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Roman Chamomile, Rose
Memory and Concentration
Basil, Black Pepper, Cypress, Hyssop, Lemon, Peppermint, Rosemary
Panic and Panic Attacks
Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lavender, Neroli, Rose
Stress
Benzoin, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang
How does Aromatherapy help Depression?
In most cases, depression is caused by hormonal or chemical imbalances or through situational triggers. A “situational” trigger includes the death of a loved one, physical or verbal abuse, financial hardships, moving, loneliness, retirement, unemployment, divorce, or pressure in life. For most people, depression is short-lived and passes quickly, but other instances of depression may linger much longer.
If you believe that you have depression, it is always best to consult a qualified physician to address these issues. He or she will probably recommend therapy to you and you may need to start taking medications. It is best to deal with depression under a physician’s supervision.
If you decide to use aromatherapy to help with your depression, remember that it is only complementary. Aromatherapy can be particularly helpful in improving your overall mood and outlook on life, but it is no substitute for medical treatments to address your depression issues, particularly when they are caused by hormonal or chemical imbalances.
However, you can use aromatherapy to enhance your sense of well-being. Try using a diffuser (such as a reed diffuser where the oils climb a reed and diffuse into the air) during the day, an air freshener or room spray with aromatherapy ingredients, a massage with aromatherapy lotions (even a self-massage using aromatherapy oils can be so refreshing), skin, and hair aromatherapy products. Various instances where your senses are exposed to the therapeutic properties of the oils will help make your day easier and will help relieve your stress and anxiety. You can also use bath oils and bath