Treating
Depression With Aromatherapy
by Misty Rae Cech, ND
A
fantastic and mysterious relationship is continuously unfolding between
plants and their surroundings. These organic green machines are ceaselessly
performing a glorious alchemy with water, soil, air and sunlight.
The nearly infinite possible combinations of plant genetics and environmental
conditions on the face of the earth have allowed for an almost immeasurable
diversity of alchemal floral expression, resulting in a vast array
of natural botanical materials. These range from simple staple foodstuffs
to gourmet fruits and vegetables, from rich exotic spices to effective
medicinal herbs, and from enchanting natural perfumes to complex therapeutic
essential oils. Mankind is reaching ever further into the jungles
and rainforests, knowing that nature is the true master of creation
in these fields.
The line between food-plants and medicinal herbs is a fuzzy one. Science
regularly reports newfound medicinal effects in plants once taken
for granted; many fruits once thought quite plain contain some of
the world's most potent anti-cancer agents. The same goes for teas
- green tea is one of the most potent anti-oxidants known - and spices
- cinnamon may prevent the onset of debilitating diabetes - and this
list continues to grow. This same lack of distinction exists between
natural fragrances and therapeutic essential oils. The oil of a rose,
laden with Citronellol, does triple duty as a perfume, an effective
agent against the herpes simplex virus, and an uplifting aromatic
that can help one open emotionally after a traumatizing experience.
The use of so-called 'alternative' therapies is on the rise; more
individuals are turning to the wisdom of nature for assistance for
all types of ailments, both physical and psychological. Interestingly,
the source of most ills, from a naturopathic point of view, is being
out-of-balance with nature. Eating unnatural things, following unnatural
cycles,and living in unnatural environments. Lack of balance with
the earth, from which we are made and upon which we live, leads to
'dis-ease' in our bodies and minds. As plants have created their wondrous
botanical materials in a process guided by the rhythms of the heavens
and earth, we may look to 'plant wisdom' to lead our way back into
balance.
A depressed emotional state is a common reasons for using complementary
and alternative therapies today. A wide range of psychological, physical,
and energetic issues can lead to feelings of depression and a pervasive
outlook of negativity. Moreover, once in a state of depression, patterns
can arise that make relief all the more difficult to find. The use
of essential oils for uplifting the psyche and spirit is becoming
more widespread because of the oils' broad and dramatic effects. While
the oils themselves may not directly affect the underlying cause of
depression, they may help individuals break free from depressive cycles
- they may provide the impetus to 'get off the couch', so to speak,
and begin creating long lasting change. Many natural healers believe
depression to be a result of, like many other ills, of being out of
balance; being unable to 'synch up' with the natural state of harmony
that permeates the universe. For relieving this is-harmony, aromatherapy
can be a very powerful means to infuse one's body and mind with the
most concentrated, sublime botanicals nature has to offer.
In humans, the olfactory (sense of smell) region is an area of about
2 and a half square centimeters, and is located in each of the two
nasal cavities between and below the eyes. Containing approximately
fifty million primary sensory receptor cells, this region is highly
intricate, being 10,000 times more perceptive than the sense of taste.
When compared to sight, we find that olfaction is more complex - it
is able to distinguish a nearly infinite number of element compounds
at very low concentrations. In order to perceive the visible spectrum,
humans use only three types of photoreceptors; in contrast, the sense
of smell relies on several hundred distinct classes of receptors.
Modern research has shown natural plant oils stimulate multiple regions
in the brain, including those controlling endocrine, immune, and limbic
(emotional center) functions. Essential oils have a direct and profound
effect on the deepest levels of the body, emotions, and psyche. Through
inhalation, essential oils have a strong and immediate influence.
Passing through the capillary beds of the sinuses and activating the
olfactory nerves, volatile plant oils enter the brain, producing direct
and powerful systemic effects - the most immediate being on the emotions.
Our emotions and our sense of smell have very strong ties - perhaps
more than with any other of the other four senses.
In both Naturopathy and Ayurvedic Medicine (The Science of Life),
essential oils are considered to enhance the flow of prana (essential
life force), enhance and nourish ojas (sustaining energy and immunological
essence), and brighten tejas (clarity and mental luminosity). In Traditional
Chinese Medicine, essential oils in general are medicines for the
Shen, the spiritual essence that resides in the heart and guides and
governs consciousness. Used consciously, essential oils powerfully
enhance positive mental and emotional states.
Further, the medicinal properties of essential oils, through their
ability to support physiological healing, can also be of great benefit
to the heart and mind. A Korean study on the effect of aromatherapy
on pain in patients with arthritis found that receiving massage with
lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint oils significantly
decreased both the pain AND mental depression levels.
Following are some oils that have a reputation for up-lifting Shen,
enhancing prana, nourishing ojas, and brightening tejas - combinations
that may have marked effects on symptoms of depression. These oils
can be used alone or in combination in a nebulizing diffuser (producing
a fine mist of oils for inhalation), or in aromatherapy massage, thereby
inhaled and absorbed through the skin concurrently.
Bergamot (pressed from the peels
of bitter oranges) has a strong reputation for its ability to gently
uplift. In terms of Chinese medicine, this is a direct result of its
smoothing the flow of Liver-Qi ('Chi' or Life Force), the liver being
thought of as the seat of the eternal soul. Bergamot combines the
ability to both relax the nerves and refresh the Spirit; it is suitable
for many types of depressive states.
Neroli (from the flower of bitter
oranges), like Bergamot, regulates the Qi - and like Jasmine flower
oil, comforts the mind and heart. Neroli is called for at a core level,
for the type of depression that comes from nervous and emotional exhaustion.
Neroli uplifts the mind and Spirit with its potential to nourish and
unify. Neroli assists in retrieving and releasing repressed emotions,
with potential to nourish and unify a fragmented psyche. Neroli is
specifically indicated for individuals who, in order to escape from
emotional pain and suffering, cut themselves off from their feelings
and senses.
The Chamomiles (German and Roman)
are wonderful oils to use when the depression manifests in a moody,
irritable, dissatisfied outward expression associated with stagnant
Liver-Qi. These flower oils are earthy, rich, and grounding with subtle
uplifting qualities.
When depression is of a Fire (overly aggressive) nature, it often
involves an imbalance of joy and love - the root emotions of the heart
and mind. Joy is an extension of Shen's (spiritual essence's) innate
sense of harmony and perfection, an experience of emotional and spiritual
well-being. The depression that afflicts the heart and Shen involves
a loss of one's natural sense of joy. There is often an accompanied
lack of enthusiasm and interest as well as an inability to become
inspired. Rose otto - steam distilled rose essential oil - or Rose
Absolute may have a profound effect on this state. Rose is thought
the premier heart opening aromatic, bringing joy, uplifting and restoring
balance.
What follows are a few recipes for uplifting and releasing depressed
emotional states - use your intuition to find the right one. Often,
the single essential oil or blend you find most attractive will be
the one that serves you best. Experiment, explore, and have fun with
these fantastic gifts of nature. These blends may be used in a diffuser
or candle lamp, unless where a carrier oil is indicated - blends with
carriers are intended specifically for aromatherapy massage (self-massage
is very effective, as well as a simple massage from a friend or loved
one).
For releasing and opening the heart: 1 part Rose 3 parts Sandalwood
1 part Sweet Orange or Bergamot;
3 parts Jasmine 1 part Ylang Ylang 1 part Sandalwood
Brightening, refreshing and uplifting: 3 parts Bergamot 1 part Ylang
Ylang 1 part Grapefruit;
2 parts Bergamot 2 parts Clary Sage 1 part Frankincense;
3 parts Bergamot or Sweet Orange 2 parts Clary Sage;
2 parts Frankincense 1 part Lemon 1 part either Jasmine or Neroli
Nourishing: 1 part (Roman) Chamomile 1 part Vanilla 10 parts Carrier
oil of choice
Floral and earthy (uplifting and softening to Spirit): 1 part Neroli
1 part Vanilla 1 part Orange 1 part Sandalwood;
1 part Chamomile 1 part Bergamot 1 part Helichrysum
Single oils can also be used, and should be investigated so one can
learn the different energies of each plant. For depression associated
with negativity: Bergamot, Chamomile, Helichrysum, Neroli, or Sweet
Orange. For a profound lack of joy, try Rose, Jasmine, Patchouli,
or Ylang Ylang. For overthinking and worry, try Frankincense, Lemon,
Marjoram, Myrrh or Vetiver. For pessimism, regret and remorse, try
Clary Sage, Cypress, Hyssop, or Pine needle. For doubt of one's capacity
to cope with overwhelming situations, try Juniper Berry.
For cases of moderate to severe depression, professional help should
always be sought. It is important to consider if you one requires
professional help if the depression is overwhelming - while aromatherapy
can provide support in a significant number of situations, it may
not be for everyone. Essential oils can safely be used in conjunction
with other treatments - consult your care giver to ensure there are
no conflicts if medications have been prescribed.
About the Author: Misty Rae Cech, ND is a degreed naturopath, iridologist
and herbologist praciticing in Boulder, Colorado. She regularly employs
aromatherapy and
essential oils with
her clients and friends.
Source: www.isnare.com