Treating Depression Symptoms With Aromatherapy
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 alchemic 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 rain forests, 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 reason 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 ’sync 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.
Our olfactory region is located in each of the two nasal cavities between and below the eye sockets. Containing nearly fifty million primary sensory receptor cells, this part of the nervous system is highly intricate, being ten thousand times more sensitive than the sense of taste. We find that olfaction is more complex than the sense of sight as well – it is able to distinguish a nearly infinite number of aromatic molecules at very low concentrations. Visible light is sensed using only three types of receptors, whereas the sense of smell relies on several hundred distinct classes of sensors.
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 Ayurveda, essential oils are considered to enhance the flow of prana – the essential life force, enhance and nourish ojas -the sustaining energy and immunological essence, and brighten tejas – clarity and mental luminosity. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, aromatherapy oils in general are medicines for the Shen, the spiritual essence that resides in the heart, guiding and governing consciousness. As viewed by these natural medicine systems, the concentrated volatile essences of plants have a great capacity to affect positive mental and emotional states.
In addition, essential oils’ healing action on the physical body is likely to effect one’s mental outlook as well. Used as powerful medicines in many countries around the world, essential oils have been utilized to improve a great variety of physical disease states. Bringing the physical body back to balance almost always has a great impact in returning the mind and emotions to a balanced state as well.
Certain oils have a long-standing reputation for up lifting and enhancing Shen, prana, ojas and tejas effects that may have profound results on symptoms of depression. The oils can be used alone or blended to one’s taste, and employed using an aromatherapy diffuser or in aromatherapy massage. Massage includes the added benefit of touch and muscular relaxation concurrent with inhalation and trans-dermal absorption of the oils.
Bergamot oil, cold pressed from the rinds of bitter oranges, has a great reputation uplifting the mind and spirit, while bringing calm. For this reason, is suitable for many types of depressive states, particularly those with a strong current of negativity.
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 an overly aggressive, ‘fire’ nature, it often involves a lack of joy and love in one’s life. These are the root emotions of the heart and mind. Joy is an extension of innate harmony and perfection, an experience of emotional and spiritual well-being. There is often an accompanied lack of enthusiasm and interest, along with an inability to become inspired. Essential oil of Rose petals may have dramatic effects on this state. Rose is considered the premier heart opening aromatic, bringing joy and opening the heart to loving experience. Jasmine is also specifically indicated for depression of a ‘fire’ nature.
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 opening the heart:1 part Rose 3 parts Sandalwood 1 part Sweet Orange or Bergamot3 parts Jasmine 1 part Ylang Ylang 1 part Sandalwood. For brightening, refreshing and uplifting:3 parts Bergamot 1 part Ylang Ylang 1 part Grapefruit2 parts Bergamot 2 parts Clary Sage 1 part Frankincense3 parts Bergamot or Sweet Orange 2 parts Clary Sage2 parts Frankincense 1 part Lemon 1 part either Jasmine or Neroli. For nourishing:1 part (Roman) Chamomile 1 part Vanilla 10 parts carrier oil of choice. If you like floral and earthy (uplifting and softening to Spirit):1 part Neroli 1 part Vanilla 1 part Orange or 1 part Sandalwood1 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.
While aromatherapy can provide support in many cases, it may not be for everyone. Seek professional assistance in any case where one is losing the will to live, or any other seemingly impossible situation. Aromatherapy can be used in concurrently with other treatments, though one should consult their care giver to ensure there are no contraindications with any prescribed medication.
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