Essential Oils and the Psyche: A Natural Connection

Perhaps due to rising levels of stress in our society, the number of people seeking support for depression is on the rise. With approximately 30% of the US adult women's population affected, many are turning to alternative and natural therapies. A great majority are primarily in need of the inspiration to make a change in their lifestyle that will break the depressive cycle. The change can take a variety of forms - a new vocation, new residence, a new relationship, or perhaps most importantly, a new level of self-worth. Essential oils, long known to directly affect the brain's emotional centers, may provide the impetus for change for some individuals, and can support personal transformation as an adjunct therapy for others.

Clinical research has shown that natural, pure essential 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, the oils' vapor, produces direct and powerful 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. It is said that your body will react to a smell on a physiological level (excitement, sedation, etc.) before one can make a mental judgement about it!

In both Naturopathy and Ayurvedic Medicine, essential oils are considered to enhance the flow of essential life force (the 'Chi') and brighten mental clarity and luminosity. In Chinese medicine, pure essential oils are therapy for the heart's spiritual essence, the Shen. Used consciously, essential oils positively enhance mental and emotional states. Further, the medicinal properties of essential oils, through their ability to support healing of the physical body, can also be of great benefit to the heart and mind. A study on the effect of aromatherapy on pain in patients with arthritis found that receiving massage with essential oils significantly decreased both the pain AND depression levels.

Following are some oils that have a reputation for positively affecting Chi and Shen, directly influencing the state of the psyche and emotions. The oils may be used in aromatherapy massage blends (a particularly effective method incorporating the support of a caregivers's touch), and diffused into any space for activation of the brain's limbic centers.

Bergamot (pressed from the peels of bitter oranges) has a strong reputation for its ability to uplift the mind and emotions. In terms of Chinese medicine, this is a direct result of its smoothing the flow of liver-Chi, the liver being thought of as the seat of the eternal soul. Bergamot has the ability to both relax the nerves and invigorate the spirit; it is suitable for many types of depressive states. Sweet orange, a close relative, works in a similar fashion, with a slightly sweeter aroma.

Neroli oil, steam distilled from the Bergamot tree's flowers, also balances life force, and brings a sublime feeling of comfort. Neroli is called for where the depression is a result of nervous and emotional exhaustion. The aroma of Neroli may help access and release repressed emotions. Neroli is additionally indicated for individuals who, in order to escape from emotional pain and suffering, cut themselves off from their feelings and senses.

Chamomile is wonderful to use when the depression manifests in a moody, irritable, dissatisfied outward expression - generally 'cranky' - associated with stagnant liver-chi. Chamomle aroma is earthy and floral, with grounding and inspiring actions. It is best used in a blend with other oils, subtly enhancing the depression-relieving effect.

When depression is of a Fire (overly aggressive) nature, it often involves an imbalance of (or distinct lack of) joy and love - the root emotions of the heart and mind. Joy is an extension of spiritual essence's innate sense of harmony and perfection, an experience of emotional and spiritual well-being. Rose oil may have a profound effect on this state, and is thought the premier heart opening aromatic, bringing joy, uplifting and restoring balance.

The needle and wood oils are particularly appealing to men. Fine grades of Spruce, Fir and Pine needle oils, Juniper Berry, and woods such as Cedarwood and Sandalwood are both grounding and uplifting. Diffusing these oils alone or in combination creates a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere, and many find these aromas help motivate them in completing otherwise arduous tasks at home or in the office.

What follows are a few recipes for uplifting and releasing depressed emotional states - use your intuition to find the right one. Most often in the therapeutic use of essential oils, the oil or blend you find most attractive will be the one that serves you best. Don't be afraid to try new things, have fun, and enjoy yourself!. These blends may be used in a diffuser or in a massage base at 5% concentration (unless where a carrier oil is indicated) - blends with carriers are intended specifically for aromatherapy massage.

For opening the heart: 1 part Rose 3 parts Sandalwood 1 part Sweet Orange or Bergamot; also 3 parts Jasmine, 1 part Ylang Ylang, 1 part Sandalwood. For brightening, refreshing and uplifting: 3 parts Bergamot, 1 part Ylang Ylang, 1 part Grapefruit; also 2 parts Bergamot, 2 parts Clary Sage, 1 part Frankincense; also 3 parts Bergamot or Sweet Orange, 2 parts Clary Sage 2 parts Frankincense; also 1 part Lemon 1 part either Jasmine or Neroli. For nourishing or 'comforting': 1 part (Roman) Chamomile 1 part Vanilla 10 parts in the carrier oil of choice. For uplifting and softening with a floral and earthy aroma: 1 part Neroli 1 part Vanilla 1 part Orange 1 part Sandalwood; also 1 part Chamomile 1 part Bergamot 1 part Helichrysum.

Single oils can certainly be used as well. For depression with negativity, try Bergamot, Chamomile, Helichrysum, Neroli, Orange, or Spikenard. If there is a marked lack of joy, try Rose, Jasmine, Melissa, Patchouli, Rosemary or Ylang Ylang. If over-thinking and worry are causing blockage, try Cardamom, Frankincense, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh or Vetiver. For overwhelming regret and remorse, try: Clary Sage, Cypress, or Pine. When life's demanding circumstaces become overwhelming, try: Rose Geranium, Ginger, Juniper or Thyme.

While aromatherapy can provide support in many cases, it may not be the answer 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 concurrently with other treatments, and is likely to enhance the effectiveness of other antidepressant therapies; if under a doctor's care, the physician should be consulted regarding any contraindications with a physical condition or medication.

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