Aromatherapy for Anxiety & Depression

Aromatherapy can be very useful in dealing with the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.  I know this.  When I was in mid mid-twenties I went through a mild case of post-traumatic stress disorder, dished up with a side order of mild depression.  At the time, I was knee-deep in my aromatherapy and natural therapy studies.  I used the knowledge and experience to help myself emotionally through rough times. In my first book, Lovitude:  Trying To Calm The Monkey Mind I shared information concerning essential oils that are helpful in dealing with anxiety, depression and insomnia.

I was fortunate I didn’t need to be medicated back then. There are so many people out there though for whom medication is a virtual lifesaver.  I know how much anti-depressants can help someone on the brink of suicide.  While aromatherapy can help, I realise that we still need to be mindful of how these essential oils may impact the effectiveness of the drugs.  Especially when the consequences can be a matter of life and death.  The chemical constituents within essential oils can sometimes affect the way in which the medications work.   Essential oils have the power to antidote some medications which can be a life-threatening situation for many.

Contraindications for essential oils when used with prescribed medications for anxiety and depression

Below is a list of possible contraindications for the above-mentioned essential oils when used with medications for stress, anxiety and depression.

Caution still required

As per the list above, essential oils are safe to be applied topically or in oil diffusers. For those oils that make you drowsy, you just need to be mindful of when you choose to use them.  Likewise for those essential oils that increase sun sensitivity. For those people on other medications or with other illnesses, it always pays to check with your GP (or websites like webmd) to confirm essential oils do not affect your medications or exacerbate your existing condition.

How to use the essential oils

You only need a 1-2% dilution of essential oil when used in a vegetable-based oil or cream.  You can use the essential oils in your bath water also.  I like combining the essential oils with a blob of shea butter.  It not only makes your skin feel amazing after.  It also helps matters if you have sensitive skin that is easily irritated. Essential oil diffusers are also an awesome way to introduce aromatherapy into your environment safely.

Some aromatherapy blends that work wonders

Let me know how you get on! As well as being the author of Peacock Dreaming: The Wisdom Of Flowers and Lovitude:  Trying To Calm The Monkey Mind, Anne McCormack is also a qualified Clinical Aromatherapist who lives in works in Nelson, New Zealand.  Anne has practised and presented courses and workshops in Australia, and has been a guest speaker for organisations such as the NSW Encore Support Group for Breast Cancer.  Keen to learn more?  Contact Anne today!

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Feature image courtesy of Pixabay Information in article on medications courtesy of webmd