Secrets to Aromatherapy II – Psychological Complaints

Aromatherapy is very therapeutic when it comes to healing

emotional and psychological conditions. This is because the

essential oils from plants contain all kinds of compounds,

phytoestrogens and phytochemicals that have the ability to

subtly alter brain chemistry for the better.

Given the stressful demands of today’s busy schedules,

anxiety is a very common problem. There are scores of

essential oils that can be used to combat this common

psychological complaint. To achieve the best results try to

buy high quality or organic oils as they contain the

highest concentration of compounds, phyto estrogens and

phyto-chemicals.

For anxiety you can try companioning a few drops of any of

these oils in a base carrier oil such as olive or almond

and applying them to your pulse points or temples. You can

also disperse the oils through the air using a diffuser or

candle oil warmer or add a few drops of the oil to eight

ounces of distilled water and mist your surroundings. You

can also shoot a mist straight up into the air and walk

through it so that the plant’s healing molecules cling to

your clothing, skin and hair. For acute anxiety, you can

try applying the oils to a hanky or Kleenex and sniffing

the aroma whenever you feel a panic attack setting in. The

best aromatherapy oils to use for anxiety are balsam fir,

bergamot, cedar wood, frankincense, lavender, jasmine,

neroli, rose and ylang ylang. Linden blossoms, in

particular are excellent to use to stop a full-blown

anxiety attack and geranium is the oil to use if menstrual

or menopausal issues cause the anxiety.

If you have been overworking (also a common problem in

this hectic society) and feel like you are on the verge of

burnout warming oils such as basil, bergamot, cinnamon,

clove, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, orange, neroli (orange

blossom) and patchouli can help revitalize your senses and

raise your spirits. Essential lime oil is known as a brain

chiller and alleviates cases of obsessive thoughts or

racing mind.

Some essential oils have been known to be specifically

beneficial for depression. Balsam Fir, basil, cedar wood,

neroli and lavender have been known to level out mood

swings. Lemon, orange, peppermint and vanilla scented oils

help lift “brain fog” and put you in a cheerier mood.

If insomnia is keeping you up at night try misting your

bedding or diffusing any combination of the following

essential oils through your bedroom: chamomile, clary sage,

frankincense, lavender, neroli, rose or sandalwood.

Basil, clary sage or rose oils can also be used to aid

those who have suffered a sudden shock or who are

overwhelmed with unbearable grief. Apply one or a mixture

of these oils immediately to the pulse points to calm and

pacify the sorrowful individual.

Essential oils can also be used to help enhance your

mental performance. If you need to stay awake while driving

or be as sharp as possible while studying any oil from the

mint family (peppermint, spearmint) can help you burn the

candle from both ends.

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