Essential oils for anxiety

Anxiety is explained by experts as ‘a feeling of unease, worry or fear which everyone might experience at some point in their life, but for some it’s more prominent. Symptoms vary from person to person and, depending on how severe they are, can have a huge impact on our daily life.’ It is common for anxiety to feel overwhelmed without knowing a reason behind it.
Seasonal change can be unsettling for some people

Anxiety is known to worsen during definite months, while conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can induce serious depressive episodes as during the winter as any other season. Once the fun of the summer is over, going back to the pressures of normal life can be a source of anxiety, as well as the run up to Christmas can be frustrating either. We still associate certain months with childhood times and feel like children before going back to school. It is because our brain reacts to the change in weather. A mood change comes and goes in a seasonal pattern.

The main theory is that a lack of sunlight might affect a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly, which may in turn affect the production of serotonin, the hormone that affects our mood, appetite and sleep. The lack of sunlight and lower serotonin levels can lead to depression.

So, how do we deal with (seasonal) anxiety?

Experts suggest the following methods of managing the symptoms:

Know and accept what you are dealing with.

Talk to someone to reduce the severity of symptoms.

Keep busy to distract your body and keep anxiety symptoms at bay.

Make good use of the sunshine (Vitamin D): a few minutes of sunlight every day can keep melatonin and serotonin levels high resulting in improved mood and energy. Get some well needed oxygen to the brain.

Focus on your breathing, mindfulness and meditation which has proven to have a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

What essential oils for anxiety can do.

Aromatherapy provides a valuable alternative to allopathic treatment. Essential oils for anxiety work in harmony with yoga and meditation. Some essential oils have the ability to help us relax on deep levels. They are the so-called base note oils, such as:

• Frankincense
• Patchouli
• Myrrh
• Sandalwood
• Vetiver

These oils are extracted from the plant parts which tend to be solid, like wood or resin and are very close to the earth, that is why they help us stay grounded.

For example, vetiver is distilled from the rootlets of the grassy plant, so the oil is deeply connected to the earth. You can think that vetiver can help us feel centred and deeply aligned with our core values.

Inhalation of the essential oils can be very helpful for anxiety. Any of the above-mentioned essential oils will help soothe us emotionally and mentally.

Diffusing the following essential oils for anxiety might help by soothing your nervous system:

• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Cedarwood atlas
• Clary sage
• Cypress
• Geranium
• Jasmine
• Juniper
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Rose
• Ylang ylang

Massage with aromatherapy body oils is an integral part of the treatment, as it is remarkably relaxing and soothing.

We offer a selection of massage body oils created by our aromatherapist which can be used at home: Caress, Rose, Stress relieving body oils. Gentle touch paired with oils is a caring approach showing love and concern.

Thus, essential oils can provide some valuable help for anxiety. Simply use them for inhalation, diffusion and also include them into your massage or bath treatment.Please share your favourite essential oils for anxiety in the comment box below.