5 Essential Oils That Help Promote Mental Wellness

5 Essential Oils That Help Promote Mental Wellness

Aromatherapy has been around for centuries, and has recently gained in popularity. The beauty of the modality is multi-faceted as it has such a wide range of benefits. One of its most popular and most effective methods of use is for mental and emotional wellness.

5 Essential Oils That Promote Mental Wellness Blog

 

Essential Oils to Relax Your Body and Soothe Your Skin Do you struggle with overscheduling your life therefore you often feel frazzled? Do you have a solid and consistent way of quieting the mind and coming back to self? Aromatherapy may be just what you need to be able to shut off at the end of the day, or any time of day. The most effective route to the bloodstream and the brain is through inhalation. Aromasticks and diffusers are simple and affordable ways of maximizing the therapeutic benefits of essential oils. The effect of the oils on mood is almost instantaneous. There is a large selection of oils that can be of great benefit for those that are stressed, uneasy, or blue. Essential oils should not be a replacement for medical advice, but when used as a compliment they are incredibly effective. Below I cover the top five essential oils that can be used to promote mental wellness.


Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia

Bergamot has a very sweet, fresh, and citrusy aroma. Bergamot is relaxing yet very uplifting, therefore it has a regulating effect on the nervous system by promoting emotional stability. A 2011 study in Thailand found that Bergamot effectively lowered the anxiety response in rats (1). Bergamot is a great addition to an inhaler or diffusing blend alongside Red Mandarin Citrus nobilis or Lavender Lavandula angustifolia. Caution: Bergamot is highly phototoxic. For this reason, do not expose skin to the sun for 12-24 hours after application. Bergamot is best inhaled rather than used topically.


Blue Tansy Tanacetum Annuum

Blue Tansy (related to but different than the neurotoxic Tansy Tanacetum vulgare) is a beautiful dark blue color, with an extreme sweet fruity odor and a camphorous undertone. Blue Tansy has been touted to promote emotional stability, calm the mind, and promote relaxation (2). Historically, Blue Tansy has been used to great benefit for various psychological disorders. Blue tansy is very effective blended with Atlas Cedarwood Cedrus atlantica to combat tension and anxiety. Caution: Blue Tansy should be avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy.


Clary Sage Salvia Sclaria

Clary Sage has a soft, sweet musky scent with woody undertones. This oil is great for mental fatigue, emotional shock of any kind, and those with a nervous tendency. Clary Sage has a history of being somewhat euphoric, so be sure to test out the effect of the oil before doing anything too strenuous. Clary Sage blends well with Petitgrain Citrus aurantium to relax and renew the spirit. Caution: Clary Sage should be used with caution during a high-risk pregnancy (seek out the help of a professional).


Lemon Citrus Limon

The essential oil of Lemon has a brilliant, crisp, clean scent and is considered an uplifting anti-depressant. Lemon essential oil is currently being used in hospitals, hospices, and with palliative care patients to greatly improve mood. Inhaled Lemon essential oil carries no medical contraindications. According to Gabriel Mojay, “Lemon essential oil calms, lightens, and refreshes, dispersing confusion and easing worry (3). Caution: Lemon is phototoxic. For this reason, do not expose skin to the sun for 12-24 hours after application to the skin.


Australian Sandalwood Santalum Spicatum

Sandalwood has a woody, balsamic, and sweet aroma. This intoxicating aroma has a way of quieting the mind and slowing everything down. Unlike the other varieties of Sandalwood, Australian Sandalwood is a sustainable crop. Men particularly love the aroma, but it is not exclusive to them. Sandalwood has a strong influence on the mind and spirit. Caution: None


References: (1) Saiyudthong, S., Marsden, CA. (2011) Acute effects of bergamot oil on anxiety-related behavior and corticosterone level in rats. Phytother Res Jun;25(6):858-62. Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21105176 (2) Holmes, P. (2016) Aromatica, A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics. London, UK: Singing Dragon Publication (3) Mojay, G. (1997) Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press