Hannah Grace
Usually seen in spas and massage parlours before, essential oils have now sparked the interest of more people. Aside from helping relieve stress, use of essential oils can also help with mental health. Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that aims to improve physical and mental health. These are 9 essential oils that can help you achieve better mental health:
Lavender
With its many benefits, lavender is one of the most commonly used essential oils in aromatherapy. It has a mild, pleasant smell that helps give a sense of calm. A study found that lavender helps ease anxiety and depression symptoms. It can also help with insomnia, which is related to some mental health conditions.
Rosemary
This essential oil helps you relax, have mental clarity, and keep your thoughts positive. It also helps with mood swings, stress, and depression. Moreover, rosemary has been proven by a recent study to enhance memory and mental alertness.
Cedarwood
Found to have stress-relieving properties, cedarwood helps improve focus and performance. It can also help with symptoms of depression. There are many types of cedarwood oil, all with different levels of effectiveness for each person.
Frankincense
This oil is made from the Boswellia tree that usually grows in dry regions of India, Africa, and the Middle East. Said to lift mood and balance hormones, frankincense can help lessen anxiety and anger. It can also help create a sense of comfort and peace.
Chamomile
Often used to treat physical symptoms associated with inflammation, chamomile helps restore balance. It acts as an anti-inflammatory for aggravated bodily systems. Studies show that chamomile oil increases motivation and wards off depression.
Grapefruit
This essential oil has an uplifting effect that can help you feel more energized. It helps boost your immune system, ease nausea, and lift your mood. On top of that, grapefruit is commonly recommended for those fighting addiction. It can help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Patchouli
Patchouli is a soothing essential oil that helps stabilize the mind. It helps with depression and anxiety while also creating a sense of calm. Patchouli can also help you recover from nervous stress and exhaustion.
Rose Geranium
Instantly calming, Rose Geranium is a bright rosy aroma loved by many. As an essential oil, it helps you relax and helps balance your body’s hormonal levels. It also enhances mood and promotes emotional stability.
Carrot Seed
This oil is a bit woody, sweet, and earthy. It has both a grounding and revitalising effect to the nervous system. Carrot seed essential oil helps improve mental clarity and calms anxiety. It also helps lessen feelings of stress, weakness, and fatigue.
Although aromatherapy is still not recognized as an effective treatment for mental health, it does lessen symptoms. Several studies have shown essential oils’ success in minimizing symptoms of mental health conditions. Success rates vary from person to person, but adding aromatherapy to psychotherapy may improve mental wellbeing. However, just like other forms of treatment, you need to make sure first if it’s for you. You may seek professional advice to know about any allergies or problems you might have.
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