Mild, temporary bouts of sadness are within the range of normal, everyday emotions. Anything from a bad week at work to losing a beloved pet can bring on feelings of depression, which may be accompanied by fatigue, loss of interest, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia. Talking with friends, some self-care, and emotionally stabilizing and uplifting essential oils may raise you out of this type of depression.
Alone or combined, some suggested essential oils for depression are:
• Bergamot
• Roman chamomile
• Clary sage
• Geranium
• Sandalwood
Safety First
Clinical depression is a completely different condition than the kind of depression discussed here, which is characterized by intermittent sadness or grief. Clinical depression is a much more severe and pervasive depressive disorder. If you believe you suffer from clinical depression, talk with a healthcare provider.
When feeling in a funk, consider these aromatherapy options.
• Relaxing massage. A massage using uplifting, comforting oils can ease the depression along with the physical symptoms such as aches and pains.
• Soothing soak. Self-care is incredibly important when dealing with depression. Infuse a warm bath with antidepressant oils for a half hour of healing time.
• In the air. One of the simplest ways to defuse depression is to diffuse, and inhale, uplifting and emotionally stabilizing essential oils.
Natural Partners for Aromatherapy
For maximum results, combine your essential oils with these other natural remedies:
• Move your body. Engaging in regular exercise, especially mind-body practices like yoga or tai chi, encourages healthy emotions.
• Eat well. Good nutrition helps you maintain both physical and mental health.
• Keep life interesting. Be proactive in your life, and create positive changes and desires.
Dealing with emotions can be a tumultuous ride, which sometimes requires working through them rather than resisting. Essential oils make the working through a little easier. Try these emotionally supportive recipes.
Depression can make your body ache as much as your mind. Sink into a hot, relaxing bath with the emotionally balancing powers of bergamot and sandalwood.
12 drops bergamot oil
10 drops sandalwood oil
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 cup Epsom salts
½ cup coarse sea salt
½ cup baking soda
1 dark-glass pint jar
In a large glass bowl, combine the oils. Add in the Epsom salts, sea salt, and baking soda and whisk to combine. Pour the mixture into your jar. Add ¼ to ½ cup of the blend to a hot bath.
Depression goes wherever you go. Carry this uplifting formula for quick relief.
3 drops clary-sage oil
3 drops bergamot oil
2 drops Roman chamomile oil
2 drops geranium oil
1 10-milliliter rollerball bottle
Carrier oil to fill
Add all of the essential oils to the rollerball bottle, then fill it the rest of the way with carrier oil. Shake to blend. Apply to pulse points or simply breathe it in straight from the bottle.