During these trying times, it’s not all that surprising if your mental health has taken a hit. After all, it’s hard — and, on some days, downright impossible — to keep a smile on your face when it’s bad news after bad news.
Of course, this is perfectly natural with the state of the world and perfectly human. But, it’s also an issue that needs addressing. Otherwise, it’s going to be detrimental to your health and wellbeing.
For a little help when things get too tough, you might want to give essential oils a try as a complementary treatment. Let’s take a look at how they can help.
How Do They Work?
When used, and especially inhaled, the scent molecules of the essential oils travel from your olfactory nerves to your brain and, most importantly, your amygdala. This is basically a network of brain structures that processes emotions.
Which Essential Oils to Use?
Many essential oils can help with mental health in one way or another. However, some are better than others. Here’s a list of the best essential oils to boost your mental well-being:
Soft, calming, and very recognisable, it helps to decrease anxiety, lower stress, and alleviate depression. With its sedative effects, it’s also commonly used to help with sleep issues and insomnia.
The zesty and uplifting oil is often said to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. Plus, it’s also believed to help reduce the release of stress hormones during stressful periods.
Research has shown that the stimulating and uplifting effect of the oil affects brain activity and helps to improve mood as well as reduce depression.
Used for depression and anxiety, studies have posited that ginger may lessen anxiety and its many symptoms. Plus, it’s believed to help to mitigate stress, too.
Chamomile eases the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Besides that, the oil has also been shown to possibly help to enhance motivation for when you need that extra push.
The oil relieves the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s also often used to help manage stress.
Invigorating and refreshing, grapefruit helps to make you feel more energized and revived. Also commonly used by those in addiction treatment programmes to fight cravings and increase chances of success.
Said to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, the oil is believed to promote the release of serotonin and reduce cortisol levels.
Found to stimulate and affect the part of the brain that regulates emotions, frankincense can be used to improve mood, promote relaxation, and alleviate depression.
Sandalwood essential oil
Rich and earthy, sandalwood has long been used for its relaxing and anxiety-relieving properties.
How to Use Essential Oils for Mental Health?
Some common application methods include:
- Direct inhalation
- Via a diffuser
- Added to your bathwater
- Massaged onto the skin
- Rubbed onto the wrists
DIY Essential Oil Recipe for Mental Health
Instead of just using one essential oil, you can also use a blend of different ones. Here’s a DIY blend that you can try to use to help with stress, anxiety, and depression:
- 4 drops of lavender essential oil
- 3 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 2 drops of frankincense essential oil
While essential oils are indispensable in helping to boost and improve mental health, they should be regarded as complementary. Please do seek professional help if and when necessary.
