How Does Lavender Help Depression?
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The Pain of Depression
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Depression is a medical illness involving both the mind and body that affects millions of Americans. It is caused by an imbalance of hormones and is often treated with a variety of chemical medications. For those looking for a more natural form of relief from depression, lavender could be the answer.
Depression often causes anxiety, stress, tension, sleeplessness and even physical aches and pains. Lavender has been found to ease these symptoms in many people.
Relaxing the Pain Away
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Lavender has many healing properties. The essential oil of lavender can be applied directly to the skin to help relieve symptoms associated with depression. Although most essential oils must be diluted, lavender is safe to use at full strength.
Lavender's scent is soothing. A few drops of the essential oil can be massaged into the temples, shoulders or neck to relieve a tension headache and help with relaxation. The scent of lavender on bedding helps induce a relaxing sleep. Research has shown that the scent of lavender induces a restorative sleep and those exposed to the scent fall asleep faster and sleep longer and more deeply.
A study reported in 2003 in the journal "Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry" suggests that taking a moderate amount of lavender may help reduce the amount of tricyclic antidepressants needed to treat depression, leading to fewer medication side effects. Lavender has been commonly used by herbalists as a treatment for depression, but this is the first scientific study to lend support to the practice.
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Using Lavender
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Lavender is a common plant. The plants or fresh or dried lavender flowers can be placed around the home and office space to induce a state of relaxation and relieve the stress that is common with depression.
Dried lavender and lavender essential oil can be found at most health food stores. The dried herb can be steeped in hot water to create a tea. In addition to rubbing directly on skin to relieve tension, lavender essential oil can be mixed into an unscented body lotion for gradual release of the scent. Never take lavender essential oil internally.
Warmed in an oil diffuser, lavender essential oil makes a calming air freshener. The essential oils can also be boiled into a few cups of water. Inhaling the released vapors has been shown to ease tension, provide relief from headaches and depression and help treat insomnia.
Warning
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Depression is a serious medical condition. Consult with a doctor before beginning any medical treatment for depression.
Some people are allergic to lavender.
Lavender may interfere with some medications. Consult with your doctor before altering your health regimen.
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- Photo Credit The Flower Expert
