How To

How to Use Aromatherapy for Depression

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(7 Ratings)

Aromatherapy is an alternative theatment that uses the highly concentrated essential oils that are extracted from plants to treat symptoms and assist in the healing process. Treatments for depression are aimed at revitalizing the body and mind and lifting the spirits to promote a sense of wellbeing with beautiful scents. Invigorating oils help to awaken the body and mind.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • bergamot essential oil
  • clary sage essential oil
  • geranium essential oil
  • jasmine essential oil
  • orange essential oil

    Preparation of Essential Oil Blend

  1. Step 1

    Choose a carrier oil based on your skin type.

  2. Step 2

    Measure and pour 20 ml of the carrier oil into a brown or blue glass bottle.

  3. Step 3

    Choose an essential oil(s) based on the symptom and the effect you would like to achieve.

  4. Step 4

    Determine the # of drops of essential oil needed for your oil blend.

  5. Step 5

    Use an eyedropper to add the essential oil (8 to 10 drops) to the carrier oil and make an aromatic oil blend .

  6. Step 6

    Close the lid tightly and gently shake the bottle.

  7. Step 7

    Label the bottle with the date, the name of the essential oil, the name of the carrier oil and the dilution.

  8. Essential Oils for Depression

  9. Step 1

    Use a blend of bergamot, geranium and melissa to uplift your spirits.

  10. Step 2

    Invigorate your body and mind while you massage the scented oil into your scalp using circular movements.

  11. Step 3

    Revive and revitalize your energy by massaging your feet with the scented oil blend.

  12. Step 4

    Take a refreshing bath with 5 ml of your oil blend added to the water.

Tips & Warnings
  • Choose the essential oil(s) from the recommended ingredients that most appeal to you for your oil blend.
  • Always dilute essential oils to a 1% or 2.5% solution.
  • Mix essential oils in small amounts (20ml) of carrier oil to prevent waste due to the dramatic decrease in the shelf life of diluted oils.
  • 20 ml of blended oil is adequate for a full body aromatherapy massage.
  • Thicken your creams and lotions by adding a waxy plant extract called Jojoba.
  • Add wheat germ oil to blended oils to prolong the shelf life and to prevent them from becoming rancid.
  • Avoid sun lamps and exposure to the sun for at least 6 hours after using orange and bergamot essential oils.
  • Avoid jasmine if you are prone to headaches.
  • Avoid clary sage if you are pregnant.
  • Avoid the use a alcohol with clary sage.
  • Do not use jasmine essential oil for babies and avoid jasmine if you are pregnant.
  • Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin.
  • Do not rub your eyes after using essential oils. (Rinse your eyes with cold water if you get any essential oil in your eye.)
  • Use a 1% dilution for children, pregnant women and for anyone with sensitive skin.
  • Consult your physician and an aromatherapist prior to using essential oils if you are pregnant.
  • Check each essential oil for specific contraindications and precautions prior to using them, ie. oils that are stimulants should be avoided if you have a seizure disorder or high blood pressure.
  • Keep essential oils away from heat and open flames.
  • Keep essential oils away from children and pets.

Comments  

lovebyj said

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on 1/10/2009 Try synergy blend 2 drops of immortelle, 1 drop of rose otto, 1 drop of sandalwood.

Source:
http://www.aromatherapy-at-home.com/aromatherapy-for-depression.html

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