How to Treat Depression with Aromatherapy

Most people occasionally get a case of the blues, which can be accompanied by anxiety, insomnia and fatigue. Often, stress is a factor in feeling low, without energy to meet the day's demands. Other factors include death of a loved one, divorce or major life changes. Although depression can be the result of chemical imbalances, milder forms can be eased with aromatherapy.

Things You'll Need

• Room diffuser
• Fine mist spray bottle
• Blue essential oil storage bottles
• Distilled water
• Ylang ylang essential oil
• Clary sage essential oil
• Geranium essential oil
• Basil essential oil
• Sandalwood essential oil
• Bergamot essential oil
• Roman and German chamomile essential oils
• Lavender essential oil
• Lemon essential oil
• Jasmine essential oil

Instructions

1. 

   Blend essential oils to inhale for mild depression. In a glass bowl, blend four parts each of ylang ylang and clary sage, three parts of geranium, two parts of basil and one part of sandalwood essential oils. Inhale on a handkerchief or in a steam inhaler three times a day.

2. 

   Diffuse the aromas of essential oils that uplift and energize. Bergamot, chamomile and ylang ylang are among oils that raise spirits. Blend clary sage, rose, basil, jasmine and German chamomile. Diffuse into a room or inhale the scent from a tissue or cotton ball.

3. 

   Spray a refreshing blend of fifteen drops clary sage, nine drops lemon and six drops lavender.

4. 

   Give a self-massage, using a blend of eight to ten drops of a favored essential oil known to lift moods (chart in Additional Resources) and one ounce sweet almond or other carrier oil. Store in blue bottle. Gently massage extremities. Do not stimulate circulation before bed.

5. 

   Blend your own linen spray to wrap your sleep in calming aromas. In a new four ounce fine mist spray bottle, blend 20 drops of Roman chamomile and 15 drops of bergamot with 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of high-proof alcohol (you may use vodka, but not rubbing alcohol) or three ounces of distilled water. Use oils that will not stain linens. Spray pillows and sheets before bedtime.

Tips & Warnings

• Refer to an essential oils chart to select the oils that ease the cause of low spirits

• Always consult a health care provider if feelings persist and cause problems in your life

• Always consult a health care provider before using essential oils

• Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to skin

• Do not use clary sage or jasmine if pregnant