How to Treat Anxiety Disorders with Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an excellent means for treating anxiety disorders. In many cases, it will work as a sole treatment method. However, it works well as an adjunct to other treatment modalities as well. It does not conflict with medications or with homeopathic or herbal treatments.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• essential oils
• bathtub
• almond oil
• cotton balls
• Ziploc bag

1. Anxiety disorders can be treated with either aromatherapy baths or massage. If you only feel anxious occasionally, you can use a bath or massage when anxiety strikes. If you have frequent anxiety, however, you will do best with regular treatment, daily if possible. If you don't feel anxious on a particular day, do the treatment anyway. Think of it as preventative care.

2. To use essential oils in a bath, add eight to ten drops of the oil of your choice to a full tub of water. Soak for 30 minutes.

3. To use essential oils for a massage, add 20 drops of essential oils to four tablespoons of almond oil. Enjoy a relaxing massage.

4. Consider using the following oils, either by themselves or in combination with each other, all of which will be beneficial for treating anxiety: lavender, Roman chamomile, Peru balsam, spikenard, juniper berry, citronella, copaiba, rose, and sandalwood.

5. There will be times when anxiety hits and you can't make a dash for the bathtub. For these times, it is recommended you put several drops of lavender oil on a cotton ball and carry it with you in a Ziploc bag. Sniffing the cotton ball should have a calming effect.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are pregnant or if you have epilepsy, talk to your doctor before using aromatherapy to treat your anxiety.