10
Aromatherapy Oils That Will Help Alleviate Depression
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2008 aromatherapy-guide.co.uk |
Aromatherapists use a wide range of oils that can reduce
stress and help assuage depression. Below is a list of some of the more
popular and accessible oils.
Basil
Basil grows in many varieties but the one most favoured in Aromatherapy
is French Sweet Basil. Obtained by the distallation process and has
a clear and spicy aroma reminiscent of aniseed and generally stimulates
the whole nervous system. Basil blends well with other oils, including
sage, geranium, bergamot, orange, peppermint, neroli, frankincense,
and lemon. Often used as a massage oil, in baths, as an inhalant, or
as a room fragrancer.
Bergamot
The bergamot tree is closely related to the lemon and bitter orange
tree.
Oil is produced by squeezing the rind of the green fruit. It has a light
citrus smell and blends well with many other oils. Bergamot can be used
as a compress, in baths, as massage oil, a mouth wash and in skin-care
preparations.
Frankincense
The oil is steam distillated from a resin which exudes from the cut
bark of the Frankincense shrub. It has a woody spicy odour. Blends well
with many other oils including basil, camomile, lemon, rosemary, juniper
and rose. It has a strong calming effect and can be used as a perfume
or in a massage or bath.
Geranium
Geranium has a delicate, sweet and floral smell it is steam distilled
from the flowers, stalks and leaves of the plant. It blends with most
other oils creating very pleasant fragrances. Often used as a perfume,
in baths, as a massage oil and as a room fragrance. It has a positive
effect on both body and mind which alleviates stress and depression.
Jasmine
Jasmine oil has a rich floral smell redolent of the flowers it is produced
from. It mixes well with other oils especially orange, rose, geranium,
mandarin and sandalwood. It is useful as an anti-depressant and is also
favoured as a skin-care oil. Jasmine is ideal for use in baths, massage
oil, perfume and as a room fragancer.
Lavender
Has a sweet, fresh floral aroma. The oils are steam distilled from the
flowering tops of the plants which are found growing worldwide. It blends
well with most other oils. Lavender is a very popular aromatherapy oil
it is a therapeutic oil having numerous effects and is highly recommended
as an anti-depressant.
Lemon
Lemon is sharp and fresh with a distinctive citrus aroma. The oil is
produced by squeezing (cold expression) the skin of the fruit. The oil
refreshes and invigorates, making it ideal as an antidote to lethargy
and a depressed state of mind.
Mandarin
Mandarin has a more delicate aroma than lemon with a fresh sweet citrus
scent. The oil is squeezed from the rind of the small Chinese variety
of fruit. Used mostly in steam inhalation, baths, hair care, compress
and massage. It is not thought advisable to be used for small children.
Neroli
Neroli is produced from the Seville or Bitter Orange tree; it is produced
from the white blossom of the tree. The resulting oil will blend with
many other oils. Having a bitter sweet floral aroma it is ideal as a
room fragancer or perfume; it is also suitable for baths and massage
oil. Frequently used as an antidepressant it also has antiseptic and
antibacterial properties.
Rosemary
The essential oil is produced by steam distillation of the leaves and
flowering tips of the plant. The oil which has fresh camphor like aroma
blends easily with a large variety of other oils. Rosemary has the affect
of stimulating and energising the mind and body.
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