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How I Use Essential Oils to Help With Sleep, Depression, and Anxiety
It’s no wonder with all of the activity in our lives, all of the background noise and negativity we experience on a daily basis. Most of us experience insomnia, stress, and depression. My biggest frustration has always been not being able to take an active role in my mental health treatment. I just have to listen to my doctors and do what they say. And that’s why I have turned to essential oils to help with sleep, depression, and anxiety. It’s a safe way to supplement the traditional treatment someone may be receiving for these illnesses.
You will never catch me saying that essential oils can cure any disease or mental illness. Because they can’t! And it would be highly irresponsible to say they do. But from my experience, they can ease the symptoms of certain illnesses.
Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
Many of these are symptoms people who suffer from depression, anxiety, and insomnia experience. Usually, they vary in intensity by how severe your illness is. I myself suffer from clinical depression and mild anxiety. And honestly, insomnia is a symptom of these illnesses.
- Sometimes there is a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Anti-social tendencies: Depending on what’s triggering it can have multiple ways it can manifest. Personally, for me, I don’t want to talk on the phone or visit people outside of my family when I am in this cycle.
- Either severe exhaustion (depression) or insomnia (anxiety) depending on the contributing illness.
- Constant feelings of sadness, irritability, hopelessness (depression)
- Feeling restless, uneasy, or on edge (anxiety) can sometimes trigger panic attacks
- Both extremes of either low appetite or overeating depending on the person
- Thoughts of sadness or suicide (Get help)
Using Essential Oils in Conjunction With Traditional Medical Treatment
Many of the symptoms listed above are treatable by seeing the proper medical professionals. I am giving the information on essential oils as a SUPPLEMENT to your treatment plan. And you should never rely upon essential oils in replacement of medical treatment. Also, confer with your doctor about using the recommended oils in this post. My own personal experience comes from my symptoms being rather mild. And I asked my doctor first before using them. Please see my disclaimer at the bottom of this post.
The safest and easiest way to use essential oils to help with mental illness and mood issues is aromatherapy. Usually, aromatherapy is done in three ways direct inhalation, dispersion, or evaporation.
- Inhalation: You use an inhaler with the essential oil applied to the internal cotton pad. You then inhale as needed throughout the day.
- Dispersion: Most commonly the oil is dispersed in a carrier liquid and place in a spray bottle. And then it is used to mist bedding, cloth, or in the air.
- Evaporation: Probably the most common method. An essential oil is added to water and placed over a heat source which then evaporates into the air. The safest method to do this is by using a diffuser.
Oils for Aromatherapy to Help With Depression and Anxiety
These are a few of my favorite oils that are known to help with depression and anxiety when used in aromatherapy. And you can also use this great resource from the International Federation of Aromatherapists. There are certainly many more. But these are a few I like that have shown to uplift and improve mood.
- Bergamot Oil (Citrus bergamia)
- Lemon Balm Oil (Melissa officinalis)
- Jasmine Oil (Jasminum officinale)
- Ylang Ylang Oil (Cananga Ordata var. geniuna)
- Lavender Oil (Lavandula agustifolia)
- Grapefruit (pink) Oil (Citrus paradisi)
Essential Oils to Help With Sleep
Here are some great oils that can help relieve insomnia. I have also used magnesium spray or Epsom salts in my bath. Because much of my insomnia is caused by anxiety, it usually causes a flare-up in my restless leg syndrome. Many of the same oils are repeats from above. Probably because these oils are great for multiple conditions. This is also a great resource for more information on using essential oils to help with sleep.
- Ylang Ylang Oil (Cananga Ordata var. geniuna)
- Lemon Balm Oil (Melissa officinalis)
- Lavender Oil ( Lanvendula augustifolia)
- Sandalwood Oil (Santalum spicata)
- Mandarin Oil (Citrus nobilis)
- Roman Chamomile Oil (Chamaemelum nobile)
Incorporating Essential Oils Into Your Health Routine
Once you’ve chosen the essential oils that best fit your needs, it’s just a matter of choosing your method of use. My favorite way to use essential oils is evaporation. I have a diffuser that I use in my office or bedroom. Whenever I’m feeling down, need a boost of energy, or help with sleeping I just put in a couple of drops in and turn it on.
It’s really up to you the method you use to assist with your depression or anxiety treatment. It’s also a great idea, if you can, to consult with a certified aromatherapist. But any of the methods mentioned above are easy to use and the oils are pretty basic. You can also consult the International Federation of Aromatherapists website for any further concerns.
My Favorite Source for Essential Oils
It’s no secret we are affiliates for Simply Earth. But that’s not the reason I wholeheartedly recommend them. You see, I did the research. I have been using essential oils for well over 20 years and let me tell you I have tried MANY brands! I’ve tried the top two multi-level marketed brands, my local co-op brand, and numerous other brands with great reputations. But Simply Earth became my go-to brand at the beginning of the year when I tried their oils. It also has a lot to do with how they run their company.
So, why should you get your essential oils from Simply Earth to help you started on your aromatherapy journey? It’s quite simple. They have high-quality oils at a very reasonable price. They are also a company with strong moral values and a dedication to helping their customers safely use essential oils. For me, it’s all about how they put their customers before their bottom line. And in addition to that, they donate 13% of their profits to fight human trafficking. That right there says a lot about their company. And that is why I wholeheartedly recommend them.
Taking Control of Your Health Journey
The great thing about using essential oils to help with sleep, depression, and anxiety is that you are taking an active role in your health journey. Sometimes when we have these illnesses we feel out of control. Sometimes we even feel like our bodies and minds have betrayed us. And that’s why it’s helpful to use essential oils in conjunction with traditional medical treatment. As long as you are using them safely they can really help aid you in getting better. Plus they make your house smell amazing!
Looking for more information about how to find the best essential oils? Check out this well researched article: https://www.consumersadvocate.org/essential-oils
By reading this website, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health decisions. Do not take action on advice from any website, including this one, and try it without proper research and medical supervision. If you are experience thoughts of suicide or extreme depression please seek help. 1-800-273-8255
Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by any foods or supplements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. I am not a doctor and only am relating my personal experiences. Please consult your physician before making any diet changes.
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