Secrets Of Aromatherapy Part II -
Psychological Complaints
By
Liz Santher
Aromatherapy is very therapeutic when it comes to healing
emotional and psychological conditions. This is because the
essential oils from plants contain all kinds of compounds,
phytoestrogens and phytochemicals that have the ability to
subtly alter brain chemistry for the better.
Given the stressful demands of today's busy schedules,
anxiety is a very common problem. There are scores of
essential oils that can be used to combat this common
psychological complaint. To achieve the best results try to
buy high quality or organic oils as they contain the
highest concentration of compounds, phyto estrogens and
phyto-chemicals.
For anxiety you can try companioning a few drops of any of
these oils in a base carrier oil such as olive or almond
and applying them to your pulse points or temples. You can
also disperse the oils through the air using a diffuser or
candle oil warmer or add a few drops of the oil to eight
ounces of distilled water and mist your surroundings. You
can also shoot a mist straight up into the air and walk
through it so that the plant's healing molecules cling to
your clothing, skin and hair. For acute anxiety, you can
try applying the oils to a hanky or Kleenex and sniffing
the aroma whenever you feel a panic attack setting in. The
best aromatherapy oils to use for anxiety are balsam fir,
bergamot, cedar wood, frankincense, lavender, jasmine,
neroli, rose and ylang ylang. Linden blossoms, in
particular are excellent to use to stop a full-blown
anxiety attack and geranium is the oil to use if menstrual
or menopausal issues cause the anxiety.
If you have been overworking (also a common problem in
this hectic society) and feel like you are on the verge of
burnout warming oils such as basil, bergamot, cinnamon,
clove, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, orange, neroli (orange
blossom) and patchouli can help revitalize your senses and
raise your spirits. Essential lime oil is known as a brain
chiller and alleviates cases of obsessive thoughts or
racing mind.
Some essential oils have been known to be specifically
beneficial for depression. Balsam Fir, basil, cedar wood,
neroli and lavender have been known to level out mood
swings. Lemon, orange, peppermint and vanilla scented oils
help lift "brain fog" and put you in a cheerier mood.
If insomnia is keeping you up at night try misting your
bedding or diffusing any combination of the following
essential oils through your bedroom: chamomile, clary sage,
frankincense, lavender, neroli, rose or sandalwood.
Basil, clary sage or rose oils can also be used to aid
those who have suffered a sudden shock or who are
overwhelmed with unbearable grief. Apply one or a mixture
of these oils immediately to the pulse points to calm and
pacify the sorrowful individual.
Essential oils can also be used to help enhance your
mental performance. If you need to stay awake while driving
or be as sharp as possible while studying any oil from the
mint family (peppermint, spearmint) can help you burn the
candle from both ends.
 
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