Mental Wellbeing and Essential Oils

Introduction

Many individuals recognise the need to improve their mental health or mental wellbeing and are taking action to do. As individuals search for a relief from stress, burnout, anxiety and low energy, and depression, they are looking for answers which are not only reliant on a visit to their nearest medical practitioner. As stress levels rise, and more individuals continue to search for answers, those individuals are becoming more aware of other possible solutions which may help them; the use of essential oils, as a result, is often used by many people.

The question remains, however, which essential oils should one use? Do they all provide the same benefits? There are plenty of essential oils from which you can choose. Choose those which you like and which will not give you an allergic reaction. Essential oils interact with your limbic system which controls your memories and emotions. This interaction stimulates a response both physiologically and psychologically consequently helping to lift your mood and provide you with more energy.

What Are Essential Oils?

According to Dr Yufang Lin, MD (Director of Education, Wellness and Preventative Medicine), “Plants are made from structural materials and phytochemicals. The chemicals have properties that not only benefit the plant but people too.” Pressing or steaming various parts of the plants, including the roots, bark, stems seed, leaves or flowers, enables the extraction of concentrated chemicals. The essential oil produced thereafter is highly concentrated; it easily penetrates the cells in your body, and must be used with a carrier oil. Essential oils must be diluted with a carrier oil such as jojoba, coconut oil or olive oil. It is advised to add 1oz of carrier oil to 12 drops of essential oil.

The olfactory receptor neurons in your olfactory nerves carry the scent of the essential oils to your brain, where those smells are processed, analysed and registered. When the essential oils are used through ‘smell and touch’ such as during a message or by inhalation via a diffuser, and possibly in addition to other therapies, those oils may help to improve your emotional wellbeing, stress and reduce your low levels of worry or anxiety.

Who Should Not Use Essential Oils

It is important to be aware of the following: The use of essential oils is not a regulated treatment for stress. For this reason, it is important to find out as much as possible, from a qualified therapist before purchasing and using essential oils. Furthermore, according to medical research, and published by Healthline, not everyone benefits from using essential oils. Owing to the common possibility of allergic reactions everybody cannot use essential oils. Consequently, it is ‘Extremely’ important that the oil used, or the choice not to use a particular oil is taken ‘after’ you have done a patch test. This is highly recommended. The patch test will enable you to check whether or not you are not sensitive or have any contraindications with using essential oils. You can do the patch test by diluting a small amount of the essential oil with a carrier oil.

Place the patch on an area of your skin which is not overtly visible, the inside of your elbow, for example. Leave the patch in place for 24 hours or preferably 48 hours. Signs of redness on the skin, nasal or eye irritation, and possibly itching will be your indication that you should not use essential oils. For reasons afore-mentioned, individuals who suffer from asthma or other respiratory conditions are advised not to use essential oils.

Plants all have different properties; the essential oils from which they are made do not work the same way will have different stress-relieving health benefits. I have chosen five from a plethora of essential oils which appear to be effective in helping to provide relief from stress. Those essential oils are listed below.

Five Essential Oils

BERGAMOT

Bergamot is very aromatic. It is useful for the relief of stress, anxiety and mood disorders. Bergamot may improve the circulation of the blood, and help to stimulate the secretion of hormones that are required to maintain correct metabolic rates. The latter is particularly beneficial if you are experiencing hormonal imbalance. With your hormones correctly balanced, you may find additionally, that you feel happier and more peaceful..

LAVENDER

Lavender contains antimicrobial, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which combine to produce a calming effect on your muscles, your mood, and the relaxing effect of lavender may also help you to sleep. The findings of a “systematic literature review and meta-analysis” carried out by Ghavami T. et al, published in Pub Med (2022) suggest “lavender is considered as one of the medicinal plants to manage stress,” a finding which is shared by other researchers such as Malcom, B. J. and Tallian, K.(2017) who state that, “lavender oil has an extensive anecdotal history of anxiolytic benefit that has recently been supported by clinical efficacy studies.”

1.The effect of lavender on stress in individuals systematic review and meta-analysis, Tim Ghavami,
Moshen Kazemina, & Fatemeh Rajati, (2022)
2. Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time? Benjamin J. Malcolm & Kimberley Tallian (2017)

FRANKINCENSE

Frankincense may also help you if you are stressed, and wish to improve your mental wellbeing. The slightly sweet and spicy aroma of Frankincense provides a calming effect particularly when it is paired with citrus essential oils such as lemon or grapefruit. Despite the suggestion to the contrary, there are studies such as research findings conducted by John Hopkins University that indicate Frankincense may help to alleviate anxiety.”

CHAMOMILE

Many individuals are often aware of the soothing effect of chamomile tea. Many research studies have found that chamomile essential oil also soothes the nervous system, and has a calming effect on the body and mind. For this reason, chamomile essential oil may promote better sleep and provide relief for you if you are experiencing stress, stress-related conditions or anxiety.

SIBERIAN GINSENG

Siberian ginseng is an adaptogen. Used as an essential oil, and in addition to balancing the immune system, both medical and scientific research suggest that Siberian ginseng aids the body’s response to stress. This herb strengthens the adrenal glands and supports the central nervous system which in turn helps to normalise the manner in which a person resists or recovers when faced with a stressful situation.

SUMMARY

To conclude, research and scientific suggest that essential oils appear to be effective in promoting emotional or mental wellbeing. Research continues to take place regarding the effectiveness of using essential oils to relieve stress. Nonetheless, many individuals, including health and wellbeing practitioners and their clients, share the opinion that the oils can help with stress relief. Remember, Should you choose to use essential oils, it is advisable to find out which of the many available you like. It is important to dilute them with a carrier oil, and test for the possibility of an allergic reaction by doing a patch test first.

To find out more, Contact Sonia at Leap to Health

Perhaps you would like support to help you to cope and thrive personally or professionally. You would like to learn how to improve your mental wellbeing; how to reduce stress or anxiety; avoid burnout, and improve your general health and wellbeing. Contact me, and let’s talk.

Email me at Leap to Health, Inverness, Scotland. info@leaptohealth.co.uk
Call me at Leap to Heath Inverness, Scotland: 07542 931 854