Do anxiety-related essential oils work?
Because the fragrance molecules in essential oils have the ability to influence the brain regions that control emotions, stress levels, and your life, they have been discovered to be beneficial in lowering anxiety and elevating mood. In essence, an essential oil’s uplifting scent can have both physical and emotional anti-inflammatory effects. For instance, people frequently start to experience sadness in addition to losing their sense of smell. Additionally, some depressed individuals start to lose their sense of smell.
Essential oils are frequently suggested by homeopathic treatment methods as a component of the treatment for depression, anxiety disorders, and other mood disorders, as well as for overall emotional health. Nevertheless, using essential oils at home should never take the place of seeking expert medical or psychological attention. Even though they could have certain advantages, you might also require further assistance that these oils can’t give. Consult your physician, therapist, and/or other healthcare providers before using essential oils.
How to apply essential oils
It’s crucial to note that essential oils can be abused before discussing the precise applications for them.
Online research may lead you to believe that applying or consuming an essential oil directly onto your skin without first diluting it is a good idea. This is quite risky; non-food-grade essential oils should never be consumed, and undiluted essential oils can harm the eyes, skin, and sinuses. Please refrain from using any form of aromatherapy with undiluted essential oils. Before incorporating essential oils into your routine in any form, please get medical advice. It is standard practice for healthcare practitioners to dilute oils before using them in any fashion. Essential oils can be diluted with other oils, vegetable oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or goods of a similar nature. We refer to these as carrier oils. Prior to employing an essential oil, always ensure that you are aware of the dilution rate. Having said that, here are a few ways you could choose to use essential oils.
Breathing in
One of the finest methods to benefit from essential oils is to inhale them. You can fill a diffuser with an essential oil and water mixture. When the water and oil evaporate, the diffuser will release the essential oil into the air. Consider researching and keeping an eye on the recommended potency of an essential oil before using it in a diffuser. With certain oils, you might be able to operate your diffuser for hours, but not for very long with others. You can also add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of steaming water to benefit from the inhalation advantages of essential oils if you don’t have a diffuser. It’s possible that you should hold your head over the bowl because the oil will start to evaporate quickly. To prevent burns, try not to approach the steam too closely, and make sure your eyes are closed to prevent irritation.
Evaporation without moisture
This involves applying the essential oil on a cotton ball or other comparable item and letting it sit in a dish or bowl in your room. This permits the cotton ball’s essential oils to naturally dissipate.
Application topically
Certain essential oils can be applied topically, like a lotion, when combined with carrier oils. Make sure the essential oil and carrier you use are suitable for your skin and come from a reliable supplier.
Spray for aromatherapy
You can also spritz the essential oil in the air to get its aroma without actually letting it permeate the space. To combine the oils, all you need is a spray bottle and water. After that, you can use it to spray the area, your workplace, or even your vehicle.
A word about risk factors and allergens
Even diluted oils can occasionally be harmful. People with particular allergies may discover that using essential oils on their skin causes severe responses, and using essential oils can exacerbate certain illnesses like asthma. An elevation in diastolic blood pressure has been related to specific smells and has been associated to essential hypertension and other dangers. Some people have really been seen to exhibit anxiety-like behavior as a result of others. Once more, before using any essential oil, please get the advice of a medical practitioner who is aware of your unique medical history and associated risks.
How to apply essential oils in case of anxiety
You might need to take more initiative if you want to use essential oils during a real panic or anxiety attack. Panic attacks can strike without warning, even if you may feel your anxiety level increasing and be able to see when one is about to happen. This means that you can use some of the above-discussed approaches even if there isn’t a situation in your life that causes you to get so anxious that it results in a panic attack. Find a means to carry the essential oils with you at all times so you can use them anywhere in case of panic or anxiety episodes. For instance, keeping a diffuser at your desk at work can be beneficial. Alternatively, if you’re going to be traveling, you may carry some cotton balls soaked in oil in a jar. You can easily open the container to take advantage of the aromatherapy if you start to feel anxious.
Which oils work best for panic attacks and anxiety?
There are oils that work better than others to alleviate panic attacks and anxiety.
Oils of citrus
In general, citrus fruit oils are highly well-liked for treating anxiety. It has been discovered that citrus fragrance molecules are tiny enough to pass through the blood-brain barrier. This is also the reason why you can smell citrus from across the room with ease. The molecules are able to move through the air because they are so tiny.
Among the most widely used citrus oils to elevate mood and lessen anxiety are:
Bergamot: Bergamot oil is thought to have anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
Lemon: Lemon oil is said to be an energizing and immunity-boosting substance. Another well-liked remedy for allergies is lemon oil. Lemon oil may have additional benefits for the lymphatic system.
Wild Orange: Wild orange oil is thought to be helpful for relieving stress and digestive problems.
Lime: Lime oil is thought to be revitalizing and calming. Lime oil can also be used to surfaces to clean them.
Sweet marjoram: Sweet marjoram oil is thought to be an effective sleep aid and immediately reduces anxiety.
