and distilling plants for their aromas (and medicinal
properties) for a long, long time. Only since the dawn of
the New Age and modern Western scientific inquiry, however,
has the impression of aromatherapy gotten soft. But now,
the same scientific institutions are validating the use of
essential oils, and their profound anti-anxiety effects. So
now, rather than "running for the shelter of mother's
little helper" when things get a little hectic, you can
bypass the liquor store, the pharmacy and the junk-food
isle and head confidently to the natural health market for
a little bottle of scented bliss. Maybe not as decadents
for everyone, but many folks will appreciate the healthful
choice for themselves, their children and their families.
The number of studies investigating the therapeutic actions
of essential oils has exploded over the last ten years, as
popular interest grows in the areas of natural health and
wellness. The efficacy of may 'folk' remedies is being
validated, with many of them having benefits at least as
potent as their pharmaceutical counterparts, and most
having very limited, if any, side effects. This is
especially true with the use of essential oils for reducing
stress and lessening anxiety. And what's wonderful about
the oils is that their readily available and easy to use. A
mother with active children can just plug in a diffuser and
let it do its thing. A stressed-out commuter can do the
same. Feeling a little wound up, but want to keep the aroma
a little more personal? Apply a few drops of diluted oil to
yourself or loved one wherever you like. What oils have
these anti-anxiety effects? Let's have a look...
Lavender has been the most frequently studied of all the
essential oils. Its anti-anxiety (or simply 'relaxing')
action has been documented both in the laboratory (using
stressed-out mice and rats) and in clinical environments
with actual human beings. Many, many studies have reported
the same thing: inhalation of lavender oil brings calm
under a great variety of conditions. At least one study
compared Lavender oil aroma to that of Juniper, Cypress,
Geranium, Jasmine and Frankincense. It was only the
Frankincense that had a somewhat similar effect, but not
nearly as effective as Lavender. Several studies compared
Lavender's effect to diazepam (Valium) with Lavender's
aroma having similar (but likely more healthy) calming
results. In other studies, Lavender has been shown to
improve sleep, decrease conflict between animals, and
reduce the amount of pain medication needed by recovering
hospital patients.
Sandalwood oil is another well-known stress reducer. For
those that may not enjoy the floral aroma of Lavender,
Sandalwood could be the oil of choice. Its warm, earthy
scent is grounding and centering, being used by some
spiritual traditions to enhance relaxed, focused meditative
states. The science shows similar results - Sandalwood oil
topically applied relaxed the body while stimulating
psyche. Studies on sleep/wake cycles using Sandalwood oil
topically improved the quality of sleep and lessened waking
episodes. A small study using Sandalwood suggested the oil
may be helpful in reducing anxiety for palliative care
patients. Beyond the scope of Western scientific inquiry,
Sandalwood oils and pastes have been used for centuries in
Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of psychological
disorders, utilizing its sublime mental-health promoting
actions.
While Sandalwood and Lavender have the most data to back
them up, many other essential oils have had positive test
results. Rose is a standout; it has also been tested
alongside Valium (apparently the anti-anxiety gold
standard) with better and longer-lasting results. The rose
aroma's effect seem to increase over time, where as
benzodiazepines' effect will tend to decrease - and the
test subjects appeared less confused or sedated. Rose, like
Lavender, reduced conflict between test subjects as well.
For a little variety, you can mix Rose and Sandalwood
together (try a 1:4 ratio)...this is a classic Indian
aromatic blend combining two of the world's best known
anti-anxiety scents.
Other oils found in research databases include Angelica,
Chamomile, Lemon, Lemongrass, Tagetes and Ylang Ylang. Some
oils tested didn't show repeatable results in the
laboratory environment, but if you find and oil aroma that
you find relaxing, it's more than likely not purely 'in
your head'; the olfactory (smell) sense is the one of the
five senses most directly wired to the brain's emotional
centers. These are, in turn, directly wired to the
autonomic nervous system controlling functions such as
heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure - all of
which are closely tied to one's level of stress.
So what to do with these stress relieving wonders? They're
really easy to use - one of the great features of
aromatherapy. Both topical application and inhalation show
repeatable results in laboratory tests. A common method of
topical application is to dilute the essential oil in a
carrier oil like Jojoba down to 10% or less. Essential oils
tend to pass easily into the bloodstream when applied to
the skin, so nearly any technique will do. A few drops of
your mixture can be placed on the wrists and rubbed
together (this is nice, as you'll smell the aroma as well).
For inhalation, there's a great many aromatherapy diffusers
available, from little, inexpensive plug in units, to
professional models which make a cloud of pure, intense
aroma. For anxiety relief, any model where you can smell
the aroma will do the job - the higher end diffusers tend
to bathe a larger area in your aroma of choice.
How to chose an oil for you, your family or friends?
Aromatherapy choices tends to be some personal. Some folks
go mad for Rose Geranium, and other folks can only think of
'grandma' (in a nice way!) with the bright scents of
florals. These same individuals will often love the
grounding aromas of the woods: Sandalwood, Frankincense,
Spruce, etc. The beauty of the scientific data is that it's
not one type of essential oil that's effective to support
health and wellness naturally - it's the santalol in
Sandalwood, the linalool in Lavender, and the citronellol
in Rose that imparts much of the therapeutic effect. Other
oils have different chemical constituents that also bring
about relaxation. Even the most scientifically aligned
practitioners will tell you: if it feels good, use it. Try
a variety of aromas if you're new, and use your favorite
with confidence - relaxed confidence, of course - knowing
you're using some of the best medicine nature has to offer,
with the science to back it up.
----------------------------------------------------
http://www.anandaapothecary.com/essential-oils.html offers
further information on the therapeutic use of essential
oils. There are many, many oils to choose from, all with
their own unique therapeutic action. Some are stimulating
to the mind, and others calming. A great many are effective
for treatment of infectious diseases if properly used.
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