How aromatherapy can help with anxiety and depression

I'm Jade, a guest posting here to help you live a happier and fuller life using the power of aromatherapy.

When I started this journey I asked myself, does this really work? I mean Really. From a biological and psychological point of view, does it work?

Short answer: Yes. Long Answer: Let’s talk about the science.

Bath salts

Studies have consistently shown that odours can influence mood, perceived health, and arousal. Aromas have the ability to trigger memory recall, like when you smell a warm sea breeze and it takes you back to holidays on the coast as a kid, this is caused by olfaction.

Olfaction is a prehistoric sense for humans and animals. It helps us to identify food, mates, predators, and provides both sensual pleasure as well as warnings of danger, such as spoiled food or chemical hazards.

To keep it quite simple...

Essential oils stimulate the olfactory system, which is connected to the limbic system in the brain—the part of the brain which controls functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, memory, stress levels and hormone balance.  The aromas of essential oils work their way through the olfactory system all the way to the olfactory cortex and the limbic system in the brain, which is responsible for processing emotion. (reference)

Cuticle oil

Another fun fact! Olfactory receptors are found in and around the entire human body, not just in the nose. The researchers found that Sandalore, a synthetic sandalwood oil used in aromatherapy, perfumes, and skin care products all bound to the receptor, triggering cells to divide and migrate, processes characteristic of skin healing. (reference)

Science agrees, it can affect you beneficially and alleviate symptoms of:

  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Depression Symptoms 
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Dementia
  • Low Mood
  • No Energy
  • Balancing moods

To round it off. Yes, It can help you. But just remember that aromatherapy can be so great to assist with a plan to alleviate mental health issues, it is not the all in one cure. So don’t forget to make a battle plan to fight anxiety or depression! If you need help making a plan, don’t worry, I have made a post just for you on how to build your own anxiety battle plan so that you are never without a weapon to fight.

Thank you for reading and hope you have an amazing day! :)

Signing out. 

Jade x


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