A recently published study by Italian researchers concluded with the recommendation of bergamot essential oil being used for its anti-stress, anti-depressant properties as a "complementary" therapy. This is really wonderful news, as "complementary" implies its use potentially right alongside conventional or "Western" medicine practices. While conventional medicine has been somewhat accepting the physiological applications of essential oils (for treatment of MRSA bacterial infections, for example), the suggestion of aroma-therapeutic applications are often still met with a smirk.
Three essential oils stand out among the approximately 100 varieties in use today in popular aromatherapy. These are: lavender, the great soothing and healing oil which began the modern aromatherapy revolution; sandalwood, an aromatic with a history of over 1000 years; and bergamot, the flavoring added to Earl Grey tea, and aromatherapy's number-one anti-depressant oil. The wonderful thing about having three "proven" anti-stress oils is that it's likely one of them will work for you. Not everyone loves the brilliant floral aroma of lavender, but almost everyone will appreciate at least one of these important oils.
Lavender is the most widely used essential oil for a great variety of therapeutic applications. It is a "soothing" oil in all aspects, both for the skin and the mind. Lavender has been shown to actually lessen sensitization of our skin, and of the three oils here is the only one that can be described as a sedative. While it's not been reported that individuals inhaling lavender report feeling sedated or groggy in any way, lavender can slow response time (while bergamot, for example, is likely to speed it). Lavender is used for calming children, reducing general anxiety, and is the first choice for improving sleep.
In research, lavender's actions result both from inhalation and ingestion. A recently published series of studies showed a slow-release capsule containing 80mg of lavender essential oil was proven as effective as benchmark sedative pharmaceutical drugs. Curiously, there's not much in the way of data regarding topical application for psychological effects. But knowing the way essential oils work -- apply them topically and you'll both smell them and have them absorbed in to your bloodstream -- it's not a far stretch to assume topical application will produce similar results.
Sandalwood's "active" ingredient are the "santalols", unique to this oil. It's anti-stress effect can more precisely be called "centering" rather than sedating. Its physiological activity is a less defined than lavender's -- the oil is thought to interact with the pineal gland. Sandalwood's use can support improved sleep/wake cycles, so that rest is more restful. This effect occurred with the test subjects inhaling the aroma, but was determined to be a result of the oil in the bloodstream, not through smelling of the aroma. This implies the oil will have the same result if topically applied.
Bergamot is the most popular "anti-depressant" anti-depressant essential oil, also an anxiety reducer, being employed as an aromatic rather than being ingested or topically applied. One study of adolescents wearing aromatherapy amulets showed a statistically significant reduction of stress and depression relative to controls. Bergamot is also known to reduce one's perceived level of pain. Its inhalation is known to alter the plasticity of neurons involved in our stress response. This means the sensory input isn't reinforced when inhaling this lovely bitter-sweet citrus aroma (imagine hearing a jackhammer just for a moment, or continually -- it's hearing it continually that leads to stress, and bergamot actually alters the brain such that this "stress reinforcement" occurs less). Finally, it is not a sedative or sleep enhancer, but rather a stimulant, though it may secondarily support better rest through a healthier psycho-emotional state.
So when the question arises, "which essential oil should I use" for stress reduction, the answer is you should experiment a bit. If you're unfamiliar with these three oils, try a sample of each and see how you respond. It's helpful if you like the aromas, that way you'll continue to use them.
The method through which you use them is up for experimentation as well. Lavender is the most flexible, being used through inhalation, topical application or ingestion (please note, ingestion is very rarely recommended with essential oils, and the amount noted in the study referenced here was again about 2 drops per day). Sandalwood is wonderful to wear as a natural perfume; just dab a drop or two on your wrists and rub them together -- it'll work well in most diffusers too. Bergamot is generally not used topically due to its photo-toxic effects (makes the skin more sensitive to UV light). It is one of the few oils that is simply wonderful in a diffuser all on its own (rather than in a blend), particularly if you find a very fine grade. You might even find a combination of oils and techniques best offers the support you need. For those interested in aromatherapy for stress relief, these three oils are an excellent place to start.
Three essential oils stand out among the approximately 100 varieties in use today in popular aromatherapy. These are: lavender, the great soothing and healing oil which began the modern aromatherapy revolution; sandalwood, an aromatic with a history of over 1000 years; and bergamot, the flavoring added to Earl Grey tea, and aromatherapy's number-one anti-depressant oil. The wonderful thing about having three "proven" anti-stress oils is that it's likely one of them will work for you. Not everyone loves the brilliant floral aroma of lavender, but almost everyone will appreciate at least one of these important oils.
Lavender is the most widely used essential oil for a great variety of therapeutic applications. It is a "soothing" oil in all aspects, both for the skin and the mind. Lavender has been shown to actually lessen sensitization of our skin, and of the three oils here is the only one that can be described as a sedative. While it's not been reported that individuals inhaling lavender report feeling sedated or groggy in any way, lavender can slow response time (while bergamot, for example, is likely to speed it). Lavender is used for calming children, reducing general anxiety, and is the first choice for improving sleep.
In research, lavender's actions result both from inhalation and ingestion. A recently published series of studies showed a slow-release capsule containing 80mg of lavender essential oil was proven as effective as benchmark sedative pharmaceutical drugs. Curiously, there's not much in the way of data regarding topical application for psychological effects. But knowing the way essential oils work -- apply them topically and you'll both smell them and have them absorbed in to your bloodstream -- it's not a far stretch to assume topical application will produce similar results.
Sandalwood's "active" ingredient are the "santalols", unique to this oil. It's anti-stress effect can more precisely be called "centering" rather than sedating. Its physiological activity is a less defined than lavender's -- the oil is thought to interact with the pineal gland. Sandalwood's use can support improved sleep/wake cycles, so that rest is more restful. This effect occurred with the test subjects inhaling the aroma, but was determined to be a result of the oil in the bloodstream, not through smelling of the aroma. This implies the oil will have the same result if topically applied.
Bergamot is the most popular "anti-depressant" anti-depressant essential oil, also an anxiety reducer, being employed as an aromatic rather than being ingested or topically applied. One study of adolescents wearing aromatherapy amulets showed a statistically significant reduction of stress and depression relative to controls. Bergamot is also known to reduce one's perceived level of pain. Its inhalation is known to alter the plasticity of neurons involved in our stress response. This means the sensory input isn't reinforced when inhaling this lovely bitter-sweet citrus aroma (imagine hearing a jackhammer just for a moment, or continually -- it's hearing it continually that leads to stress, and bergamot actually alters the brain such that this "stress reinforcement" occurs less). Finally, it is not a sedative or sleep enhancer, but rather a stimulant, though it may secondarily support better rest through a healthier psycho-emotional state.
So when the question arises, "which essential oil should I use" for stress reduction, the answer is you should experiment a bit. If you're unfamiliar with these three oils, try a sample of each and see how you respond. It's helpful if you like the aromas, that way you'll continue to use them.
The method through which you use them is up for experimentation as well. Lavender is the most flexible, being used through inhalation, topical application or ingestion (please note, ingestion is very rarely recommended with essential oils, and the amount noted in the study referenced here was again about 2 drops per day). Sandalwood is wonderful to wear as a natural perfume; just dab a drop or two on your wrists and rub them together -- it'll work well in most diffusers too. Bergamot is generally not used topically due to its photo-toxic effects (makes the skin more sensitive to UV light). It is one of the few oils that is simply wonderful in a diffuser all on its own (rather than in a blend), particularly if you find a very fine grade. You might even find a combination of oils and techniques best offers the support you need. For those interested in aromatherapy for stress relief, these three oils are an excellent place to start.
About the Author:
Find our more about the magic of pure aromatherapy oils, and the true therapeutic potential of aromatic medicine at www.synergyessentialoils.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment