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Aromatherapy and Depression

 

Aromatherapy and Depression

 

How It Can Help You

 
 
Aromatherapy is an alternative treatment that uses highly concentrated essential oils that are extracted from plants to treat symptoms and assist in the healing process.
 
When a scent or essential oil is inhaled, the first chemical reactions occur in the nose. These olfactory sensors send signals to the brain. Often, the smell will trigger emotional reactions. For example, the smell of something pleasant can elicit a positive reaction.

The reasons that essential oils have such a complex effect on the body is still not fully understood. It may be due to the fact that one oil can have hundreds of different compounds. Interestingly, your sense of smell is over 10,000 more sensitive than your sense of taste and researchers have shown how aromas cause a brain reaction, activating the hypothalamus gland, the pituitary gland and the body's hormones as well as stimulating the limbic system (centre for emotion and memory) in the brain.
 
Aromatherapy can help in mild forms of depression. It may ease mental fatigue and help with sleep. Essential oils can help to lighten and uplift ones mood. Just the right blend applied in massages, baths, diffusers and personal perfumes can all be helpful at such times. However, if you, or someone you know, are severely depressed, additional support and therapy are necessary.
Aromatherapy is more effective when used as a Complementary therapy, assisting other therapies.
 
It's no secret that fragrance lifts and enhances one’s mood. The aroma of many plants, such as the elegant orange-blossom aroma of neroli or the closely related and less expensive petitgrain -- as well as jasmine, sandalwood, and ylang ylang -- relieve depression and anxiety.  Studies with brain wave frequency have shown that smelling lavender increases alpha waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation. Fragrance of jasmine increases beta waves in the front of the head, which are associated with a more alert state. 17th century herbalist John Gerard recommended the use of clary sage to ease depression, paranoia, mental fatigue, and nervous disorders . East Indians traditionally use basil to prevent agitation and nightmares.

Fragrances are generally effective for people who have mild forms of depression that do not require drugs. And they can be especially helpful when the doctor is trying to wean patients off drugs. Aromatherapy can be used safely in conjunction with antidepressant medications because it will not interfere with the dosage or effect. If you are currently taking prescription drugs to deal with depression or anxiety, however, don’t abruptly stop taking them or replace them with essential oils without your doctor’s consent.
 
Essential oils can be used at home in one of the following ways:-
 
·         Massage - mix 5 -10 drops to 10 ml of a vegetable base oil.
·         Baths - add 5 -10 drops to a pre-run bath and swish.
·         Inhalation - add 2 - 3 drops to a bowl of steaming water, cover head with a towel.
·         Tissue - put one drop on a tissue and inhale when required.
·         Room - put between 1 - 10 drops in a humidifier filled with water or on a piece of cotton wool and place on a radiator.

 And now how you can help us:


Journeys is looking for 24 volunteers to participate in a week-long study run by Fiona Richards, a student at UWIC, aiming to determine whether aromatherapy is a benefit for those with depression by measuring the perceived effects of aromatherapy inhalation. 

In order to participate in this study you must fulfil certain criteria:

  •  not be suffering from any other mental health issues other than mild depression;

  •  not be allergic to the oils used in aromatherapy;
  •  must be over 18;
  •  must have a history of depression or current sufferer;
  •  must have a history of anti-depressants or be currently taking them.


If you participate in this study you will be asked, by Fiona, to select 1 out of a selection of 3 oils to smell. You will then be asked to smell the oil 3 times a day whilst keeping a diary of the effects of the oils on your mood and depression.  

Participants are free to withdraw at any time and all data collected will be strictly confidential and anonymity is assured at all times with the use of codes in place of participant's names. 

 

If you are interested in participating in this study please email Journeys or call us on 02920 692891 and we can set up a interview to enable Fiona to determine whether you would be a suitable candidate for the study and to give you more information about the study. 

The interviews will be held on Friday the 18th Feb and Monday 21st Feb at our office and should last no longer than 15 minutes.    

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