Aromatherapy

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries in many cultures to treat illness and promote well being. Egyptians were using aromatics 3,000 years BC for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, they used them to embalm their dead as they believed this would preserve them for their journey into the afterlife. The ancient Greeks discovered that the odour of certain flowers was stimulating, refreshing and relaxing and Greek soldiers use to carry an ointment made from myrrh into battle for the treatment of wounds.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using the natural oils extracted from flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of a plant to enhance psychological and physical well-being. 
The inhaled aroma from these "essential" oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be absorbed through the skin, where they travel through the bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing.

A form of alternative medicine, aromatherapy is gaining momentum. It is used for a variety of applications, including pain relief, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function. 

Essential Oils

Essential oils, or aromatherapy oils, are the fragrant essence of a plant.

 These highly concentrated liquid oils are the foundation of aromatherapy, which is based on the idea that the aromatic oil from a plant has healing properties.

 Learn all about the most common essential oils here.

Essential Oils for Depression

Essential oils can be very helpful in dealing with depression as the limbic center (sense of smell) is closely related and seems connected with the spiritual and emotional centers in the pituitary, so it's no wonder they can do so much good for our minds, bodies and spirits.

So many of us seem to be experiencing major ups and downs in our lives, whether we are dealing with older children still living at home, raising our children's children, taking care of our parents or siblings, work expectations clashing with our home lives, or just the everyday stresses of our daily routines. These things can cause us to feel overwhelmed, depressed, or off-balance.

So how can we become energized, fulfilled and excited about life? We can just change our minds, ("mind over matter" works) and then do something about it.

Well, I'm no guru, but I do know that essential oils have helped me, and those I love with whom I've shared their secrets with, become healthier, happier and aware of how things affect us, and how to go about changing negative outcomes into wonderful learning experiences and a purpose-filled life with many more ups than downs.

Citrus essential oils come to the rescue and are the very best essential oils for raising the spirits with their bright and sparkly personalities. Find your favorite and carry some with you wherever you go and you'll always have a little sunshine in your pocket for those rainy days.

Some of my favorite citrus essential oils are:

• Pink Grapefruit
• Tangerine
• Bergamot
• Yuzu
• Mandarin
• Lemon

Here are a few other uplifting essential oils great for treating depression;

~ Bergamot (Citrus aurantium)
~ Cedarwood, Atlas (Cedrus atlantica)
~ Chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile)
~ Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
~ Helichrysum or Immortelle (Helichrysum agusifolium)
~ Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
~ Lavender (Lavandula augustifolia)
~ Neroli (Citrus aurantium bigaradia)
~ Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
~ Rose (Rosa damascena)
~ Sandalwood (Santalum album)
~ Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata)

Also Frankincense, Lemon, Angelica, Orange, Grapefruit, or citrus oils of any kind.

Young Living oil blends that are helpful in fighting depression are; Valor, Motivation, Passion, Hope, Joy, Brain Power, Present Time, Envision, Sacred Mountain, Harmony, Highest Potential