Lavender Blend For Depression
Depression is very common with people from all ages suffering from depression. Depression affects more men than women but for both it can be extremely distressing. We all experience ups and downs in ourmoods and how we feel. This is normal, we should experience some level of fluctuation in our moods, in response to everyday challenges it’s not normal to be a flat line emotionally with no real deviation in our moods.
However, depression is more than feeling a bit down or a bit sad or fed up and if it is long lasting it can have serious effects on our lives,from not being able to do everyday things. At its most serious it can lead to suicidal thoughts or even attempts.
Depression can be described as a low mood lasting longer than two weeks that leads to a loss of interest and enjoyment in life, loss of energy, disturbed sleep, poor concentration and feelings of low self worth. Using essential oil blends such as this Geranium blend of essential oils can help lift the feelings of low mood and depression naturally.
Someone with mild depression will often be able to function and continue with daily life but with loss of enjoyment or interest, however as this moved through to severe depression it may become difficult to continue with normal daily life which can affect their ability to work and to continue with social activities, domestic duties including personal hygiene.
There are a number of factors which can lead to a depressive episode such as experiencing a traumatic event, such as a relationship breakdown, loss of a loved one or job, having a chronic or long term illness can also increase the risk of experiencing depression. Personality and family history can also increase the risk of suffering with depression, some people for example are more anxious or have low self esteem, this could be due to early life experiences. There is also evidence that depression can be genetic with other family members also being prone to depression.
Pregnancy and having a baby can also increase the risk of suffering from depression due to the hormonal changes that occur during this time as well as the adjustment to the changes that come with a new baby, leading to postnatal depression.
Try this Lavender blend to help lift feelings of depression.
THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION INCLUDE
Loss of interest in most regular activities
Feeling empty, sad, hopeless
Slowed thinking or movement
Anger, aggressiveness, irritability
Fatigue or low energy most days
Anxiousness, restlessness
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Loss of concentration or indecisiveness
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Drinking excessively, using drugs, engaging in high-risk activities
Reduced sexual desire, lack of sexual performance
Insomnia, restless sleep, excessive sleepiness, not sleeping through the night
Changes in appetite, weight changes
Difficulty with recall or memory
THE FOLLOWING OILS ARE PARTICULARLY BENEFICIAL
Lavender – Lavender can help reduce stress and tension, helping to calm, soothe and clear the mind and lifts depression and low mood due to its antidepressant properties and calming properties.
Basil – Basil is a great natural antidepressant, it can help to lift mood and balance emotions.
Sandalwood - Sandalwood has sedative properties which can make it particularly good for people who are tense, stressed and struggling with low mood.
HOW TO USE
If you have an empty essential oil bottle you can clean it out and make a blend to use when needed or you can add them individually in the following ratio.
Lavender – 3 drops
Basil – 3 drops
Sandalwood – 3 drops
WAYS TO USE
DIFFUSE
Diffusing a blend of these essential oils can help to relieve the ease feelings of low mood and depression and calm the mind.
Diffuse 1 - 3 drops of the blend of Lavender, Basil and Sandalwood essential oil in an oil burner or diffuser.
INHALATION
Inhaling this blend of essential oils is effective in helping to relieve feelings of depression and lift low moods.
Simply add 1 - 3 drops of this blend of essential oils on a tissue or handkerchief and breath in deeply. Use as needed.
BATH
Taking a warm bath with this wonderful healing blend can help relieve tension, calm the mind and release tension in the body. As the oil disperses into the air it can help to bring a sense of calm.
Add 1 - 3 drops of the essential oil blend to a warm bath.
Note: Care should be taken not to use more than 3 drops to prevent the bath from becoming too slippery. Essential oils should be added to a carrier oil before adding as oil and water do not mix and essential oils will float on the surface of the water and if used neat can burn the skin.
OINTMENT
Mix with some carrier oil such as almond oil olive oil and dab a little under the nose or on the wrists.
Mix 1 to 2 drops of the essential oil blend to a tablespoon of carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil.
SIDE EFFECTS
As with all essential oils it should not be used neat on the skin, essential oils are very concentrated oils that can irritate the skin unless mixed with a carrier oil. Essential oils should not be used internally unless under the supervision of an aromatherapist. There are no other specific cautions for Sandalwood essential oil.
Basil should not be used during pregnancy and if used in excess can act as a depressant.
There are no specific warnings associated with Lavender, it’s one of the few oils that can be applied directly to the skin.
Pets can be particularly sensitive to the effects of essential oils and can even be toxic so where possible should either be avoided or used where a pet is able to go into another room for Basil and Lavender are examples of such oils.