Dr Imnasenla
doTERRA Wellness Advocate
Essential Oils (EOs) are aromatic compounds extracted from plant, bark, steam, leave, flower or fruit. EOs have been used since ancient times for medicine, food and beauty purposes. It has also been recognized as therapeutic agents for their wide range of pharmacological and psychological properties. Individuals are now beginning to rediscover some of the amazing health benefits of pure, natural essential oils.
Modern researches on preclinical and clinical studies have shown varying pharmacological responses in the nervous system leading to anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects. Historical records show that EOs were already in use more in ancient Egypt, India, Persia, Mesopotamia, and China to prevent illnesses, for the treatment of diseases and in religious ceremonies on account of their pleasant odours.
Additionally, clinical trials have demonstrated the influence of essential oils in physiological parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, brain waves composition, and cortisol serum levels with concomitant psychological effects. Although there is growing evidence of measurable effects of essential oils in animal brains, more clinical research is required to validate their influence in the human central nervous system. This will enable the development of essential oil-based drugs for the treatment of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and dementia.
The World Health Organisation recognises mental disorder as clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behaviour. It says that 1 in every 8 people in the world live with a mental disorder. Depression doesn’t discriminate – it can impact your quality of life regardless of age, culture, race, financial status, education level, religion, or gender identification. While there are different types of depression (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, seasonal depression, etc.), there are many common symptoms to look out for: Persistent feelings of hopelessness and pessimism, fatigue and tiredness , insomnia or sleep problems, loss of interest in things you used to care about, loss of appetite or overeating, anxiety, trouble concentrating or with memory retention, irritability and withdrawing from relationships.
Over the last decade, we’ve seen a growing focus on EOs as effective ways to improve health and emotional well-being. Laboratory research shows promising potential for the mental health benefits of essential oils as calming mood stabilizers. Similar to using EOs for anxiety, they appear to have a unique ability to interact with the human brain and nervous system in ways that promote vitality and harmony.
Essential Oils influence the brain via the olfactory bulb which sits atop the nose. The olfactory bulb is a part of the brain that connects to the limbic system -the part of the brain that oversees emotional responses like fear and anxiety. The brains olfactory bulbs are hard wired into the limbic system , which is why the sense of smell can evoke such a powerful response. This system influences the endocrine system as well as the autonomic nervous system. The limbic system is often called the seat of all emotions.
Essential oils are not a cure for depression but it can help alleviate some of its symptoms like insomnia and anxiety. EOs have been gaining popularity as complementary medicines to alleviate depression and anxiety, not only because of their proven pharmacological effects but also to avoid the side effects produced by the chronic use of synthetic anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs. There is an increasing demand and interest of alternative medicines to treat depression and anxiety with reduced or no side effects. The use of Eos are most effective if used as addendum tools to other treatment methods from conventional options such as medication and therapy to alternative treatments.
It is very important to look for pure and organic essential oils, while buying essential oils . Not all essential oils are created equal. There are four main grades of oils. According to multiple third party laboratory testing, most suppliers are selling products with artificial and compromised agents. These oils lack purity and can also be harmful to the body. Using cheap and low quality essential oils can do more harm than good. Always buy pure certified oils and where label clearly states the plants’ botanical name, where the plant grew, how the oil was extracted (steam distilled or cold pressed).
There’s one thing to remember with quality of essential oils and it all starts with the source. doTTERA the largest essential oil company in the world focuses on sustainable sourcing practices that produce only the highest quality essential oils. Each doTERRA essential oil is carefully and thoroughly tested using the strict Certified Pure Tested Grade™ quality protocol.
There are three main ways to use essential oils: aromatically, topically and internally. The two main reasons for aromatic use is to clear the air and affect mood. The second way to use oils is topical. This means applying oils directly on the skin to relieve or soothe tired muscles and apply on the bottom of the feet. The third way to use oils is internal. The CPTG quality standard is entirely safe to ingest unlike other brands. With doTERRA, you can put them in your mouth, under your tongue, in water, drink them or a lot of people love to put them in a veggie capsule.
Science continues to evolve, showing us that taking oils internally is a unique and powerful delivery system. They can affect virtually every body system, organ and cell.
Several studies have suggested that while no single essential oil has been proven to effectively treat anxiety or depression on its own, many oils have had success in minimizing certain symptoms of mental illness. Success rates for essential oil therapy vary from person to person, but using oils in conjunction with professional mental health treatment might improve wellbeing.
Lavender oil: This oil is commonly used for insomnia. Several studies have found that lavender improves sleep and reduces anxiety. Lavender is proven to have benefits for the nervous system, improving mood, alleviating stress and nervous tension, and assisting with balancing symptoms of shock and vertigo. This oil, used by any method, is the number one stress reducer. It aids in many situations in which overwhelm or anxiety is dominant. You can use it by direct inhalation with a diffuser, oil vaporizer or steam inhalation.
Peppermint oil: The oils in peppermint may help alleviate symptoms of fatigue and boost energy levels. Peppermint oil can reduce depression and anxiety in patients with myocardial infarction, so its use is recommended in clinical situations.
Lemongrass oil: This oil helps in the management of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It can also promote mental clarity and spiritual resilience.
Frankincense oil: Frankincense oil is uplifting, calming to the nervous system, can lessen anxiety, encourage deeper breathing patterns, decrease unpleasant sensory experiences and even create feelings of euphoria.
Bergamot: Bergamot is used as an antidepressant, antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-spasmodic and stomachic. Bergamot’s sunny and warming disposition helps people regain self-confidence, and it uplifts and refreshes the spirit.
Wild Orange oil: This oil can be used to uplift mood and increase feelings of energy.
Roman Chamomile: This oil is known to be especially helpful in combating insomnia. It is also an antispasmodic for the emotions and is soothing and calming to the nervous system. It reduces anxiety and has antidepressant qualities.
