There are many ways to naturally treat depression, particularly with essential oils. The top four essential oils for depression are bergamot, lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang. You can use essential oils for depression topically or aromatically, usually as a cream or in a diffuser.
By far, lavender is the most commonly used and studied essential oil for combatting the effects of depression and anxiety. At the Mayo Clinic, lavender is one of the essential oils offered to patients who seek treatment for depressive symptoms.
Essential Oils
One study found that bergamot, lavender, and lemon essential oils are particularly therapeutic. Using your sense of smell, they prompt your brain to release serotonin and dopamine.
Inhaling a mixture of peppermint, basil, and helichrysum essential oils several times a day appears to reduce the symptoms of moderate mental exhaustion and/or burnout.
Frankincense. Frankincense is another popular oil for depression. Frankincense, when inhaled for a duration of time, can boost mood and decrease cortisol levels. It also activates the part of the brain known for “feel good” hormones.
Peppermint essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils used to improve focus, concentration, overall mental clarity and for a quick boost of energy.
Like many other essential oils such as lavender, peppermint oil can be used to give relief from stress, anxiety, depression and mental exhaustion due to its naturally refreshing properties.
Pharmacologists in Israel have found that frankincense, a whitish resin tapped from the veins of a shrubby tree, relieves anxiety and depression, at least in mice.
High levels in sesquiterpenes, found in the essential oils of Frankincense and Sandalwood, help increase the amount of oxygen in the limbic system of the brain, particularly around the pineal and pituitary glands. This leads to an increase in secretions of antibodies, endorphins and neurotransmitters.
To use bergamot oil for depression and mood changes, rub 1–2 drops into your hands and cupping your mouth and nose, breathe in the scent of the oil slowly. You can also try rubbing 2–3 drops of bergamot on your stomach, back of neck and feet, or diffusing 5 drops at home or work.
Oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint oil help to stimulate the brain and increase focus, as well as reduce brain fog.
These smells have been scientifically proven to make you feel carefree and happy: Lavender: This earthy and fragrant aroma is regularly used in aromatherapy, and there's no surprise why: Studies have found that lavender can reduce anxiety and depression, and leave you feeling more relaxed, according to WebMD.
Mix one drop each of the three essential oils in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil and dab on pulse points (behind the ears, temples, wrists, ankles, over heart, etc.) and down décolletage. Avoid rubbing near the eyes. Throw in your deep breathing for the ultimate aromatherapeutic stress and tension relief.
Inhaling sweet orange essential oil can also reduce anxiety. One study found that using sweet orange essential oil during aromatherapy could help alleviate symptoms of an anxiety disorder. Sweet orange essential oil is also commonly used to ease symptoms of depression, calm an upset stomach, and treat skin problems.
Chamomile Essential Oil
Chamomile essential oils have been used by many to treat anxiety symptoms, such as overly worrying, overthinking, and being easily irritated. The peaceful scent is said to incite calmness and create inner harmony and balance.