In recent years, it has become evident that despite the immense potential for modern medicine to provide healing, it has also become a profit-driven industry where patient well-being is often a distant second to financial gain. The principles of Hippocrates, emphasizing patient care and non-invasive treatments, seem to have been sidelined. Many have experienced situations where a healthcare provider, instead of offering a thoughtful plan starting with non-pharmacological, non-invasive measures, quickly prescribes medication without much consideration.
Several issues contribute to this scenario, including profit-driven healthcare providers and generations of patients who have been taught to resort to medication as the first and only solution. Additionally, our generally unhealthy diets, driven by the prevalence of unhealthy foods in grocery stores, are exacerbated by a lack of physical activity. Many people expose themselves to copious amounts of stress-inducing media, much of which promotes anti-family sentiments and a victim mentality. These factors have created a recipe for disaster, evident in the widespread mental health crisis, drug addiction, homelessness, and societal discord. While this situation is alarming, there is still hope.
Before I go any further, I need to be clear - it is super important to understand that discontinuing medications abruptly can be dangerous. If you wish to stop taking your prescription medications, please consult with your healthcare provider and/or pharmacist, or me to create a safe plan. Tonic herbs and essential oils can support our overall health, particularly mental health.
Recently, there has been a growing interest in natural remedies for managing mental health issues, as many of the pharmaceutical treatments come with some rather serious deleterious side effects. Aromatherapy has been studied for its potential to subdue symptoms of conditions such as ADD/ADHD, stress, anxiety, depression, and even dementia. This blog will explore the scientific basis of aromatherapy and its beneficial use for emotional and behavioral health. When inhaled, aromatic molecules interact with the olfactory system and directly affect the brain's limbic system, which is involved in emotion, behavior, and memory. Many studies have demonstrated that aromatherapy can significantly impact mood and cognitive functions. For instance, research indicates that lavender essential oil can reduce anxiety levels and improve mood by modulating neurotransmitter activity, such as serotonin and dopamine.
Essential Oils to Consider
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) being rich in linalool and linalyl acetate is perhaps the most well-known essential oil for its calming and relaxing properties. It has been extensively studied for its ability to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress without dependence or tolerance.
Malcolm, Benjamin J, and Kimberly Tallian. “Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time?.” The mental health clinician vol. 7,4 147-155. 26 Mar. 2018, doi:10.9740/mhc.2017.07.147
Bavarsad, Nazanin Hatami et al. “Aromatherapy for the brain: Lavender's healing effect on epilepsy, depression, anxiety, migraine, and Alzheimer's disease: A review article.” Heliyon vol. 9,8 e18492. 20 Jul. 2023, doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18492
Arslan, Ipek et al. “Can lavender oil inhalation help to overcome dental anxiety and pain in children? A randomized clinical trial.” European journal of pediatrics vol. 179,6 (2020): 985-992. doi:10.1007/s00431-020-03595-7
Ho Wood (Cinnamomum caphora ct linalool) oil is rich in linalool, a compound known for its sedative and relaxing effects, and ability to support depressive disorders.
Agatonovic-Kustrin, S et al. “Anxiolytic Terpenoids and Aromatherapy for Anxiety and Depression.” Advances in experimental medicine and biology vol. 1260 (2020): 283-296. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-42667-5_11
Dos Santos, Éverton Renan Quaresma et al. “Linalool as a Therapeutic and Medicinal Tool in Depression Treatment: A Review.” Current neuropharmacology vol. 20,6 (2022): 1073-1092. doi:10.2174/1570159X19666210920094504
An, Qi et al. “Recent updates on bioactive properties of linalool.” Food & function vol. 12,21 10370-10389. 1 Nov. 2021, doi:10.1039/d1fo02120f
Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) essential oil being rich in D-limonene, is known for its uplifting and calming effects, making it useful for reducing anxiety and improving mood. It is especially suitable for children and offers neuroprotective effects in cognitive decline.
Alkanat, Mehmet, and Hafize Özdemir Alkanat. “D-Limonene reduces depression-like behaviour and enhances learning and memory through an anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism in male rats subjected to chronic restraint stress.” The European journal of neuroscience, 10.1111/ejn.16455. 26 Jun. 2024, doi:10.1111/ejn.16455
Chandharakool, Supaya et al. “Effects of Tangerine Essential Oil on Brain Waves, Moods, and Sleep Onset Latency.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 25,20 4865. 21 Oct. 2020, doi:10.3390/molecules25204865
Shin, Myeongcheol et al. “Neuroprotective Effects of Limonene (+) against Aβ42-Induced Neurotoxicity in a Drosophila Model of Alzheimer's Disease.” Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin vol. 43,3 (2020): 409-417. doi:10.1248/bpb.b19-00495
Frankincense (Boswellia spp.) has a long history of use for its calming, relaxing, and grounding properties due to its high alpha-pinene content.
Asadı, Elham et al. “Effect of 4 weeks of frankincense consumption on explicit motor memory and serum BDNF in elderly men.” Turkish journal of medical sciences vol. 49,4 1033-1040. 8 Aug. 2019, doi:10.3906/sag-1810-204
Okano, Shukan et al. “The Effects of Frankincense Essential Oil on Stress in Rats.” Journal of oleo science vol. 68,10 (2019): 1003-1009. doi:10.5650/jos.ess19114
Hajizadeh Moghaddam, Akbar et al. “Neuroprotective effects of alpha-pinene against behavioral deficits in ketamine-induced mice model of schizophrenia: Focusing on oxidative stress status.” IBRO neuroscience reports vol. 16 182-189. 4 Jan. 2024, doi:10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.12.012
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) oil is often used for its balancing effects on mood and emotions, as well as anxiety control thanks to its citronellol and geraniol content.
Shirzadegan, Razieh et al. “Effects of geranium aroma on anxiety among patients with acute myocardial infarction: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial.” Complementary therapies in clinical practice vol. 29 (2017): 201-206. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.10.005
Goli, Rasoul et al. “Comparing the effects of geranium aromatherapy and music therapy on the anxiety level of patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery: A clinical trial.” Explore (New York, N.Y.) vol. 18,1 (2022): 57-63. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2020.08.004
Seo, Eunhye et al. “Inhalation of Pelargonium graveolens Essential Oil Alleviates Pain and Related Anxiety and Stress in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis and Moderate to Severe Pain.” Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 17,1 1. 19 Dec. 2023, doi:10.3390/ph17010001
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) oil is known for its grounding and mood-stabilizing effects, making it beneficial for anxiety and depression thanks to its patchoulol content.
Ouyang, Puyue et al. “Pogostemon cablin essential oil affects anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors and the gut microbiota in chronic unpredictable mild stress model rats.” Frontiers in nutrition vol. 11 1303002. 14 Feb. 2024, doi:10.3389/fnut.2024.1303002
Shin, You Kyoung et al. “Effects of Short-Term Inhalation of Patchouli Oil on Professional Quality of Life and Stress Levels in Emergency Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) vol. 26,11 (2020): 1032-1038. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0206
Astuti, Puji et al. “Antidepressant-like Activity of Patchouli Oil var. Tapak Tuan (Pogostemon cablin Benth) via Elevated Dopamine Level: A Study Using Rat Model.” Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 15,5 608. 15 May. 2022, doi:10.3390/ph15050608
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) oil, rich in alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole, and camphor, is known for its ability to enhance cognitive function and reduce symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Capatina, Luminita et al. “Rosmarinus officinalis Essential Oil Improves Scopolamine-Induced Neurobehavioral Changes via Restoration of Cholinergic Function and Brain Antioxidant Status in Zebrafish (Danio rerio).” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 9,1 62. 10 Jan. 2020, doi:10.3390/antiox9010062
Moss, Mark, and Lorraine Oliver. “Plasma 1,8-cineole correlates with cognitive performance following exposure to rosemary essential oil aroma.” Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology vol. 2,3 (2012): 103-13. doi:10.1177/2045125312436573
Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, Mahboobeh, and Hossein Hosseinzadeh. “Therapeutic effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and its active constituents on nervous system disorders.” Iranian journal of basic medical sciences vol. 23,9 (2020): 1100-1112. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2020.45269.10541
The above list is not a complete list, nor does it include all the potential benefits of the listed oils. Nevertheless, the above list provides a good starting point for exploring the psychological and cognitive benefits of aromatherapy. Please remember that not every oil is well-suited for every person. Before buying a new essential oil, please do a little research to be sure that it is safe for the person you intend to use it. For the purpose of psychological and cognitive effects, aromatic use is the most ideal route: diffuser, personal diffuser dot, or personal inhaler.
DIY Recipes for Inhalers and Stock Blends for Diffusing
Stress Relief Inhaler
Ingredients:
5 drops of lavender oil
3 drops of mandarin oil
2 drops of patchouli oil
Instructions: Add the essential oils to a blank inhaler stick. Inhale deeply when feeling stressed.
Focus Stock Blend
Ingredients:
30 drops of rosemary oil
30 drops of mandarin oil
30 drops of frankincense oil
Instructions: Add the essential oils to a 5ml stock bottle, insert the orifice reducer, cap it, and label it. Add a couple of drops to a personal diffuser dot or place a few drops into a diffuser when needing to focus.
Anxiety Relief Stock Blend
Ingredients:
40 drops of ho wood oil
20 drops of lavender oil
10 drops of geranium oil
Instructions: Add the essential oils to a 5ml stock bottle, insert the orifice reducer, cap it, and label it. Add a couple of drops to a personal diffuser dot or place a few drops into a diffuser when feeling anxious.
Sleep Aid Inhaler
Ingredients:
5 drops of lavender oil
3 drops of patchouli oil
2 drops of mandarin oil
Instructions: Add the essential oils to a blank inhaler stick. Inhale deeply before bedtime to promote restful sleep.
Conclusion
The potential benefits of aromatherapy for emotional and behavioral health are supported by both historical use and modern scientific research. Essential oils such as lavender, ho wood, mandarin, frankincense, geranium, patchouli, and rosemary have demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and cognitive disorders like ADD/ADHD and dementia. While it is essential to use these oils safely, they offer a promising complementary and potentially alternative approach to traditional pharmacological treatments. As always, remember to do your own research and consult with professionals before making significant changes to your health regimen. Take good care.
Additional References
Ebrahimi, Hossein et al. “The effects of Lavender and Chamomile essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression, anxiety and stress in older community-dwelling people: A randomized controlled trial.” Explore (New York, N.Y.) vol. 18,3 (2022): 272-278. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2020.12.012
Sattayakhom, Apsorn et al. “The Effects of Essential Oils on the Nervous System: A Scoping Review.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 28,9 3771. 27 Apr. 2023, doi:10.3390/molecules28093771
Liu, Jieqiong et al. “Behavioral and Neural Changes Induced by a Blended Essential Oil on Human Selective Attention.” Behavioural neurology vol. 2019 5842132. 15 Oct. 2019, doi:10.1155/2019/5842132
Liang, Xinli et al. “Research Progress of Essential Oil as a New Complementary Therapy in the Treatment of Depression.” Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry vol. 21,16 (2021): 2276-2289. doi:10.2174/1389557521666210219161747
Tripathy, Santwana et al. “Comparative Evaluation between Lavender Essential Oil and Patchouli Essential Oil in Aromatherapy and Its Effect on Dental Anxiety in Children.” International journal of clinical pediatric dentistry vol. 16,5 (2023): 681-685. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2674
Ebihara, Takae et al. “Medical aromatherapy in geriatric syndrome.” Geriatrics & gerontology international vol. 21,5 (2021): 377-385. doi:10.1111/ggi.14157
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