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"Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”
- Ezekiel 47:12 (NIV)
Before there were doctors and modern medicine, there was God and all that He created. Plants were part of His creation, and their purpose was to sustain life by providing food and healing.
However, with the rise of modern medicine, plants are used a lot more for food and a lot less for healing.
The fact is, most people don't know how effective the oil extracted from plants can be for healing. It's often written off as a spiritual ritual despite the science behind it. Essential oils are also Biblical. They're actually mentioned over a thousand times in the Bible, and for good reason, they work. In this post, we are going cover everything you need to know about essential oils and mental health.
How Essential Oils Work to Improve Mental Health Issues
Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel. ~ Proverbs 27:9 NKJV
Did you know that your sense of smell is directly connected to the emotional center of your brain? This is the reason the Bible says ointment and perfumes (essential oils) delight the heart. Our sense of smell causes us to react first, then process information, which is why essential oils are especially helpful for emotional healing.
When you inhale an essential oil's fragrance, the molecules move up your nostrils to your olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb then alerts your limbic system, which is where your emotions and memories are stored.
Your limbic system, also known as your brain's emotional center, regulates your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, and stress levels. This is why certain scents elicit an immediate physical response in your body and can improve your mood.)-(4).jpg)
How to Use Essential Oils
The most popular way to use essential oils is to inhale them directly from the bottle or through the use of a diffuser or humidifier. You can also apply essential oils directly to your skin after diluting them with a carrier oil. Alternatively, you can get creative and incorporate the mixture into a body wash, shampoo, or bath. If you are looking for a way to easily make your own self-care products with essential oils, I highly recommend SimpleEarth.
Finally, keep in mind that essential oils need to be used with caution. Although it is natural, it's not compatible with everyone. If you're using an essential oil on your skin for the first time, you should perform a skin test. Put a few drops of the a single essential oil that is diluted with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil, almond oil, or avocado oil ) on a small area of your skin. If there is no redness, rash or allergic reaction after a full day, it is safe enough to use.
I recommend purchasing 100% pure essential oils from a reputable source like SimplyEarth. They are known for their commitment to quality and transparency in sourcing their oils. When it comes to essential oils, purity is crucial to ensure safety and effectiveness. SimplyEarth provides high-quality oils that are rigorously tested for purity and potency, giving you peace of mind when using them for your mental health. Remember, never take essential oils by mouth unless specifically advised to do so by a healthcare professional. Prioritize your well-being by choosing trusted brands like SimplyEarth for your essential oil needs.
Most Researched Essential Oils for Emotional Support
While research into essential oils for mental health benefits is still in its early stages, there is some evidence that certain oils may help with things like stress relief, better sleep, and more.
Bergamot Oil
Bergamot essential oil, the same ingredient that gives Earl Grey tea its signature scent, is widely used in aromatherapy. Citrus bergamia essential oil is derived from the peel of a citrus fruit known as Citrus bergamia.
Bergamot oil has been shown to help people relax. A 2017 study published in Phytotherapy Research reported that 15 minutes of exposure to the perfume of bergamot essential oil increased participants' pleasant moods in a mental health treatment facility waiting area. According to a 2015 study, bergamot essential oil can help with negative emotions and fatigue, as well as lower saliva cortisol levels (the body's "stress hormone").
Chamomile Oil
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Chamomile, renowned for its calming properties, is a valuable essential oil for promoting mental health. Its soothing aroma has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety, ease stress, and promote relaxation. Chamomile essential oil can help calm a racing mind, alleviate feelings of tension, and promote a sense of tranquility. It is often used in aromatherapy to induce sleep and improve sleep quality, making it beneficial for those struggling with insomnia or restlessness.
Additionally, chamomile oil has been known to have mood-balancing effects, helping to uplift the spirit and ease feelings of sadness or irritability. Incorporating chamomile essential oil into your self-care routine can provide a gentle and natural support for your mental well-being.
Frankincense Oil
The religious connotation of frankincense is self-evident, but it is not without merit. Beyond being one of the gifts the wisemen give to Jesus, frankincense oil is mentioned 52 times in the Bible. In the Bible days it was also regarded as more valuable than gold.
In terms of properties, frankincense has a slightly sweet-woodsy perfume that is earthy but uplifting. Frankincense may induce a sensation of tranquility, relaxation, grounding, and togetherness when inhaled through the nose or diffused into the air. It's the ideal partner for entering a meditative or spiritual state. Moreover, a 2016 study revealed that using frankincense significantly reduced anxiety in women during labor.
Lemon Oil
You may have found that using lemon-scented items to clean your home makes you feel more calm or uplifted. While some of the change in mood that you experience may be due to simply freshening up your surroundings some of the change in mood is likely due the aromatherapy benefits of lemon.
A 2016 study found that lemon essential oil lowered anxiety after orthopedic surgery. There is evidence that diffusing lemon essential oil can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and despair.
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is probably the most well-known EO. Lavender has a mellow, pleasant scent that promotes relaxation. Patients waiting to see a dentist felt more at peace when lavender was diffused in the room, according to a study conducted in dentist clinics. Doulas and midwives frequently advise women in labor to use lavender essential oil to help with fear and anxiety. Diffusing lavender after giving birth, according to one study, may help alleviate symptoms of despair linked to hormonal fluctuations. Lavender is also a sedative and is widely used for sleep problems.
Other Popular Essential Oils That May Benefit Your Emotional Wellbeing
The below oils are popular and thus readily available from most essential oil companies. However, each of the below oils need more reacher to back the benefit of using them to improve your mental health.
Essential oils for overcoming anxiety
Patchouli
Roman Chamomile
Rose
Frankincense
Sandalwood
Vetiver
Bergamot
Cedarwood
Geranium
Lavender
Mandarin
Essential oils for reducing stress
Chamomile
Rose
Sandalwood
Vetiver
Ylang Ylang
Benzoin
Bergamot
Geranium
Grapefruit
Jasmine
Lavender
Mandarin
Patchouli
Essential oils for grief
Cypress
Frankincense
Neroli
Rose
Sandalwood
Vetiver
Essential oils for memory and concentration
Basil
Black Pepper
Lemon
Peppermint
Rosemary
Other Things to Consider With Using Essential Oils:
Essential oils work differently for everyone
No two people will experience the same essential oil in the same way since each oil has a complex chemical composition and because fragrances interact with the portion of our brain that holds our personal memories and experiences. If an oil is calming or elevating for someone else, it may not have the same effect on your body as it does on them.
Find Your Go To Oils
Since everyone responds differently, take the time to figure out which oils will work for you. One thing that i recommend is that you try a few oils out by closing your eyes and smelling the oil. After smelling on the oil, take a few minutes to check in with your body and see how your are feeling on both an emotional and physical level. By doing this you will find certain essential oils that may help you.
Incorporate Oils into Your Life
To get the most benefits from oils, consider incorporating your favorite oil or an oil that you believe will benefit your emotional health into your daily routine. Applying essential oils can be part of a healthy bedtime routine. You can also use oils as part of your skin care routine or diffusing them during your work day. They can also be incorporated into yoga or other exercise routine or massage therapy.
Be Consistent
Instead of using essential oils only when you want to change your mood, try using small amounts on a regular basis. Some people complain that they don't get the emotional health benefits of essential oils, but a one-time application isn't always a guarantee of a mood change.
Seek extra help.
While essential oils have been around since the Bible days, they are considered complementary and alternative medicine. As a result, if you your quest for an emotionally-balanced life becomes overwhelming, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reaching out to friends and family and seeking professional mental help can provide you with extra help on your journey to good emotional health. If you are looking for a Christian counselor or life coach, you can search our directory of providers here: local Christian mental health providers.
Final Thoughts on Essential Oil for Mental Health
Life isn't easy. At some point in our lives, we all face emotions we wish we didn't have to. Essential oils are God's gift to us in times like these. They help us relax, be still, and focus on Him. They bring healing to our emotional states and do not have any side effects.
If your emotional health has been not been the best lately, try using essential oils. They are as effective today as it was thousands of years ago. However, also keep in mind that using essential oils alone will not be as effective as it would be if you combined it with other work on your emotional health such as journaling or visiting a therapist. If you are looking for a Christian therapy, you can find a mental health provider by searching our directory.
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About the Author:
Corine Williams, Ph.D. is Clinical Psychologist that is currently seeing clients through www.doctorondemand.com. However, her passion is to write books that educate, uplift, and help provide parents with a tool to talk about difficult subjects. You can find out more about her at www.booksbycorine.com or by visiting her amazon profile here: https://www.amazon.com/Corine-Hyman/e/B00AWZ5FL2
Help us increase mental health awareness in the Christian community by donating through our paypal link here: www.paypal.com/therapyforchristians, joining our mailing list by clicking below, or join our provider list here: Provider listing
Disclaimer: the information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this article are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are looking for a Christian counselor near you, please check out our directory located here: Christians Therapist Near Me
