Lavender Essential Oil for Mental Health
With hectic lives and obligations pulling our focus and energy in so many directions, it's far too easy to let our mental health suffer. Whether it’s just an emotional slump, a temporary circumstance, longer-term anxiety, or depression, essential oils can be a powerful tool to help us deal with symptoms and feel better. Many essential oils are known for their mood-boosting and calming properties, making them great for helping with symptoms of anxiety and depression. They can also help to deal with hormonal imbalances in the body which may be the root cause of these issues for some people. Aromatherapy is one of the most popular ways to use essential oils as a natural remedy for improving mental health. Inhaling the scent of essential oils can improve our well-being by stimulating the smell receptors in our noses. In turn that sends messages to our nervous system as well as has effects on the body’s chemical and energy systems.
Lavender is a go-to oil for many essential oil users because of its wide range of uses and its soothing floral scent, but it also possesses powerful mood-enhancing and anxiety-reducing effects that make it arguably the most popular essential oil for aromatherapy. Lavender Essential Oil may also be used to help ease symptoms of long-term anxiety such as headaches, nervousness, and or restlessness.
The mood-boosting power of Lavender Essential Oil makes it useful for combating depression and its related symptoms. Lavender aromatherapy can enhance the mood while also decreasing mood swings, helping us to feel more emotionally uplifted and balanced. Studies have shown that diffusing Lavender Essential Oil can result in a reduction of overall symptoms in those suffering from postnatal depression as well as decreasing depressive episodes resulting from PTSD.
Hormone imbalance is an issue that can lead to a variety of physical and mental health symptoms. Lavender Essential Oil may help to balance the levels of certain hormones and allow our bodies to function properly. Studies have shown that Lavender aromatherapy can reduce the amount of cortisol released by the body. Cortisol plays a central role in how the body responds to stress and overproduction can lead to the constant feeling of stress and contribute to both anxiety and depression. Lavender helps to balance cortisol levels and allow our bodies to respond to situations more appropriately.
Here are a few ways we can use Lavender Essential Oil for improved mental health. Each essential oil is different and some are more potent than others. These recipes are formulated within safe usage rates for each essential oil but you may wish to adjust amounts for your needs and preferences. Be sure to do a patch test when using essential oils topically for the first time and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Tranquil Home Diffuser Blend
Our homes should be a sanctuary away from things that may trigger anxiety and a place where we can relax and enjoy quality time. Diffusing anxiety-easing essential oils, such as Lavender, helps us to manifest that soothing energy in our space.
Ingredients
- 5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 3 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
- 2 drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Instructions
Add this blend to your favorite home diffuser. Diffuse this blend when you know you have a stressful day ahead to help you prepare for potential anxiety and to keep you grounded. Diffuse intermittently all day long to ensure your home is a place of peace and escape from the chaos of the world.
Anxiety Ease Away Roll-On Bottle
Situations that may cause anxiety can happen without warning and catch us off guard. These are times when we need anxiety easing tools to be portable for quick access and application. A roll-on bottle is a great way to have the healing effects of Lavender Essential Oil on the go, allowing us to enjoy both the aromatherapy and topical benefits in the moments when we need it most.
Ingredients
- 10 ml Glass Amber Roll-On Bottle
- 10 ml of Fractionated Coconut Oil
- 5 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Instructions
Add the essential oils to the bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle to the top with fractionated coconut oil. Replace the rollerball and cap, gently shake, and roll across your skin. Apply this blend to wrists and massage gently into temples when you feel anxious feelings rising to help avoid escalation.
Mood Recovery Room Spray
Battling depression can include some especially difficult days that make us just want to curl up on the couch and do nothing at all. Dispersing Lavender Essential Oil and other mood-enhancing essential oils around our homes can work to lift our spirits and help us have a more productive day.
Ingredients
- 4 oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top
- 2 oz of High Percentage Alcohol
- 2 oz Witch Hazel Extract
- 50 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 30 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil
- 20 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil
- 20 drops of Lime Essential Oil
Instructions
Add 2 oz of high percentage alcohol to the bottle. Add the essential oils and fill the remainder of the bottle with witch hazel, leaving a little space at the top. Shake well before each use. Spray all-around your home when you're feeling down and you need a little extra help lifting your spirits.
Hormone Balancing Massage Oil
Sometimes fatigue, irritability, or other uncomfortable signs can let us know that our hormones might be out of balance. A gentle massage with Lavender Essential Oil and other hormone-supporting essential oils can help diminish those feelings and get our mind and body aligned.
Ingredients
- 4 oz Amber Glass Bottle
- 3 oz of Sweet Almond Oil
- 20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- 12 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil
- 8 drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil
- 8 drops of Geranium Essential Oil
Instructions
Add all ingredients to the bottle and shake well to combine. Add a small amount to the hands and gently massage the abdomen, shoulders, or back. Allow soothing motions of the massage and the verdant floral aroma to help combat those hormonal fluctuations and ease your discomfort.
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