Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema
Article by Eileen Doody
Anxiety is trapped fear which is in a constant recycling pattern inside of us. It becomes a habitual way of being as it amounts to thoughts and feelings which we are not best placed to unpack, examine and integrate. If we could, it would help to dissolve many of the feelings associated with the anxious thoughts and our coping capabilities would increase.
Having a good listener, somebody who is impartial and will allow you to express what you are thinking and feeling regardless of how negative you think these thoughts and feelings to be, can lead to greater awareness and bring ease. Body-centered therapies, importantly hands-on treatments, are highly beneficial in reducing anxiety and helping the nervous system to regulate itself.
In my recent article, “10 Ways to Alleviate Anxiety Naturally” which you can access here, I mentioned that there is currently a global increase in anxiety and depression and I gave information on some practical tools that help. I also mentioned how essential oils are one of the best ways to help change our mood. Each essential oil contains hundreds of chemical constituents with multiples of properties that affect us physiologically, psychologically and emotionally.
When you inhale an essential oil, the molecules are picked up by receptors which stimulate the olfactory bulb at the back of your nose. The olfactory bulb is part of your brain (the back of the nose is the closest area to the brain). This then sends electrical signals to the limbic part of the brain. Known as the oldest part of the brain, the limbic area is responsible for regulating emotions, behavioural and psychological responses. Essential oils help to downregulate (balance) the nervous system due to this direct pathway.
Before we go any further, I cannot stress enough that the essential oils you choose to use must be of therapeutic grade. Anything else, i.e. synthetic or adulterated, will not have the necessary chemical constituents nor the healing properties as a result. In fact, in some cases they may even be toxic. Therapeutic grade means that they are suitable for use by an Aromatherapist or Herbalist in a clinical setting. There are many ways to use essential oils to help alleviate anxiety but here are a few ideas:
Inhalation
You can inhale the essential oil directly from the bottle or put 1-2 drops on a tissue and carry it with you. I think that this is one of the most useful ways because you can carry the bottle in your handbag or pocket. This way, you will always have something with you to help calm the nervous system.
Diffuser
When at home, you can put 6-8 drops of an essential oil blend into your diffuser and have it working in the background. It is also possible to get a diffuser for your car.
Some cautionary notes: some essential oils are toxic to pets so it is wise to place your diffuser away from them. Also, please never put essential oils down the toilet or sink as they are poisonous to aquatic life. I usually wipe the diffuser out with some kitchen paper after each use.
Perfume
You can create a perfume blend or use an individual essential oil on your hairline. This way, the scent is wafting around you throughout the day. It is possible to use essential oils neat this way once you make sure that they don’t get on the skin as they may irritate it.
Aromapendant
This is a piece of jewellery specifically designed to take essential oils on a felt pad enclosed within. They are available in pendants or bracelets. Holistic Wellbeing stocks a range of these you can view when you next visit the centre.
Aromatic Baths
An excellent way to use the oils and get some extra magnesium into your body which helps to alleviate anxiety. I previously wrote an article on aromatic baths here.
Pulse Points
This would involve diluting a blend of several or one essential oil in some jojoba oil and rubbing it into your pulse points on your body, e.g. wrists, temples, behind your ears, neck, chest, inner elbows, back of your knees and ankles.
Essential Oils That Help to Alleviate Anxiety
Most essential oils can help to alleviate anxiety and uplift the psyche in different ways. The most important thing to remember is that you must like the scent of the oil you choose. If an essential oil is indicated for something and you do not like its scent, it probably won’t be of much therapeutic use to you. However, we are unique beings that change moment to moment and what you might not like today, you may end up loving a few months or years in time.
Essential oils have contra-indications so it is important to look these up before using an oil. When you are buying books on essential oils, it’s important to search for books that are written by qualified Aromatherapists. Aromatherapists study the chemistry of essential oils and they also use them personally and in their practices with their clients so their knowledge is embodied and not just researched.* Having said all of that, these are some essential oils that help to alleviate anxiety and uplift mood which are easily accessible:
Lavender
A floral scent that I imagine everybody is familiar with, this essential oil lowers blood pressure so is contra-indicated in such a case. Lavender helps if you are feeling highly strung, agitated or over-sensitive. It is very calming and balancing. It is also good for worry, feeling insecure or if you are experiencing some obsessive-compulsive behaviour.
Sweet Marjoram
This herbal essential oil has a very warming and comforting scent. It helps if you are feeling withdrawn, melancholic or irritable due to worry. Be wary of using sweet marjoram too much as it can deaden the emotions if used in excess. It also helps to lower blood pressure.
Bergamot
Joy in a bottle! This citrus oil uplifts the heart and helps with motivation, despondency and burn-out. One of the best essential oils if you are feeling lonely or isolated. It is phototoxic so don’t use it on skin you will be exposing to sunlight.
Mandarin
Known as “The oil of Tranquility”. Very good at helping us to access our child-like state. Soothing, uplifting and good for feelings of dejection or despair.
Geranium
This flower oil is so balancing on every level: body, mind and spirit. Very good if you are experiencing extreme moods, worry or fear. It brings comfort and is said to be linked to Goddess energy so it helps us to feel held by The Mother.
Clary Sage
Distilled from the herb, this essential oil has a very distinctive scent that is warming to the emotions. It has a euphoric effect that helps to calm nervous tension, helps the nerves and helps us to see things in perspective. Clary sage is a sedative oil that can cause headaches in large amounts. It can induce nausea if you use it when or after drinking alcohol.
Rose
An exquisite flower essential oil associated with the heart. Rose Otto or Rose Absolute can help when you are feeling over-burdened, emotionally depleted or resigned. It helps the energy of the heart to expand, boosts confidence and brings a soft feeling into our very Being.
Neroli
Distilled from the flowers of the orange tree, this essential oil is excellent for lifting heavy sorrowful feelings. It can ease the sense of struggle and despair and bring a more spiritual perspective and attitude into our life. Helps us to feel connected to something greater. Can connect us with our creative spark which can bring a sense of joyful purpose.
Vetiver
This very grounding oil is exceptional if you are feeling overly sensitive or if you feel that you are picking up on the Collective anxiety. Helpful when feeling scattered, emotionally burnt out, irritable or that you have lost your purpose.
Frankincense
I think that most people are familiar with the beautiful scent of Frankincense. This comforting essential oil elevates the spirit and helps us to cut any energetic connections from the past which may be dragging us down or holding us back. Can help with feelings of despair or resistance to change.
Patchouli
A very grounding oil, Patchouli helps us to feel assured and decisive. Very good for stress or mood swings. Its scent isn’t to everyone’s liking and one drop is incredibly powerful.
Ylang Ylang
This beautiful floral oil calms the nervous system while helping us to feel confident and enthusiastic. Very good for stress and frustration. Excellent for agoraphobia.
Roman Chamomile
This very soothing floral essential oil helps us to relax and feel more peaceful. It is very helpful for worry, stress, tension and irritability. It can bring a sense of inner sereneness.
Lime
This citrus oil is excellent for anxiety, depression and apathy. Uplifting and refreshing, it can help us to feel energised, expansive and get us moving!
Holistic Wellbeing has a wide range of essential oils you can view when visiting the centre. I am always happy to answer any questions so feel free to get in touch 😊
Recommended Books on Essential Oils:
“Aromatherapy an A – Z: The most comprehensive guide to aromatherapy ever published” by Patricia Davis
“The Directory of Essential Oils” by Wanda Sellar
Practising in holistic therapies for over 25 years, Eileen has trained and qualified in CranioSacral Therapy with Upledger Institute International. She is also qualified in Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki and Indian Head Massage and uses flower and tree essences as a support to the psycho-emotional aspects of treatments when needed. She is passionate about holding space for others in their healing and spiritual journeys. Her website is www.eileendoody.com. Her Facebook page is Eileen Doody Therapies.