The body of scientific research regarding the medicinal uses of essential oils for all applications continues to grow. Alongside the data reinforcing the use of oils as antibacterials and antivirals, is a growing amount of evidence published in peer-reviewed journals on the anxiolytic (anti-stress) actions of oils. The evidence is strong enough such that some oils have finally been recommended as “complementary” therapies, meaning researchers are suggesting that M.D.’s consider their use in conjunction with modern medical practices.
More research has been done on evaluating the psycho-emotional effects of these three essential oils than any others: lavender, sandalwood and bergamot. Each of these oils has been the subject of one or more studies including a control population. Each has demonstrated statistically significant effects in the areas of stress and anxiety reduction. These effects are similar yet clearly distinct. This offers the aromatherapy practitioner and user more than one potential medicine from which to choose. Not only will each address somewhat different therapeutic needs, they offer a palate of aromas to suit individual tastes as well.
Lavender is the most widely used essential oil for a great variety of therapeutic applications. It is a “soothing” oil in all aspects, both for the skin and the mind. Lavender has been shown to actually lessen sensitization of our skin, and of the three oils here is the only one that can be described as a sedative. While it’s not been reported that individuals inhaling lavender report feeling sedated or groggy in any way, lavender can slow response time (while bergamot, for example, is likely to speed it). Lavender is used for calming children, reducing general anxiety, and is the first choice for improving sleep.
In research, lavender’s actions result both from inhalation and ingestion. A recently published series of studies showed a slow-release capsule containing 80mg of lavender essential oil was proven as effective as benchmark sedative pharmaceutical drugs. Curiously, there’s not much in the way of data regarding topical application for psychological effects. But knowing the way essential oils work — apply them topically and you’ll both smell them and have them absorbed in to your bloodstream — it’s not a far stretch to assume topical application will produce similar results.
Sandalwood has similar, but not precisely the same, actions as lavender. Sandalwood is an excellent stress reducer without being sedative. Lavender actually slows response time, where sandalwood does not. One study’s participants inhaling sandalwood reported feeling greater clarity and relaxation — being more grounded and centered. Yet another study showed inhaled sandalwood to improve the sleep/wake cycle, resulting in deeper, more effective rest. Also interesting, in this study ti was determined the action of sandalwood was due to its presence in the bloodstream, not from the awareness of the aroma itself — an indication that topical application should have the same effects.
Pressed from the peels of bitter oranges, bergamot is considered aromatherapy’s classic “anti-depressant” aromatic. Teenagers involved in a study wearing aromatherapy jewelry releasing bergamot, scoring themselves, showed statistically-significant improvements in mental/emotional states. Esoterically, bergamot’s action targets conditions of the heart, supporting that those who have closed-down emotionally due to high levels of work-related stress. Bergamot inhalation has also been shown to reduce the level of pain medication necessary to achieve a certain state of relief. Italian researchers determined bergamot works by limiting formation of circuitry in the brain which would otherwise enhance the stress response. These same researchers formally recommended bergamot be utilized as a complementary medicine for its pain-relieving, stress reducing actions.
The question is frequently asked by beginning aromatherapy practitioners: “what oil should I use for depression or anxiety”? These oils are the place to start. One needs to be willing to experiment to see what works best for them. Get a sample of each of these oils and see how you respond to their scents — you have to like the aroma for you to use an oil consistently for anxiety reduction and stress relief. Lavender has been noted to be more appreciated by women, and sandalwood is considered a somewhat more “masculine” aroma — yet certainly this shouldn’t prevent either gender from trying both oils.
The general methods for each of these oils: lavender — inhalation, topical, ingestion; sandalwood — inhalation, topical; bergamot — inhalation. Your actual method of use should also be experimented with. All of these can used in simple diffusers (sandalwood alone may or may not be too thick for some cold-air nebulizing diffusers). The can all be topically applied as a natural perfume, or massaged into the feet (a highly receptive area for essential oils). Care must be taken with bergamot only, as it can be a mild skin irritant for some, and will cause the skin where applied to be hyper-sensitive to sunlight. If you choose to ingest a couple drops of lavender per day, be aware that this isn’t recommended for all oils, that the quantity should remain low, and the effects may take some time to experience.
More on the healing effects of essential oils can be found at http://www.anandaapothecary.com.