Essential Oils to Support Relaxation and Mood
My Personal Experience of Essential Oils and Mood Support
One of the main reasons I began looking into the use of essential oils was to support my mood and help relaxation. Two things I have always found a challenge. I want to be very open and share my journey, in doing so, I think it is only appropriate that I give a little background.
I was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in early 2018 this also led to more generalised anxiety and then depression. Over the last 3 years, I have experienced positive times as well as some incredible lows and significant challenges. I have used a variety of treatments and I in no way suggest you use essential oils as a sole treatment for either of these mood disorders. They are complimentary. They can be beneficial and supportive but in my experience, best used to compliment other treatments. I have and continue to take anti-depressant medication, I have also had psychological therapies and use a lot of mindful techniques in conjunction with essential oils to support my mental wellbeing. Here, I have really noticed that certain essential oils can significantly offer a supportive and calming, helping hand.
The Science
As a scientific person, I always do research and look into the evidence behind different oils. Although it can sometimes be limited to animal studies and certainly needs further extensive studies, research is growing around essential oil uses to support mood disorders. I want to explore some of the most well-researched oils as well as how and when these can can be beneficial for our mood and relaxation.
From my exploration of research papers and essential oil reference books, I have compiled a list of some of the most prominent essential oils that are very useful in either reducing stress and anxiety or promoting positive feelings and relaxation.These oils are shown in the picture below.
The research into these oils is across many different research studies and literature reviews. You can find the sources I used in my own research, at the bottom of this page. Currently, research varies from animal and human studies. However, it presents clear measurable benefits when using the oils above. For each oil, and in some cases person, there is a different effects on brain chemicals and neurological pathways. This can differ from decreasing blood pressure and heart rate, to increasing serotonin in the brain. So far, further research needs to be undertaken to look into the direct affect essential oils have on human bodies but the evidence is clearly beginning to take shape.
Although there is less research into the oils below, I wanted to mention them here. From my experience, I find certain ‘tree’ oils like Cypress, Siberian Fir and Black Spruce to be extremely relaxing. In books, these are often referenced for their calming and balancing effects on the mind. I highly recommend looking into these oils too!
One significant factor, and something I have found personally, is that essential oil and smell in general can be a very personal experience. I adore the smell and experience of certain oils but avoid others, whilst others have grown upon me when used in a lower amount. So, it is worth trying oils and noting that the effects they have may be different for all of us.
How to use Essential Oils to Support Your Mood and Relaxation
Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways but my top two for their use in mood support are to diffuse oils, or apply them topically in a roller or a massage oil. You can also blend essential oils to benefit from numerous oils at the same time whilst creating a beautiful aroma. This does require some practice as not all oils blend well together and you might end up with a very average smell!
If you’re not so confident yet with blending oils then a great place to start is oil blends. I highly recommend Neals Yard Remedies Organic blends, I am passionate about these are the benefits I have felt. Here are a few of my top choices for mood support:
Women’s Balance – this is a blend includes so many incredible oils for mood support. To name a few: Frankincense, Bergamot, Orange and Rose. I love this blend for any time of the day, I find it soothing and grounding. Particularly when paired with mindful breathing.
Calming – a great blend including oils such as Bergamot, Lavender, Mandarin and Vetiver. This is another great choice for any time of the day. For me, because of the citrus oils, I find it both uplifting and calming so it doesn’t make me sleepy like other blends can.
Meditation – this blend can be used at many different times. It contains some fantastic grounding and calming oils like Frankincense, Vetiver, Sandalwood and Orange. These aim to create a feeling of zen and focus.
Night Time – for me a fantastic blend that I only diffuse before bed time because it really does make me sleepy! It harnesses the benefits of Lavender, Vetiver, Rose and Copaiba (an oil we have mentioned but one I find superb for sleep support!).
As a NYRO Independent Consultant, I am more than happy to offer any further advice or support to help you discover some amazing essential oils and blends to support relaxation and mood. Please do just pop me a message and I would love to help!
Essential Oils Really Can Help
So, when people say, why do you use essential oils? Isn’t it just a hippy fad? No, it is not.
There is real science behind the use of essential oils to support so many areas of life. Here, I hope I’ve shared some fantastic essential oils that can de-stress, promote relaxation and a positive mood.
I hope to continue sharing even more ways that essential oils can support your health and wellbeing! So, please do check back for these if you have enjoyed this post!
Rachel x
As always, I am not a trained aromatherapist, I simply speak from research and my personal experience. I love to share this however, should you have any concerns you should chat to a medical or aromatherapy professional.
Links to the resources used in my research for this blog post are included below:
Books for reference:
Essential Oils, Neals Yard Remedies Organic
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