Scents for Helping With Relaxation & Depression

An effective and natural way to calm the mind and ease depression is to use aromatherapy. Aromatherapy involves the use of essential oils with both uplifting and soothing properties to produce pleasant aromas that help the brain fight stress, insomnia, depression and fatigue. Dr. Charles Spence of the Department of Experimental Psychology at Oxford, explains that pleasant smells lower the heart rate and are often closely associated with good memories. Aromatherapy also stimulates the limbic area of the brain, which is often affected by depression. The easiest way to enjoy essential oils is to simply open the bottle and inhale. Some oils may also be applied topically.

Rosemary

• Rosemary is an uplifting scent that combats mental fatigue and exhaustion from stress and nervousness. Rosemary essential oil can be applied directly to the skin, or a few drops may be added to a warm bath.

Lemon

• Lemon helps to stimulate the brain. It may be applied directly to the skin or incorporated in lotion or massage oil. Lemon has a high concentration of volatile oils, making it one of the most stimulating scents.

Sage

• Sage essential oil is warming, soothing and uplifting. It fights nervous system disorders such as anxiety and chronic stress. It also helps relieve migraines.

Geranium

• Geranium essential oil is refreshing and relaxing. It combats feelings of tension, anxiety, fatigue and apathy.

Lavender

• Lavender is sweet and soothing. It calms headaches and migraines as well as tension and stress. Lavender is very relaxing; a few drops of essential oil on a pillow at night can prevent insomnia.