It seems more and more people are struggling with depression these days. Many people, like me, would rather get relief from depression symptoms using natural methods. I have found therapeutic grade essential oils to be very helpful in elevating the mood and lifting me out of depression. ...It seems more and more people are struggling with depression these days. Many people, like me, would rather get relief from depression symptoms using natural methods. I have found therapeutic grade essential oils to be very helpful in elevating the mood and lifting me out of
depression.

There are several essential oils that are very mood uplifting. All the citrus oils are uplifting and mood elevating. Generally, the citrus oils are cold pressed from the rind of the fruit. Please be aware that all of the citrus oils have the potential to cause sun sensitivity. Do not apply to the skin and then expose yourself to ultraviolet rays, whether outside, with a tanning bed, or in any other form, for at least 12 hours.

I like to diffuse citrus oils in my diffuser when I am feeling depressed. When diffusing oils, use a COLD diffusing method. Never heat your therapeutic grade oils. Heating destroys the therapeutic qualities. If you don't have a cold diffuser, you can put some oil on a cotton ball or tissue. You can even mix oil in a spray bottle with water & spritz the air.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not merely the aroma of essential oils imparts their effects. Certainly, the aroma has a lot to do with the psychological and spiritual effects the oils have, but get the oils on your body to get the full effect of the oil. One of the best places to put therapeutic grade oils is on the bottom of your feet. You can put the oil neat (undiluted) on the bottom of your feet.

Orange oil is a wonderful "happy oil." It is great to use when you have a group of cranky people in the house. It is very difficult to be depressed when the air is full of the scent of orange.

Another oil that seems to banish the blues for many people is Bergamot. This essential oil is gentler, with a touch of floral in its scent. I will only use Bergamot in an airborne blend. It is the most photo-toxic essential oil; you do not want to risk exposure to UV rays with Bergamot on your skin.

Young Living Essential Oils has two wonderful oil blends that are helpful for easing depression symptoms - Joy and Peace & Calming.

Joy is an exotic, luxurious blend that produces an uplifting magnetic energy and brings joy to the heart. It also helps relieve PMS moodiness.

Joy can be diffused or worn as a cologne or perfume; apply over heart; add to a bath; or enjoy as a body massage blended with massage oil.

Ingredients: Lemon, mandarin, bergamot, ylang ylang, rose, rosewood, geranium, palmarosa, Roman chamomile, and jasmine.

Peace & Calming is a gentle, fragrant blend specially designed for diffusing. It promotes relaxation and a deep sense of peace, helping to calm tensions and uplift spirits. When massaged on the bottoms of the feet, it can be a wonderful prelude to a peaceful night's rest. Diffuse, apply to bottom of feet, wrists, and outside of ears. Blend with massage oil for a calming massage.

Ingredients: Tangerine, orange, ylang ylang, patchouli, and blue tansy.

There are many other oils that can be helpful in lifting the emotional state.

I also like to use EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) with the oils. Just add an oil to your fingertips before you tap the EFT points. For more information on EFT, go to emofree.com

Other important things to consider when dealing with depression:

Follow a well-balanced diet -- include good protein and lots of fruits and vegetables. Include a multi vitamin/mineral supplement to ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs.

AVOID Sugar and Caffeine. This is very important, especially avoiding sugar. If you are really serious about natural depression relief, please avoid sugar. It is very important. For more information on sugar and depression, go to mercola.com and do a search for sugar and depression.

Also, avoid caffeine - it can worsen depression symptoms.

Drink plenty of water - Our bodies cannot function properly without water. I recommend everyone read the book, "Your Body's Many Cries for Water." Drink 1/2 your body weight of water in ounces, daily.

Exercise - Numerous studies have shown that exercise is a very effective method for decreasing depression as it helps to improve your mood and boosts self-confidence.

Relaxation techniques - EFT and breathing exercises can help.

Seek professional help - Find a mental health counselor who can help you get to the root of your depression and facilitate recovery.

Author's Bio: 

Melodie Kantner is a certified Aromatherapist and the publisher of Grade A Notes Essential Oils Newsletter. She has over 12 years experience with aromatherapy and has been publishing Grade A Notes Newsletter since January 1999.

www.aromanotes.com