Focusing on improving one’s own mental health is vital, especially during quarantine. And if you experience anxiety, you may know that it can sometimes be difficult to find the right treatment for you, since methods vary in effectiveness by person.
However, there are a variety of solutions that are proven to alleviate anxious thoughts and calm worry — some are even most effective when carefully combined with others. There are many treatments out there that claim to help with anxiety, so how do you know what will actually work?
Which Treatments Actually Work?
One treatment method that has been trending in the world of alternative medicine is aromatherapy in the form of essential oils. There are some that have claimed that essential oils have significantly improved anxiety and other issues, while it can be hard to come by much hard scientific evidence of the effects of them.
Essential oils are said to be calming & relaxing and are known to give off wonderful natural aromas. But can they really improve anxiety like some may think they do?
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety can come in many different forms, from experiencing occasional unsettling thoughts before big events to living in a constant sense of worry; and depending on the severity, it’ll require different types of treatment.
This type of disorder brings uncontrollable stress & fear about potential negative outcomes, which can potentially result in behavioral and emotional consequences. Signs of anxiety may include panic & physical reactions, difficulty sleeping, trouble with concentrating, weight gain or loss, decline in work performance, changes in mood, withdrawal from loved ones, and more.
Anxiety disorders can be caused by various factors, including the environment, genetics, medical conditions, medical conditions, demographics, behaviors, etc.
How to Treat Anxiety
Treatment options range from medications, to evidence-based therapies, to alternative and emerging methods. Here are just some solutions that have been known to alleviate anxiety:
- Antidepressants
- Beta Blockers
- Counseling
- Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Family Therapy
- Deep breathing exercises and meditation
- Yoga
- Self-hypnosis
- Acupuncture
- Essential oils
If you are interested in any medically-based options, please discuss them with a Primary Care Physician (PCP), psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed counselor.
What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are typically used in aromatherapy, a type of alternative medicine that uses compounds extracted from plants. They are made by pressing or steaming different parts of the plant (flowers, bark, leaves) and capture the scents and flavors from the compounds.
Once the chemicals are extracted, they’re combined with carrier oil to be able to be used by people.
How They Work
Essential oils can be inhaled, used in a diffuser, put into a piece of jewelry, diluted in a bath, or massaged/applied onto the skin but aren’t meant to be swallowed. The oils should be absorbed by skin when rubbed in.
When inhaled, the aromas can stimulate the part of your brain that controls behaviors, emotions, and memory (known as the limbic system). Since this system is also in charge of physical instincts such as breathing, heart rate, & blood pressure, it’s claimed that essential oils could have mental, emotional, and physical effects.
If you decide to try an essential oil at any point, consider these factors before buying:
- Purity
- Quality
- Reputation
- Price
- The company it’s made by
- Color & type of container (dark glass is best)
- Possible side effects (rashes, asthma attacks, allergic reactions, headaches)
Essential oils come in a variety of scents that serve different purposes including maintaining focus, relieving physical pain, reducing stress, improving mood, relaxing you, easing headaches, boosting immunity, decreasing depression, and alleviating anxiety.
Essential Oils & Anxiety
Studies show that 43% of people with anxiety use alternative therapies like essential oils. Alongside traditional types of therapy, the aromas can promote relaxation and relieve anxious thoughts.
Popular scents that have been claimed to help with anxiety, stress, and relaxation include:
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Rose/Rosemary
- Chamomile
- Jasmine
- Basil
- Orange
- Lemon
Ultimately, essential oils in the aromas above have been known to alleviate anxiety in some cases when added to a comprehensive wellness routine. However, these oils cannot solve anxiety on their own.
If you are looking for new ways to relieve anxiety and promote your relaxation, consider pairing one of these types of oils with any other preferred anxiety treatment method. Not only will you be prioritizing your mental health, but you’ll give yourself the opportunity to explore new natural and alternative medicines.
Please visit civiqhealth.com or call 844-237-5762 with any additional questions about anxiety or aromatherapy.
Sources
https://www.anxiety.org/what-is-anxiety
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-are-essential-oils#bottom-line
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-is-aromatherapy-used-for-social-anxiety-disorder-3024210
https://info.achs.edu/blog/depression-and-anxiety-can-essential-oils-help