Sniffing Away the Blues with Aromatherapy Essential Oils
I love Fall for its breath of cool air, the vibrant leaves on trees , the toasty sweaters. What I didn’t acknowledge before about Fall are the shorter days and longer nights. Only when I learned about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) did I realize why I tended to become more moody during the colder months. Fortunately, this year, I have aromatherapy on my side to help me sniff away the blues.
Studies from Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi Journal from 2005 and 2006 have shown that aromatherapy can assist in relieving the symptoms of SAD which includes sadness, lethargy and even overeating. Aromatherapy essential oils such as lavender, citrus (lemon, grapefruit, clary sage, etc), floral (jasmine, rose, honeysuckle, etc) and bitters (marjoram, rosemary, peppermint, etc) can awaken our senses as well as spirits and serve to stave away the blues.
Getting adequate sunshine and/or ultraviolet light from special lamps are the most effective ways to deal with SAD. I make sure to take a walk in sunlight for at least 15 min every day. On those days when I can’t or need a little boost, I used aromatherapy in the late afternoon or evening…and I looked forward to my ritual!
There are many aromatherapy diffusers in stores and online. My personal favorites: aromatherapy diffuser necklaces, scented candles, room sprays and bath bombs. A warm bath with scented candles lit around the bathroom are so pleasing to the eyes and to our sense of smell! A little spritz of lavender and chamomile in my bedroom before bedtime was like a present to myself to lull me into a good night’s sleep. And for those especially hard days at the office, I wear a necklace diffuser that carries a scent of my favorite aromatherapy essential oil.
Like the other day, grapefruit essential oil was what carried me through my meeting.
I am armed with aromatherapy essential oils, knowledge and professional advice. I welcome Fall and all her splendor!
| Published on October 26th, 2009 | | Posted by Daisy Ma |
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