We have been using essential oils for enhancing mood, uplifting the spirits, and as a remedy for pain for thousands of years. Each culture has their unique go-to remedy derived from plants and oils.
In modern day, we can use Aromatherapy to help balance the function of our Central Nervous System, and manage psychiatric disorders and also pain responses in the body.
Studies indicate that various oils such as Lavender, Lemon, and Bergamot can help relieve insomnia, reduce stress, ease anxiety, help with depression, calm mood swings, as well as fight chronic and acute pain.
We can use Aromatherapy in a variety of ways to aid the Central Nervous System to do its jobs. Some of the best ways to help this system function properly is through the use of steam inhalation, diffusers, and bathing.
We can make blends daily to help calm and soothe our delicate psychological balance. When we use essential oils, some important psychosomatic things happen as explained below.
We make a blend and either inhale or topically apply, these oils are in our blood stream within 15 seconds. So as these essential oils hit the blood brain barrier, the neurotransmitters modulate the body's stress response by affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal, and vagus nerves, providing an anti-inflammatory response to the stress. This induces a hormone response in the parts of the brain and acts to send corticosteroids to the brain to stop over producing serotonin and dopamine, high levels of which can lead to anxiety and mood disorders.
Studies have shown certain essential oils to be better than others.
Essential oils that can help with Central Nervous System disorders:
- Lavender: Anxiety, stress, insomnia, pain, dementia, fear, unrest, uplifts, revives, mood swings
- Rose: Anti-depressant, irritability, insomnia, anger, fear, anxiety
- Lemon: Mental clarity, frustration, anger, negativity, depression, anxiety
- Chamomile: Anxiety, depression, pain, tension, stress
- Bergamot: Anxiety, depression, pain, tension, stress
- Frankincense: Depression, nervous tension, anxiety, stress disorder, grief
- Ylang Ylang: Insomnia, anxiety, low self-esteem
- Neroli: Anxiety, insomnia, depression, mental fog, intense emotions
To calm the Central Nervous System, we can also develop a strategy to balance and control our symptoms. Some daily habits include:
- a well balanced diet
- regular massage
- adequate sleep
- meditation and relaxation techniques
- allied health practice including herbal and aromatherapy, acupuncture, etc.
Some common Central Nervous System disorders and associated conditions include: Stress, insomnia, anxiety, depression, pain, headaches
Common Central Nervous System Disorders and the Essential Oils that can help alleviate:
Insomnia: Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Sweet Orange, Sandalwood
Stress: German Chamomile, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram, Neroli, Sweet Orange, Rosemary, Ylang Ylang
Anxiety: Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Frankincense, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Marjoram, Rose, Neroli, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood
Depression: Bergamot, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Lime, Rose, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Geranium
Pain: Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Black Pepper, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme
Headache: Chamomile, Clary Sage, Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme, Eucalyptus
RECIPES TO BE USED IN DIFFUSER, BATH OR FOR MASSAGE
Blend for Headaches:
- 4 drops Lavender
- 4 drops Rosemary
- 2 drops Eucalyptus
Blend for Anxiety
- 3 drops Chamomile
- 3 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang
Blend for Insomnia
- 4 drops Bergamot
- 2 drops Sweet Orange
- 2 drops Sandalwood
Blend for Depression
- 4 drops Lemon
- 3 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Clary Sage
- 2 drops Chamomile