Understanding Is Key

Feelings of intense sadness can be the result of a recent loss or other sad event but another key element of mood disorders can be contributed to light deprivation such as during the winter months when the days are very short. During the winter months especially, feelings of depression come more frequently for some and last much longer for others. Statistics have shown that post holiday mood swings elevate in February and March as we long for spring to make it's appearance and the cold dreary days of winter to subside. Understanding the symptoms can always go a long way into helping deal with the experience of depression.
Symptoms will typically develop gradually over a period of time, days or weeks, and can include feelings of mild sadness, guilt or hopelessness. Other symptoms can also be a loss of interest, difficulty in being able to concentrate and a lack of decisiveness.
Just the right blend of essential oils can help to lighten and uplift one's mood. Just the right blend applied on the pulse points, similar to the wearing of perfumes, or diffusing in the air, using in baths or delicately adding to massage therapy can lighten as well as uplift the heart and mind.
Different oils speak to different symptoms and can be custom fit for each individual need. If your mood tends to be one of restlessness you might consider including the oils that help to calm, such as those in the chamomile family or Clary sage, lavender, sandalwood and ylang ylang. If you are suffering from feelings of lethargy you might want to consider some of the more uplifting oils such as geranium, jasmine, tangerine, bergamot and rose. Neroli can help with anxiety!
The exact causes of depression may not be fully understood, but there is always help and hope. Nature gives us both in the gentle uses of essential oils.

The Virtues of Lavender Oil

The sweet smelling herb, Lavender as a long and legendary history. In the 12th century, Hildegard von Bingen who was a Catholic nun and noted herbalist, had this to say about the many virtues of Lavender; "Especially good for all forms of headaches, especially migraine and can be used as a restorative and tonic against weakness, spasms, giddiness, colic and vertigo. It will cause melancholy to go away and will raise the spirits. A drop or two in a glass of water is a good gargle for hoarseness and the loss of voice."


Later in 1910, Gattefosse, the father of modern aromatherapy, experimented widely with Lavender oil. He found it to be very beneficial to the nerves, calming to the skin, useful in treating colds and flu. It can be useful for such skin disorders as acne

Lavender oil can be employed as an aromatic, an agent to sooth the digestive system as well as an agent to sooth the nervous system, making it the perfect oil for mental stress such as test anxieties or job interviews and even first dates.

Lots of things have been said about the virtues of Lavender oil, and many more things will yet be said as people fall in love all over again with this wonderful and therapeutic oil.