A fantastic and mysterious relationship is constantly developing between plants and their surroundings. These organic green machines are constantly performing a glorious alchemy with water, soil, air and sunlight. The nearly infinite possible combinations of plant genetics and environmental conditions on Earth's surface have allowed for an almost immeasurable variety of alchemical floral displays, resulting in a vast array of natural botanical materials. These range from simple staple foods to gourmet fruits and vegetables, from rich exotic spices to potent medicinal herbs, and from enchanting natural perfumes to complex therapeutic essential oils. Mankind is reaching deeper and deeper into the jungles and rainforests, knowing that nature is the true master of creation in these areas. The line between food plants and medicinal herbs is blurred. Science regularly reports on the newly discovered medicinal effects of plants that were once taken for granted; many fruits that were once considered quite plain contain some of the most powerful anti-cancer substances in the world. The same goes for teas—green tea is one of the most powerful antioxidants known—and spices—cinnamon can stave off the onset of debilitating diabetes—and the list goes on. The same lack of distinction exists between natural fragrances and therapeutic essential oils. Packed with citronella, rose oil does triple duty as a perfume, an effective anti-herpes simplex virus, and an uplifting aroma that can help a person open up emotionally after a traumatic experience. The use of so-called 'alternative' therapies is on the rise; more and more individuals are turning to the wisdom of nature for help with all types of ailments, both physical and mental. It is interesting that, from a naturopathic point of view, the source of most diseases is Anand minds. Because plants created their amazing botanical materials in a process governed by the rhythms of the heavens and the earth, we can look to "plant wisdom" to bring us back into balance. A depressed emotional state is a common reason for using complementary and alternative therapies today. A wide variety of mental, physical and energetic issues can lead to feelings of depression and a pervasive view of negativity. Additionally, once you get into a depressed state, patterns can emerge that make it difficult to find relief. The use of essential oils for uplifting the psyche and spirit is becoming more widespread due to the wide and dramatic effects of the oils. While the oils themselves may not directly affect the underlying cause of depression, they can help individuals break out of depressive cycles – they can provide the impetus to “get off the couch,” so to speak, and begin creating long-lasting change. Many naturopaths believe that depression, like many other illnesses, is a result of imbalance; an inability to "synchronize" with the natural state of harmony that pervades the universe. To alleviate this harmony, aromatherapy can be a very powerful means of infusing the body and mind with the most concentrated, sublime plants that nature has to offer. In humans, the olfactory (olfactory) region has an area of about two and a half square centimeters and is located in each of the two nasal cavities between and below the eyes. This area, which contains approximately fifty million primary sensory receptor cells, is very complex and 10,000 times more sensitive than the sense of taste. Compared to sight, we find that smell is more complex - it is able to distinguish an almost infinite number of compounds or elements in very low concentrations. In order to perceive the visible spectrum, man uses only three types of photoreceptors; in contrast, olfaction depends on several hundred different classes of receptors. Modern research has shown that natural plant oils stimulate multiple areas in the brain, including those that control endocrine, immune, and limbic (emotional center) functions. Essential oils have a direct and profound effect on the deepest levels of the body, emotions and psyche. Through inhalation, essential oils have a strong and immediate effect. Volatile plant oils, passing through the capillary beds of the sinuses and activating the olfactory nerves, enter the brain and produce direct and powerful systemic effects - most directly on the emotions. Our emotions and smell have very strong links – perhaps more so than any of the other four senses. In both naturopathy and Ayurvedic medicine (the Science of Life), essential oils are considered substances that increase the flow of Purana, (essential life force), strengthen and nourish Rojas (sustaining energy and immunological essences), and brighten Texas, (clarity and mental clarity). . . In traditional Chinese medicine, essential oils are generally medicines for Shen, the spiritual essence that resides in the heart and guides and controls consciousness. When used consciously, essential oils strongly enhance positive mental and emotional states. Furthermore, the healing properties of essential oils, through their ability to promote physiological healing, can also be of great benefit to the heart and mind. A Korean study on the effect of aromatherapy on pain in arthritis patients found that massage with lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint oils significantly reduced both pain and levels of mental depression. The following are a few oils that have a reputation for raising Shen, strengthening Purana, nourishing Rojas, and brightening Texas—combinations that can have significant effects on symptoms of depression. These oils can be used alone or in combination in a nebulizing diffuser (producing a fine oil mist for inhalation) or in an aromatherapy massage, inhaling and absorbing through the skin at the same time. Bergamot (pressed from the peels of bitter oranges) has a strong reputation for its ability to gently uplift. In terms of Chinese medicine, this is a direct result of its smoothing of the flow of liver Qi ('Chi' or life force), the liver being considered the seat of the eternal soul. Bergamot combines the ability to both relax the nerves and refresh the spirit; it is suitable for many types of depressive states. Nero (from bitter orange blossom), like bergamot, regulates Qi – and like jasmine flower oil, calms the mind and heart. Nero is required, at a basic level, for the type of depression that comes from nervous and emotional exhaustion. Nero uplifts the mind and spirit with its potential to nourish and unify. Nero aids in the retrieval and release of repressed emotions, with the potential to nourish and unify a fragmented psyche. Nero is specially indicated for....
Treating Depression With Aromatherapy (How)
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