Diffusing Seasonal Affective Disorder (Joy in January Project)

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) seems to appear with the coming of Fall and eases off as Spring appears, especially in the Northern climates affecting more women than men.   Studies show SAD can be caused by a decrease in sunlight affecting levels of the hormone, Seratonin, responsible in helping us maintain a feeling of well being.  While there are other possible causes, we feel less energetic, depressed and catching more colds and flu as our immune system is depressed.  In turn, weight creeps up and we long for a good nights sleep.  In essence, SAD can affect every area of our life.

During this period of time, we naturally gravitate to uplifting aromas.  Fragrance deeply affects our brains ability to think and feel, to energize us or take us into a more quiet, restful place. Much has been written on this topic and it seems that light, exercise, eating well and surrounding ourselves with uplifting aromas such as essential oils can dramatically help ease the symptoms of SAD.

Elizabeth Jones in her book, Awaken to Healing Fragrance, quotes  a study by T. Komori et al, “Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states”. The study shows the antidepressant benefits of the citrus oils plus their boost to the emotional immune system. Elizabeth further states the results support the concept that human depression is based on homeostatic dysregulation and citrus oils improve the homeostatic balance more than antidepressant drugs.  It was concluded that citrus oils were of psychoneuroimmunological benefit for the treatment of emotions and the immune system.

I like to utilize a diffuser as the oils uplift our emotional spirit and clean the air.  If a diffuser isn’t available, put a pan of water on a woodstove or stovetop on low heat and add 10-15 drops of essential oils.

SAD uplifting diffuser blend:

35 drops Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
30 drops Orange (Citrus sinensis)
10 drops Neroli (Citrus aurantium var amara)
15 drops Cardamom CO2 (Elettaria cardamomum)
10 drops Patchouli (Pogostemom cablin)

Blend together in a 5 ml bottle and use as your stock blend.  Add 10-15 drops to a diffuser. Use in your home or office during the day.

• Bergamot is a valuable oil when dealing with emotional issues and has been used successfully to address depression, anxiety, and tension.  Possessing a bright aroma, Bergamot is a beautiful addition to blends.  Bergamot also helps with insomnia and is restorative and calming.
• Orange is a bright uplifting oil and is useful to add to any blend when you want a fresh, happy note! Excellent in a diffuser to brighten the room and to disinfect.  Noted as an antidepressant.
• Neroli is used in blends for people who need strong emotional support. The gentle floral, citrus aroma can be very soothing and calming to the nervous system, especially when used in really small amounts and blended with other calming oils.  Neroli relaxes the nerves and calms and soothes the heart.
• Cardamom is a wonderful oil for aiding mental concentration (cephalic). Cardamom has a warm, sweet, spicy aroma and is refreshing and invigorating
• Patchouli helps reduce stress and anxiety and can help to prevent and alleviate depression.

We are offering a free 5 ml bottle of the above blend.  To enter this drawing, post a comment!  Be sure and leave your email address so we can contact you for shipping information.

Winner will be announced January 19, 2012.

Other notable blogs on “Joy In January”:

References:

Jones, Elizabeth Anne. Awaken to Healing Fragrance, North Atlantic Books, USA, 2010
Battaglia S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. 2nd edition, The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Australia, 2003
Mojay G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, Henry Holt and Company Inc., England, 1996

Tagged as: Bergamot, citrus, Neroli, Orange, SAD, seasonal Affective Disorder