Essential Oils (cont.) and their topical usage for managing SAD
Hello and Welcome...I hope the sun it out wherever you are today! If not, I have some wonderful suggestions for you.
When you have a chance, take a look at the information from last week's blog post regarding the benefits of essential oils via aromatherapy. Diffusing essential oils for a while now has made a tremendous difference in my daily outlook, throughout the past couple of months especially! Before suggesting the use of oils topically, there are two additional ways to treat seasonal depression "on the go". For passive diffusion, put a drop of your favorite essential oil on a cotton ball and put it in your car. Or, place a drop on your palms and just inhale the scent. Easy peasy!
Using essential oils topically can enhance your mood, just like diffusing them. One drop of lavender on the inside of your wrists or temples can assist in relaxation and help improve the ability to fall asleep. AMAZING! You can also put a drop of oil on the bottoms of your feet to get the effect as well. Add a drop to your favorite body lotion or facial cleanser; even in your bath. When an essential oil suggests using it "neat", it means one (1) drop. So, one neat drop of Frankincense on my wrist is safe and effective. This particular oil is strong, in my opinion, but really helpful with de-stressing and supportive emotionally. I highly recommend this for anyone that needs to revive their senses, especially when trying to concentrate. Each bottle of essential oil should indicate usage on the side of the bottle (Doterra includes this on every bottle as well as a Caution label). I am not certain of other brands labels, so make certain you know the recommendations of each oil. Carrier oils means a lotion or oil that you mix with the essential oil. Options of carriers oils would be: Coconut oil, Jojoba oil, Almond oil or a favorite body lotion could be used as a "carrier oil" substitute.
A few amazing essential oils for emotional restoration and relaxation can be used topically (dilute with carrier oil for better absorption) are: Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Frankincense and Cedarwood. For a wonderfully peaceful sleep, Doterra has an essential oil blend called "Serenity" and I can attest that delivers on its claim. I use it every night and take it when traveling to ensure a good nights sleep. I apply one drop "neat" to the bottoms of my feet OR dilute in a body cream and apply to my feet or temples. THE BEST!
More topical oils to manage stress and help you focus throughout the day could be: Black Spruce (a favorite of mine) and Douglas Fir. And you can apply these topically with a carrier oil or diffuse as well.
Citrus oils are incredibly effective to a morning routine for their uplifting attribute. To apply topically you will dilute in lotion or carrier oil. **
**NOTE: It is important to be aware of any allergies you may have. Also, if you have psoriasis, eczema or autoimmune issues, check with your doctor before you start administering oils topically. Dilution with a carrier oil improves absorption and reduces evaporation and sensitivity of essential oils applied topically. Some essential oils have a photo sensitivity consideration you need to also be aware of. For instance, Citrus scents (Bergamot, Bitter Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Tangerine and Citrus Blends) should be used with caution because they are photosensitive. Stay out of direct sun for 12 hours after applying a citrus oil. AND, "hot oils" like Cassia, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Oregano, Cumin, Thyme and Lemongrass should ALWAYS be diluted with a carrier oil before applying topically.
This was an uplifting blog to write because I am so convinced of the benefits of Essential Oils. Next week I will conclude with the use Essential Oils internally. I hope to make the connection between SAD symptoms and the internal use of oils...and make it relevant. Until then, have a great week, Jeanine