Aromatherapy for Anxiety - How Does It Work?

Aromatherapy for anxiety. How does it work? Is it real? That's what I will be talking about today.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to treat illnesses or reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Essential oils are taken from plant. And you can use many part of the plants including the flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The oils are mixed with another substance such as a base oil, alcohol, or even lotion and then applied to the skin, sprayed in the air, or inhaled. You can also put it into a diffuser without mixing it with another oil and inhale it in the room. Many massage therapist will use it as part of a therapeutic massage.

Here are some popular essential oils that are used to promote relaxation
lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
sandalwood (Santalum album)
orange blossom (Citrus sinensis)
lemon balm (Citrus limon)
rose (Rosa damascena),
jasmine
Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)
Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
bergamot (Citrus aurantium)

References
Goel N; Kim H; Lao RP. An olfactory stimulus modifies nighttime sleep in young men and women.
Chronobiol Int. 2005; 22(5):889-904 (Wesleyan article referenced in the video)

Komiya, Migiwa; Takeuchi, Takashi; Harada, Etsumori (2006). "Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice". Behavioural Brain Research 172 (2): 240–9.

Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K.; Graham, Jennifer E.; Malarkey, William B.; Porter, Kyle; Lemeshow, Stanley; Glaser, Ronald (2008). "Olfactory influences on mood and autonomic, endocrine, and immune function". Psychoneuroendocrinology 33 (3): 328–39.

Herz RS. Aromatherapy facts and fictions: a scientific analysis of olfactory effects on mood, physiology and behavior. Int J Neurosci. 2009;119(2):263-90.

Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

[cuteandfluffypikachu]

For the last 3 days I’ve been putting a couple of lavender essential oil drops on my pillow and a drinking a cup of Camomile and spearmint tea before bed an it’s helps clear my mind really helps me sleep better and helps with my anxiety the next day 😊😊😊😊

[connermonier]

I cured myself. I used Weedborn CBD products for this.

[karinalexandrov]

My husband and I have definately noticed this. Lemon tree blossoms, jasmyn etc temporarily lift my spirits even when im very low. Doesn't necessarily fix the depression or anxiety permanently, but definately gives you a breather😊

[PattymacMakes]

When I went through massage school, we had a module on aromatherapy. It is pretty incredible to learn the way smells can affect us so deeply. I heard several incredible stories while in school about this. I would love to get you together with my favorite teacher, because I think you would be fascinated by her experiences. I would like to add that I think a big part of the enjoyment in gardening is experiencing the fragrance of the herbs and flowers as well as the tactile component of working with the plants. I grow my own lavender and it's so wonderful to get that fragrance as I'm working out there. I want to add some chamomile for next year, because that is a very yummy and relaxing fragrance as well.

[BBFCCO]

I've noticed that scents-oils and incense-bring me back into my body and make me feel present. I've been suffering from anxiety my entire life and when I am smelling natural scents I feel like a part of my brain wakes up-a part that make me feel good.

[PirateOfTheNorth]

I like the smell of lavender. I drink lavender and chamomile tea before bed.

[Grace]

Thank you so much for all the comments, I learned so much ❤

[SarahLizDoan]

Thank you for this. Absolutely amazing. I knew they worked. Orange oil is always helpful for my anxiety and depression. Thank you!

[rodrigomaia]

I'll definitely give a try on these essential oils! I've been suffering with insomnia for more than six months, and even taking pills to sleep, at least once a week I've been unable to fall asleep. Thank you so much for sharing this!

[Skipthedrive]

It’s great to get a scientific explanation from somebody with the credentials to back it up. Thanks for the breakdown, Dr. Marks! I always thought there was something to this, as I’ve noticed in the past that certain smells (i.e food, perfume), brings up emotions and/or memories).

Going to Whole Foods now :)

[lucasley]

I used to teach adult learners and I am convinced aromatherapy in the classroom provided a more conducive environment for learning.

[angharadowen]

I have an aromatherapy bracelet. It has been a life saver! If I am feeling anxious at all I will bring the bracelet closer to inhale the scent and it’s very relaxing. I add ylang ylang oil OR lavender oil. I am yet to true the others you have mentioned but I look forward to it.

[CamoflaugeCamellia]

Peppermint is a huge helpful oil as well. Not only does it help psychologically with anxiety and depression but also with relaxation, pain, and nausea.

[michaelking]

Awesome content. I developed anxiety with driving on expressways and big cities after my bout with COVID 19 in 2020. I never had such issues before that. I used to live and drove all around Los Angeles, San Diego and Houston Texas with no problem driving. I also happen to have ptsd from combat in iraq that dates back to 2004. I’m just searching for content to get me through this. I hate it! I used to never be like this.

[SimplyJennshops]

I love your channel..can u do a video on anxiety and breathing sometimes I feel like I'm not getting enough air tfs

[bajin]

I stumbled upon the "Aromatherapy for Anxiety - How Does It Work?" video while exploring YouTube, and I'm so grateful for the recommendation. The insightful content not only shed light on the wonders of aromatherapy for anxiety but also delivered it in a clear and engaging manner. I found it extremely helpful, and after watching, I couldn't resist hitting the like button and subscribing for more valuable content. Great job to the creator for making such informative and enjoyable videos! 🌿👍

[antoninaorlova]

Thank you for such an informative video. I don't have anxiety, I have schizoaffective disorder. I take risperidone and, thankfully, I've been functioning perfectly well, since I started taking it consistently years ago.

Lately, I've been looking for ways to upgrade my sleep quality because it's absolutely essential to how I feel, both physically and emotionally. I need 10 - 12 hours of quality sleep to feel good. Any less than that and I literally feel like I was run over by a truck and I will for sure be in a horrible mood for the duration of the whole day.

I found that earplugs and a good sleeping mask help. I've been curious about aromatherapy and now I'm convinced that I should definitely try it. Thank you.

[SharlenesJourney]

yessss I got a diffuser the other day and peppermint has really been helping me calm down its amazing almost could cry lol thank you and yes its worth it!!

[michellehogarth]

Great video! Super detailed explanation that really makes sense of it all.

[youtooaromatherapy]

Essential oils are amazing and have so many incredible benefits for both body and mind! I'm a clinical aromatherapist and I'm privileged to have learned how to use these oils over the years and continue to learn more each day - fabulous x