Seasonal affective disorder symptoms may include feelings of sadness on a regular basis, immune system depression, fatigue and low energy, sleep problems, a loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, changes in appetite, weight gain, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
SAD is a condition that affects some people during the fall and winter seasons due to shorter days and lower temperatures (SAD). Essential oils can help reduce the effects of SAD by providing the elevating, invigorating, and relaxing energy that our bodies, minds, and spirits require during the long winter months.
These essential oils are easily available at local attars suppliers or manufacturers. They can also be ordered online to avoid any hassle.
The Top Essential Oils for Seasonal Depression:
Aromatherapy has grown in popularity over the millennia and is now widely used all over the world. It has been proposed as an alternative medicine to help with depressive symptoms.
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot essential oil is strongly associated with nature and the sun. When the cold freezes your heart, having this cheery scent nearby will help. When this essential oil is regularly inhaled, it fills the heart with hope and excitement.
Moments of melancholy and sorrow are no match for bergamot essential oil. This essential oil is excellent for treating the winter blues because it affects serotonin release in the brain. This modifies mood and may help to make dull days memorable and exciting.
Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli essential oil, derived from the patchouli plant’s leaves, is widely used for its anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties. It is best to inhale this essential oil directly or dilute it and place it in a room diffuser.
Inflammation has been discovered to function in depression because higher levels of immunological activation are associated with higher levels of depression. Patchouli essential oil has been shown in studies to improve mood and reduce stress by lowering inflammation levels via a variety of brain pathways.
Orange Essential Oil
Orange essential oil has a bouncy, cheery scent, similar to bergamot. This essential oil is a must-have for the winter blues. Because SAD is a type of seasonal depression, it should subside once the winter months give way to the spring.
Living with performance dysfunction for up to five months of the year, on the other hand, is a miserable existence. When you are depressed, you cannot perform at your best, resulting in lower output. The soothing but invigorating perfume of orange essential oil can be used to turn the tides.
Lemon Essential Oil
Anyone who suffers from extreme afternoon drowsiness should use lemon essential oil. You can inhale deeply from the bottle whenever your body requires a boost, providing motivation to complete mentally taxing tasks.
Melatonin levels rise during the winter. Melatonin levels in SAD patients are higher than the body requires to try to regulate its circadian rhythm. A circadian rhythm is an internal clock that controls when you wake up and sleep, so don’t be put off by the fancy name.
Rosemary Essential Oil
Winter brain fog is a natural part of the season, obstructing cognitive function and making recall difficult. Winter depression, in essence, impairs concentration. Simple tasks become taxing, and staying still to do anything becomes difficult.
With SAD, judgment may be impaired as well. If you’re having trouble concentrating and feeling disoriented, try using rosemary essential oil. It can boost mental acuity, concentration, and problem-solving abilities, as well as stimulate the brain, promoting alertness and mental clarity.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has a sweet, floral scent that can calm you down instantly. Depression and negative ideas go hand in hand, engulfing one in darkness, especially as the winter months drag on. It is full of natural phytochemicals.
Lack of sunshine can cause anger and negativity to develop. Natural chemicals are a potent force to be reckoned with since each one amplifies the impact of the others. They are responsible for the tranquil and relaxing effects of lavender essential oil.
How Can Essential Oils Help with Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Mix essential oils with a carrier oil, such as grapeseed, sweet almond, or olive oil, for topical application. A carrier oil to essential oil ratio of 1 to 5% is ideal. Because essential oils are so concentrated, they cannot be used alone, so dilution is essential.
Massage: If you skip this step, you may experience an unpleasant skin reaction. After diluting the oil, massage a few drops into your neck, wrists, feet, temples, or behind your ears.
Diffuser: You can also use three to six drops in a diffuser or five to six drops in your bathwater. If you decide to use a diffuser, set it to run for 30 to 60 minutes three times per day. After a few sessions, you should notice a significant improvement in your mood.
Conclusion
Aromatherapy can help people who suffer from seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder. Many essential oils, according to recent studies and clinical trials, may have minor therapeutic benefits that can temporarily alleviate symptoms of depression.
