I’m a big fan of aromatherapy and have posted on it before. The following aromatherapy suggestions to fight depression were written by Susan Blue for Live Holistically, a very informative site. Click the link to see the post in its entirety or to search their archives for more holistic tips.

Bergamot: Used for anxiety; depression and stress.

Other uses: to treat acne; abscesses; boils; cold sores; cystitis; halitosis; itching; loss of appetite; oily skin; psoriasis.

Chamomile (Roman): Widely valued for its anxiety-relieving properties.

Other uses: to treat nausea; vomiting; heartburn; and excess intestinal gas. Used topically, can reduce inflammation for cuts or hemorrhoids. Eases discomfort associated with eczema and gingivitis (swollen gums).

Clary Sage: (Also know as the Eye of Christ during the Middle Ages of Western History.) It is antidepressant; nervine and nerve tonic.

Other uses are: anti-convulsive; antispasmodic; antiseptic aphrodisiac; astringent; bactericidal; carminative; deodorant; digestive aid; emmenagogue; euphoric; hypotensive; ; sedative; stomachic; uterine and nerve tonic.

Frankincense: Soothes and calms the mind; also calms anxiety and obsessive states linked to the past.

Excellent for use when meditating. Other uses: clears lungs: used for asthma; bronchitis; laryngitis; coughs and colds; eases heavy periods; tonic to the uterus; calming effect during labor; helpful for rheumatism; helps rejuvenate ageing skin; effective with skin sores; carbuncles; wounds; scars and skin inflammation.

Geranium: Balancing effect on the mind; uplifting, helps sort out emotions; relieves stress and anxiety; works on the adrenal cortex, has a balancing effect on the hormone system.

Used in treatment of acne; bruises; burns; cuts; dermatitis; eczema; hemorrhoids; lice; mosquito repellent; ringworm; ulcers; breast engorgement; edema; poor circulation; sore throat; tonsillitis; PMS; menopausal problems; stress and neuralgia.

Ginger: Warming qualities are good to use for feelings of loneliness and winter depression.

Used in treatment of fractures; rheumatism; arthritis; bruising; carbuncles; nausea; hangovers; travel and sea sickness; colds and flu; catarrh; congestion; coughs; sinusitis; sores on the skin; sore throat; diarrhea; colic; cramps; chills and fever. Helps ease muscle aches and pains; poor circulation; arthritic pain.

Grapefruit: Uplifting effect on moods; helps with stress, depression.

High vitamin C content, valuable to the immune system; helps protect against colds, flu. Positive effect on obesity.Has diuretic properties; treats cellulite. Used to combat muscle fatigue, stiffness; stimulates lymphatic system. Clears congested oily skin, assists with acne; tones skin and tissues. Promotes hair growth.

Jasmine: Valuable remedy in cases of severe depression; soothes the nerves; producing a feeling of confidence, optimism and euphoria, while revitalizing and restoring energy. Also effective in post-natal depression.

Other uses: facilitating childbirth; promotes breast milk flow; helps with sexual problems. Sooths irritating coughs; helps with hoarseness and laryngitis. Helps muscle pain, sprains, and stiff limbs. Tones dry, greasy, irritated and sensitive skin; increases skin elasticity; often used for stretch marks and reduce scarring.

Juniper (over the heart): Calms nerves, relieves anxiety, nervous tension and mental exhaustion.

Helpful for enlarged prostate gland; helps pass urine; kidney stones. Helpful for cellulite; fluid retention; digestive system; premenstrual bloating; regulates menstrual cycle; eases painful period. Has tonic effect on the liver. Assists with the elimination of uric acid, relieving pain from gout, rheumatism and arthritis. Effective for acne, eczema, oily skin, weeping eczema, psoriasis, dandruff and alleviates inflammation.

Lavender: Soothing and calming effect on the nerves, relieving tension, depression, panic, hysteria and nervous exhaustion.

Effective for headaches, migraines and insomnia. Beneficial for bronchitis; asthma; colds; laryngitis; halitosis; throat infections; whooping cough. Helps with colic,; nausea; vomiting and flatulence. Relieves pain when used for rheumatism, arthritis, lumbago and muscular aches and pains. Useful for skin problems: abscesses; acne; oily skin; boils; burns; sunburn; wounds; psoriasis; lice; insect bites and stings. Also acts as an insect repellent.

Lavender oil is one of the few essentials oils that can be used directly on the skin, which is especially useful when treating a minor burn wound.

Neroli: One of the essential oils with the most sedative effects is useful for treating depression, anxiety and shock. Very relaxing and can relieve chronic anxiety, depression, fear, shock and stress. Its calming effect can also be beneficial to the digestive tract.

Used for intestinal spasms; colitis; diarrhea. Helps insomnia. Effective in calming heart palpitations; headaches; neuralgia and vertigo. Can help convalescence and is a good general tonic. Can help to regenerate skin cells: prevent ugly scar tissue, promotes smoother skin; lessens stretch marks and broken capillaries.

Patchouli (back of the neck): Has a grounding, balancing effect on emotions; banishes lethargy; sharpens the wits, fights depression and anxiety.

Effective for fungal, bacterial infections. Help for insect bites, insect repellent. Support for dealing with any substance addiction. Excellent diuretic properties, effective for water retention; cellulite. Eases constipation; great deodorizing action; cools inflammations; assisting wound healing. It is also said to create an amorous atmosphere.

Pepper (on the crown of the head for spiritual protection).

Rosemary: Pronounced action on the brain and central nervous system; clearing the mind; mental awareness; excellent brain stimulant; improving memory.

Helps with headaches; migraines; neuralgia; mental fatigue; nervous exhaustion. Suitable for intestinal infections; diarrhea; easing colitis; dyspepsia; flatulence; hepatic disorders and jaundice. Relieves pain associated with rheumatism; arthritis; muscular pain; gout. Helps arteriosclerosis; palpitations; poor circulation and varicose veins.

Rosewood: Lifts your spirits and has a balancing action effect on the mind and body.

Used in reducing headaches; colds; coughs; fever; infections; and is a boost for the immune system. Aphrodisiac properties useful to sort out sexual problems. Used in skincare for dull; dry; oily skin; cell stimulant and promotes rejuvenation.

Sage: Helps to deal with grief and depression and quickens the senses.

Warning: this oil has a high thujone content, and can therefore cause convulsions when used in high concentrations! If the toxic effects of sage oil bothers you, you could consider Clary sage oil as it has similar properties as sage oil, but does not have the side effect

Effective to stimulate digestion, bad appetite. Has a hormonal regulatory effect: useful for menstrual problems, combat female sterility; has tonic effect on urinary tract, liver and kidneys. Stimulates lymphatic system and boosts glandular function. Valuable for treat of dermatitis; atonic wounds; sores; ulcers; insect bites; and reducing large pores. Used to ease stiff muscles; fibrositis and torticollis (stiff neck); eases trembling and palsy; eases pain rheumatic pain.

Sandalwood: Has a harmonizing and calming effect; reduces tension, confusion and is ideal for use in depression; hectic daily lifestyles; and states of fear; stress; nervous exhaustion; chronic illness and anxiety.

Useful for chronic chest infections; sore throats; dry coughs; bronchitis; and asthma. Helpful for cystitis; bladder infections; sexual problems such as frigidity and impotence. For skin: relieves itching; inflammation ; relieves dehydrated skin; great toning effect; used in oily skin conditions; preventing ugly scar formation; and fighting dry eczema.


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