Easy hacks to boost happiness.
* Studies have shown that natural oils can alleviate some side effects of depression
* From lavender to chamomile, find the oil that best suits your needs
* Put them in a diffuser, or rub them directly onto your skin
According to the World Health Organization, there are over 300 million people worldwide currently suffering from depression. In 2017, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in America. In addition, over 50% of those people who have been diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. With such a large, serious threat to mental health, people are looking at the variety of different approaches you can take to help alleviate depression symptoms.
While these oils are not seen as a treatment or a cure, studies have shown that they can have benefits towards managing depression side effects. For example, in a 2016 study, lavender was shown to improve the sleep cycle of those who experience sleep disturbances, which can be a common side effect of depression. Below, SPY has found five different essential oils, each with strong relaxing, stress-relieving properties.
Native to Asia, the Ylang Ylang flowers are bright yellow flowers that have been utilized for centuries in various medicinal formats, but are also noted for their calming, stress-relieving properties. Steam distilled from hand-picked flowers, this essential oil can be used in a diffuser, or even rubbed directly on your body, for a mood-lifting, relaxing experience.
Buy: Ylang Ylang Essential Oil $9.49
Bergamot essential oils are taken from the cells inside the rind of the bergamot orange fruit, a fruit which is a hybrid of lemon and bitter orange. It has a light, sweet scent similar to that of an orange, and is even used as a flavoring in Earl Grey tea. This essential oil by Healing Solutions is best when diffused or massaged onto the skin to reduce stress.
Buy: Bergamot - 100% Pure, Best Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil $8.89
While you may be familiar with the delicious floral scent of lavender, you may not know that its scent stimulates olfactory (odor-sensitive) neurons in the nose to promote relaxation and calm. As an added bonus, this essential oil by NOW is vegan-friendly and sustainably made, so you can help yourself and the planet.
Buy: NOW Essential Oils Lavender Oil $8.25
Enjoying a soothing cup of chamomile tea is a classic remedy to help you relax and drift off to sleep, and now you can enjoy the calming smell in this essential oil. Made of 100% pure chamomile, you can place a few drops into a diffuser or aromatherapy candle.
Buy: Artizen Roman Chamomile Essential Oil $14.99
This little white flower produces a powerful, beautiful scent, and a study recently showed that when compared to a placebo, jasmine oil was able to increase behavioral arousal. So boost your mood with a light dose of jasmine mixed with jojoba oil for a natural, soothing relief.
