Emotions: Our Moods, Our State of Mind

Our Emotions Can Really Impact on Our Lives

Using essential oils for emotions creates a space for mental balance to return, meditation to flow, or close moments with loving friends to go deeper.

Throughout history aromatic oils have been used to influence our emotions.  Just think of how long incense has been used in religious services.  

There are two olfactory nerves which run into the limbic system of the brain, that which is concerned with memory and motion.  So scent can have a powerful effect on our memory and actions.

Some responses that we have to aroma are inherited or instinctual - we are born with them. Others we learn through experience.  And that experience may involve the mood we were in at the time, the mental state, the association of the scent to its source and the intensity of the aroma.

I have listed here some of the more common emotional and mental conditions (the mind and mood) of the human body and the pure essential oils which are used in healing.

Anxiety

There are 5 main Anxiety Disorders:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Phobia
• Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Panic Disorder

Over two million Australians suffer from Anxiety, an emotion that can cause a person to have difficultly breathing and leave a person feeling panicked or uncertain.  According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America over 18% of the American population, or more than 40 million adults, suffer from some form of anxiety illness in the U.S., and it is the most common form of mental health disorder. "Facts & Statistics." Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. ADAA, 1 Aug. 2016. Web. 08 Jan. 2017. <https://www.adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics>. Many people suffer from more than one type of emotional anxiety disorder, often at the same time.  Anxiety can often run in tandem with Depression or lead to Depression.

Does CBD Oil help with anxiety?

The answer is inconclusive and a definite, MAYBE. As the parent of a teen with complex emotions including anxiety, administering CBD oil seemed to help, if by no other means, as a placebo. No study to date clearly establishes CBD oil as an efficacious drug for treatment of anxiety. Research is ongoing and seems to on the rise. 

Cannabidiol, known as CBD oil, is now heavily marketed and has become popular as a treatment for anxiety. Cannabinoid advocate website DrugScience.org reached out to Approach Wellness to provide information about this phytocannabinoid that was discovered in 1940. According to a 2018 study, the claims of efficacy for CBD, THC, and other constituents of cannabis for treatment of anxiety are poorly evaluated and understood. Additional research is needed to improve personal decision making about the use of cannabis products. In a connectivity analysis by Boggs-Nguyen, et al, 2018, CBD decreased forward connectivity with the brain's amygdala and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). (Fusar-Poli et al, 2010). So, CBD certainly impacts brain function, and some signs are promising. 

A series of studies compared the effects of 600 mg oral CBD with 10 mg oral THC in healthy volunteers. The study showed fearful faces to the volunteers to create anxiety. THC tends to increase anxiety-like emotions, while volunteers who took CBD alone seemed to experience diminishing anxiety.  (Boggs-Nguyen, et al, 2018).

For more information advocating the use of CBD oil for anxiety, check out this link to DrugScience.org https://www.drugscience.org/cbd-oil-for-anxiety/. 

Confidence

A strong feeling of self assurance, a deep belief in yourself and your talents, a certainty in your self worth. These are mind-sets we all need to feel positive emotions, but don’t always have. 

Confidence is a feeling or emotion to work on, to keep believing in yourself.  A belief is a thought believed to be true. 

Emotional balance needs to be restored through controlling negative thoughts. Anytime that you feel down and cannot reframe your thoughts, speak to a counselor or use an app such as Wysa!

Trust that you have worth, are of value, have opinions that matter and that you are needed.

Depression

“Depression is more than just a low mood or emotion – it’s a serious illness that has an impact on both physical and mental health.  On average, one in six people - one in 5 women and one in 8 men - will experience depression at some stage in their life.” "Who Does It Affect? Men." Beyondblue - Depression. Anxiety. Beyond Blue Ltd, 2012. Web. 08 Jan. 2017. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/men.

When feelings of distress, mood changes and behavioral changes persist for long periods of time emotional quality of life can be reduced.  An episode of major depression, if left untreated, can last up to 12 months.  Relapse is common.  

If that situation exists it is recommended to see a doctor who may refer you to people who are available to help you.  But certainly try essential oils as they are remarkable in their ability to heal.

I know what it feels like to suffer from depression - it has happened to me.  Thankfully I have fully recovered, but it is awful to go through it.

Grief

Grief is a part of life.  However, feeling the emotions and loss is traumatic and difficult to deal with.  Support networks are  important to get through this stressful and highly emotional time.  Going through the process of grieving involves many stages until finally “let go” is possible and we move on with our lives.

Allow yourself time to grieve and when it is time to heal, allow yourself to heal.  Our loved ones don't want us to suffer more than we have to.  You may never forget them but tuck them away in a special place in your heart and remember that you will smile again.

Intimate Moments

For those of you who have a warm, loving relationship, it is special to use essential oils in a burner placed in a romantic, intimate space for just the two of you. The aromatherapy accents the emotion and mood connecting a couple. 

Alternatively, you could use the oils in a massage.  Ensure the room is heated and private. Give each other a massage and follow your heart. Allow your emotions full flowering...

Relaxation

Life can be tough and relaxation is the way to help deal with and prevent the emotions of stress, anxiety and even depression - times of deep emotional trauma.

Practice relaxation techniques and try essential oils in the bath or burner.

It is so very important to stay relaxed during stressful times.  

Go for a walk, swim in the sea, take a bath, meditate... whatever you need to do to chill out.

Stress

Stress is a part of life.  In fact, it’s not a bad thing – in moderation.  When it becomes excessive then it impacts on our health. 

Stress is associated with many common ailments like GERD, IBS, stroke, cancer, HBP, heart disease, allergies, skin diseases, immune response disorders,  the list goes on…

It is important to get the highly emotional state of stress under control before it starts to trigger ailments in the body.