This is the second part of our interview with an aromatherapist, discussing how essential oils can be used to support people with PTSD. In this part we will speak about depression and dissociation. You can find the first part here Aromatherapy part 1 (essential oils for anxiety and insomnia)
Theresa: We are back with more questions. Are you ready?
Aromatherapist: Let’s go!
Theresa: PTSD often comes with depression. What would you recommend?
Aromatherapist: Remember, these do not replace medication. If you are taking anti-depressant, please keep taking them.
Arabic frankincense comes to my mind,
Angelica is very good for depression, it leads to greater emotional and mental stability
Basil cheers you up and helps with mental strength
Bergamot is also very helpful with depression, its helps balance the mood
So do jasmine and lavender, 2 oils we already touched on concerning anxiety.
Clary sage is often used for depression especially connected to female problems, it is also inspiring and helps with creativity
Neroli is an important one and many people like the smell. It has a strong calming effect, helps with anxiety and depression and is encouraging
Maybe include rosemary and Ylang Ylang too.
Vanilla and pretty much all citrus fruits can also be included in a mixture.
Find something you like. I recommend using a diffuser in this case. They spread the scent in the whole room. Make sure not to use an oil lamp where the water gets hot, that would destroy the active ingredients of the oil. Use a diffuser for max 30 minutes, then turn the it off. Sitting in a room that is scented with essential oils can help to improve your mood without any effort on your side.
Theresa: what are your ideas on dissociation? I am looking for something that is grounding, clearing the head and increasing focus, while maybe helping to calm down.
Aromatherapist: This will highly depend on you liking the smell . I can give you a list of things to try. Your intuition will tell you what is best for you.
You can find a grounding effect with:
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rose (which is pretty expensive)
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geranium
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rosewood
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sandalwood (which is also pretty expensive)
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tea tree
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thyme
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peppermint
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neroli
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majoram
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bay
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coriander seed
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bergamot
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lemon
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grapefruit
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cistus
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vertiver
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nard (very strong but needs to be mixed!)
You can simply put a drop of the oil of your choice on a handkerchief and smell that. This can provide “first aid”. Some are very earthy smells that are best combined with something uplifting. You could try
6 drops grapefruit
2 drops neroli
2 drops myrtle
1 drop vertiver
for a calming, grounding and refreshing effect that gives you a clear head.
If you can afford it, a mix of
4 drops grapefruit
2 drops ylang ylang (or another flowery oil you like)
1 drop nard
4 drops sandalwood
also makes a good combination. You could mix this into 6 oz of a hydrolate of your choice. Hydrolate is a byproduct in the process of making an essential oil. It is condensed water that still has some active ingredient in it. When you use hydrolate as a base you create a watery spray that you can put on your skin and use it like perfume or just to refresh yourself.
Theresa: Would you summarize the different products I can create for myself and how much oil I should use?
Aromatherapist: I shared a basic recipe for a massage oil, those have 3-6 drops of essential oil in 2 teaspoons of a neutral oil (jojoba or almond). You would usually rub it on your hands and feet, and also your belly and temples if you like that.
We have talked about an oil lamp or diffuser. You can use 3-8 drops for those.
You can create your own bathing supplement by adding 5-12 drops of oils into 4 oz of cream or sea salt.
You can also mix essential oils into hydrolate, a neutral soap or body wash, use it to fragrance the steam in a sauna and with some you can rub it into your skin directly.
Always make sure to read about the oils you want to use. Some, like basil, marojam or cinnamon cannot be used during pregnancy. Some are dangerous for small children. Citrus fruit on your skin will react with direct sunlight. Details can be important. It never hurts to educate yourself.
Theresa: Thank you very much for your time and advice!
[We went through her collection of oils and I found out that I prefer a lot of kitchen herbs like thyme, basil and most of all bay, but also liked vertiver, bergamot and neroli a lot. Intuition really works.]
WARNING: If you are already dissociating very strongly, a 2 on the scale, essential oils will not be enough. Please go straight to using ammonia inhalants instead.
Find out more about the scale for arousal levels here The window of tolerance
For more grounding look here
Anchor in the Here and Now (Grounding)
Some Skills for Hyper/Hypoarousal (red/blue): the mind
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