Essential Oils for Mental & Emotional Well-Being By Heather Demarest and Michel Sanchez   Plants and animals have been evolving with one another for millions of years.  Animals, as well as ourselves rely completely on plants for our sustenance.  Not only do we eat plants and the animals that eat plants, we are dependent on the very oxygen they release for our survival.  As we have been evolving side by side for millennia, the chemical composition of plants’ DNA is virtually the same as ours. We even have similar chemistry.  This commonality between plants and animals allows us to use plants in generally safe ways as many of our cellular mechanisms are similar and we have adapted along with plants.  This may explain why, as Valerie Worwood, author of The Fragrant Mind states, “essential oils...seem to act like keys to our physical and mental mechanisms.” Plants use aromatic molecules to communicate with other plants, to attract pollinators, overcome viruses, bacteria and fungi, defend against predators and deter invaders. They can increase certain chemicals while under attack or in reaction to light and dark.  As people have been interacting with plants for ages, we have developed an expansive knowledge base on their uses including when to harvest them to take advantage of these chemical changes.  Some plants are harvested for their essential oils in the morning, some the first day their flowers bloom and some only after they are 30 years old. Humans have learned the chemistry of plants vary and it is partly their chemical components that make them so powerful.  In fact, the word chemistry comes from the Greek ‘chemia’ which means ‘plant juice’ and the term ’essential oils’ comes from ’quinta essentia’ meaning the quintessence of the plant.  Essential oils are made of hugely complex chemicals, containing over 3,000 known compounds and many more unknown.  While scientists try to reproduce or isolate essential oils, even going so far as to call some ‘nature identical’, it is nearly impossible to replicate these dynamic and highly complex molecules.  Some of the tiniest parts of the molecule are actually the strongest and many of these have yet to be identified or even understood. That is why using natural essential oils is so important to obtain the desired effects.  There is simply no substitute for the balance and wholeness of natural molecules, molecules we have grown along side of and have relied on for millennia.  So, how do we utilize these powerhouses of chemistry and life to bring about wellness in our own? The most common ways essential oils enter our bodies are through skin absorption and inhalation. The lipophilic nature of essential oils allows them to be absorbed into our skin to then be carried into the bloodstream to circulate throughout the body. When aromatic molecules are inhaled, they are absorbed into the mucous membranes and capillaries of the nose, mouth and respiratory tract and then carried into the bloodstream.  Also, when inhaled, essential oils set off reactions in receptor cells in the nose, leading to enzyme activity and electrical impulses to the olfaction bulb, which is actually an extension of the brain.  Human beings can generally distinguish about 10,000 types of aromas.  Not only do plants use aromatic molecules to attract, defend and communicate, so do humans.  The ability to smell was once our most important sense.  We had to smell out our children, our mates and our enemies.  We would track our prey or hide from predators or even smell the weather.  Our highly developed sense of smell allowed us to survive.  Today, the heightened need for this sense is much less with natural odors often considered unnecessary or even distasteful. However, just because we have lost the great need for smell, the mechanisms we’ve had for thousands of years to detect and react to aromas are still strongly a part of our brains.  Once aromatic molecules are inhaled, they connect with receptor cells in the cilia extending from two olfaction bulbs.  They are then translated into electrical impulses directly connected to the limbic system, the oldest part of the brain, and immediately begin affecting our brain chemistry-readying us for fight or flight, sex or sleep or any numerous reactions. The limbic system contains several sub-regions (ie. the hippocampus and amygdala) and governs basic survival mechanisms such as, memory, emotions, learning and sexuality.  It  is also a link between voluntary and involuntary nervous systems as well as the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Therefore, through the olfaction bulb which is connected to the limbic system, there is access to nearly every bodily function. Essential oil molecules affect the brain and therefore the rest of the body in numerous ways, binding and/or blocking receptors, unleashing enzymes and hormones, neurotransmitters, electrical impulses and affecting cell structure; they truly are keys to wellness.   Generally Relaxing Essential Oils   Ylang-ylang: Cananga adorata   parts used:  flowers : particularly useful with rapid heartbeat (tachycardia and rapid breathing (hyperpnoea) : sedative properties lower high blood pressure : relaxes the nervous system : Ylang-ylang soothes and inhibits anger born of frustration : excellent for depression, frigidity, impotence, insomnia, nervous tension and stress-related conditions : used for excitable conditions regulating adrenaline flow : eases feelings of anxiety, fear, anger and panic : add to a diffuser and inhale to help release tension and encourage peaceful sleep : mix a few drops into bath salts or vegetable oil and add to tub water for a relaxing and peaceful bath : excessive use may lead to headache…less is often more   Neroli: Citrus aurantium    parts used:  flower petals : potent oil shown to relieve chronic anxiety, depression and stress : soothing in highly emotional states, hysteria and shock - helping instill a feeling of peace : rather hypnotic and somewhat euphoric : tranquilizing action on the sympathetic nervous system makes it a good remedy in cases of insomnia, especially where sleep is disturbed due to depression : soothes and calms heart palpitations : helps relieve emotional depression due to premenstrual tension and some menopausal symptoms such as irritability and tearfulness : invokes a feeling of joy and happiness and uplifts mood : helps to increase circulation, relieving anxiety, melancholy and nervous tension : good aphrodisiac qualities : can be used in a diffuser, inhaled, or added to massage oil or lotion preparations : should avoid using when needing concentration or wanting to avoid sleep : also called orange blossom it takes about 1000 lbs. of orange blossoms to make 1 lb. of Neroli oil   Lavender: Lavendula angustifolia   parts used: flowering tops : after only 10 minutes of inhalation, proven to lower blood pressure and slow heart rate : a nervous system regulator :proven to aid sleep and normalize sleep patterns, especially in the elderly, and increases time spent in slow wave or deep sleep, increasing energy and alertness the next day, reportedly had better effects than Valium in at least one study  : versatile, can be applied undiluted : put a drop on the soles of your feet or pulse points, a drop on your pillow, diffuse in your bedroom or add a few drops to a bath to calm and restore peaceful sleep : too much lavender has a stimulating effect, so more is definitely not better : calms hysteria and anxiety : harmonizes blends and soothes mental, emotional and physical stress : balances extreme emotions Sandalwood: Santalum album    parts used:  inner heartwood : popular use in incense –its calming effect is a useful aid to meditation and is popular in religious ceremonies- particularly in India and China where it is burned at funerals, reputedly to help free the soul in death : well known aphrodisiac qualities : very relaxing essential oil, soothes nervous tension and anxiety and serves as a sedative : has a harmonizing and calming effect and is ideal for use in states of fear, stress, nervous exhaustion, chronic illness and anxiety. : helps bring about a sense of peace and acceptance and is therefore a comfort to those transitioning : best to avoid during states of severe depression due to its strong sedative properties : can be added to a lotion blend, massage oil, bath salts or inhaled to induce deep relaxation and sleep     Melissa: Melissa officinalis   parts used: flowering tops, leaves and stems : also known as lemon balm : true Melissa essential oil is expensive since it takes 3.5-7.5 tons of plant material to make 1 pound of the essential oil : called ‘the elixir of life’ by Avincenna, the ancient Roman physician : almost a specific for anxiety and nervous disorders : used to strengthen and revive the spirit : calming, uplifting, sedating,  powerful but gentle : need only a very small amount to be useful : calms anger, shock, grief and fear : proven to soothe agitation in dementia patients : pseudo-narcotic effect on the Central Nervous System : calms nausea and headaches associated with nervous tension : one of the most powerful anti-virals, so it is extremely useful for nervousness coupled with chronic viral infections     Mandarin: Citrus madurensis   parts used: peel : good nervous system relaxant : common sedative - sedating action results in relaxing and calming nervous afflictions and disturbances : reduces stress and anxiety : place a few drops in a bath at bedtime (nice with neroli) or add to a nighttime lotion or oil : gentle action, nice to relax children - good for tantrums and when they're over-excited : often used safely by pregnant women and the elderly to help with relaxation : one of the gentlest of all essential oils : balancing, uplifting and calming : highly recommended for use in massage and bath oil blends because of its relaxing and gently calming effects, very good for children’s massage. : can calm attacks of epilepsy, hysteria and convulsions : phototoxic – best not to be used before going out into strong sunlight   Roman Chamomile: Anthemis nobilis   parts used: flowers : has been used medicinally for thousands of years : extremely relaxing, anti-spasmodic : wonderful and gentle enough for children, works especially well when combined with lavender and mandarin essential oils for soothing restless children : subtle and soft, works even with very small amounts : eases spasms, cramps, insomnia and mild shock : reduces irritability, oversensitivity, worry, fearfulness, anger and stress : soothes teething pain (diluted) : calms digestive upsets (incl. gas, colic, ulcers) especially those due to tension : probably one of the most widely used nervines Vetiver: Vetiveria zizanoides   parts used: roots : an ancient remedy in Indian Ayurvedic healing : nourishes, grounds, calms and uplifts : stimulates endocrine glands, especially in association with estrogen/progesterone, balancing both to ease PMS and menopause symptoms : slows heart rate, eases perfectionism, depression, nervous tension and flightiness : helps  performance anxiety, boosts confidence, practicality and centeredness : stabilizes, strengthens and rebuilds after exhaustion : proven to lessen ADD/ADHD symptoms    Generally Stimulating Essential Oils   Bergamot: Citrus aurantium ssp bergamia   parts used: fruit rind : excellent neuro-tonic and anti-depressant : regulates mood swings, calming, uplifting, balancing, calms terror and rage : eases insomnia, especially due to nervousness and depression, but does not overly sedate : soothes frustration, tension, agitation, worry and hyperactivity : is a Central Nervous System depressant : proven to balance the hypothalamus gland, thereby balancing hormonal and sleep cycles : boosts morale and self-esteem : proven to lessen symptoms of depression Rosemary: Rosemarinus officinalis    parts used:  leaves and flowering tops : overall stimulating and invigorating effect that works on both mental and physical levels : simulates mental concentration- boosts recall and mental clarity by working directly on the central nervous system : studies of Harvard college students showed that inhaling the aroma during study times increased the student’s ability to memorize key facts and concepts and increased test performances : decreases fatigues and mild depression brought on by weariness or feeling “run down” : adrenal gland stimulator : balances intense emotions , assists in managing stress and overcoming stress related situations : relieves mental fatigue, lethargy and physical exhaustion…great ‘pick me up oil’ to diffuse : helps dispel negativity : place two drops on a tissue and inhale or add to a bowl of steaming water and diffuse : should be avoided by eplileptics or during pregnancy : can be overly stimulating and may increase blood pressure Peppermint:  Mentha piperita     parts used:  leaves and flowering tops : improve concentration by inhaling or diffusing : invigorating, energizing and stimulating : enhances wellbeing by refreshing, restoring and uplifting the mind and body : researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that workers smelling peppermint made 25-50%  fewer errors than those breathing plain air : stimulates the lymphatic system : excellent for mental fatigue and depression; enhances alertness and soothes headaches : 2 drops placed on a tissue may be inhaled to combat fatigue  : cooling nature relieves states of anger, hysteria and nervous trembling : stimulating qualities valuable for shock, vertigo, dizziness and fainting : do not use late in the evening as it may cause sleep disturbances : neurological studies have shown the scent to trigger a sensation of stomach fullness in the brain : may irritate sensitive skin and must be diluted prior to use : do not use during pregnancy or with young children   Grapefruit: Citris Paradisi     parts used:  peel : overall uplifting and reviving effect on the mind : valuable oil to use in times of stress :  has a balancing action on the central nervous system and has been shown to assist in stabilizing manic depression : euphoric and slightly hypnotic : can be used to aid drug withdrawal since it has a cleansing effect on the kidneys, liver and vascular system : helps to relieve symptoms associated with migraines, pre-menstrual tension and pregnancy : can be used in a blended massage oil, or may be diluted in the bath to assist with lack of energy, jet lag, muscle fatigue, weight loss, headaches : diffuse or inhale grapefruit essential oil to help overcome mental exhaustion and depression   Basil:  Ocimum basilicum   parts used: leaves and flowering tops : has been used since ancient times to sharpen the mind and memory : neuro-regulating, neuro-tonic, stimulates or restores the nerves depending on the body’s needs : eases melancholy, brings clarity : strengthens the adrenal cortex, overcoming mental and emotional fatigue : aids in memory recall and boosts alertness : cerebro-spinal supporter, aiding in numerous nervous afflictions as well as psychological complaints : a good ‘wake-up’ oil, use in moderation so as not to overstimulate   Ginger: Zingiberaceae officinale   parts used: rhizome : gently stimulating : all-over tonic, boosting circulation, digestion and energy : reduces drowsiness, aids concentration : warming, increases over-all vitality : grounding and centering, dispersing fatigue, coldness, flightiness, procrastination : boosts courage and low motivation : centuries old aphrodisiac