“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while Nature cures the disease.” ~Voltaire
Bad moods and depression suck, and bipolar mood swings are even worse so when I feel one creeping in I usually burn a stick of incense and most of the time, it immediately puts me in a more relaxed and happier place. My partner saw me doing this and he mentioned it’s a form of aromatherapy, but until that moment, I never realized what I was doing.
One fragrance in particular works like a charm – it’s called India Temple Incense from Song of India. No other incense lifts my deprssion the way this one does, but I would think it is preference to some extent.
Aromatherapy and Healing
Aromatherapy a branch of herbal medicines and is believed to enhance the psychological and physical well-being of anyone who uses it and from my experience, I would agree. Some benefits of using aroma and essential oils include:
- Relaxation & Stress Relief
- Mood Enhancement/Fights Depression
- Relieves Minor Discomforts
- Decrease Congestion
- Relieves Tension Headaches
- Improves Sleep
…and those are just a sample!
There are many sites that specify which essential oil helps which problem but at the same time I believe it to also be preference. We all react differently to fragrance. What smells good to me may be revolting to someone else.
It doesn’t work a miracle on every bad mood or deep depression I have, but it definitely makes a dent and makes the day just a little bit better. Other times it does seem like a miracle as the fragrance suffocates the depression.
If you haven’t already experimented with aromatherapy you should most definitely give it a try.
History
I would like to point out it’s not a new-age idea. Aromatherapy dates back to Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, Babylon, China as well as the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans on the American continents.
Aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicines so of course the ancients used it – I don’t know of any big pharmaceutical companies that were around back then, and probably less lawsuits too!
I know ….I just had to add the lawsuits didn’t I?
Tags: alternative medicine, aromatherapy, bad moods, Bipolar, depression, essential oils, fragrance, herbal medicines, herbalism, holistic, incense, manic, moodiness, nature cure, Voltaire quote
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