Using essential oils can be very successful as a complimentary treatment for depression. Which essential oils are best for depression depends on a number of factors. Listen to your body and pay attention to some hidden symptoms of underlying depression. Understanding your own depression requires you to understand yourself a bit better – your temperament and personality.
Some seasons affect me much more negatively than others and I need to shift my approach to get on top of my depression.
In trying to make sense of this, I keep reading about the different elements from traditional Chinese medicine – water, wood, fire, earth and metal. I was probably overthinking this because I just could not wrap my head around it.
Gabriel Mojay in his book Aromatherapy for healing the spirit explains it really well and for the first time I understood that it is basically the circle of life. It is just the cycles of humans and nature or different phases and stages or different life seasons. Every season brings with it different energies and have a different impact on us. Our temperaments and our personalities also have different energies.
Different seasons
I live in Australia and right now we are still having Winter. I don’t really like Winter- I get slow and cold and feel unmotivated in Winter. Yet there are some people who absolutely love Winter. I have a friend that get so energized in the Winter and is super creative in Winter. So the explanation for that according to Traditional Chinese Medicine is that they are dominated by the Water element which is the element for Winter.
I found the explanation of the different personalities and temperaments according to their element quite accurate as described in Jean Haner’s book The wisdom of your Face. A fascinating book about Chinese face reading.
The element – organ connection
The sense organ associated with that element can give us an indication if there is an issue or energy blockage.
For instance the wood element’s sense organ is the eyes. If you all of a sudden get dry itchy eyes or notice some more floaters than normal then you might want to pay more attention to that and get the energy flowing or the meridians flowing. Along your body you have different meridians that are almost like train tracks and if there is a blockage of energy it is almost like a broken down train on the tracks. We all know the chaos that a broken down train can cause in a busy city transport network.
If we look at the diagram below then we can see there is a clockwise movement or circle, just like moving through the different seasons and the impact that one element has on another. It makes sense when we compare it to what happens in nature. The clockwise movement is a generating movement. For instance -we need wood for fire, so wood generate fire.
Some elements can overcome each other for instance water will put out fire.
Recognising yourself
You can probably recognize yourself reading through this list below, as well as others. Seeing how the season influences you as well. I like morning walks, but in Winter I find it really hard to get up early for a walk. I find a lot more joy sitting in front of the fire at night, listening to music.
Water element
The energy of the water element is dark and quiet
Season – Winter
Time of the day – night
Organ – kidneys
Sense organ – ears
Qualities:
Wise, determined, willful, independent, mysterious, dreamy, dramatic, slow to process issues, prudent, fearful.
Wood element
The energy is upward, moving, active, pushing
Season – Spring
Time of the day – Morning
Organ – Liver
Sense organ – eyes
Qualities:
Optimistic, enthusiastic, confident, impulsive, curious, eager to learn, competitive, driven, disciplined, pushy, rebellious, organized, decisive, judgmental, frustrated
Fire element
Time of the day – Noon
Season – Summer
Energy – peaking
Organ– Heart and small intestines
Sense organ– tongue
Qualities:
Joyful, exuberant, passionate, warm, dramatic, hyperactive, short attention span, enthusiastic, spontaneity, empathic, inspirational, self- centered, fickle, anxious, prone to panic attacks.
Earth element
Time of the day – afternoon
Season – Late Summer / early Fall
Organ – Stomach, spleen, pancreas
Sense organ – mouth …taste
Qualities:
Caring, giving, helpful, diplomatic, sympathetic, indecisive, patient, friendly, thoughtful, tolerant, grounded, stuck, needy, self-pity, overprotective, overinvolved in others’ lives, supportive, kind, modest, dependent, focus on family and friends, worried
Metal element
Time of the day – early evening
Season – late Fall
Organ – Lungs, skin, large intestines
Sense organ– nose
Qualities:
Sensitive, aware, idealistic, anxious, critical, inflexible, perfectionist, arrogant, proud, aloof, regal, gracious, charming, hypersensitive, self- conscious, suffering, aware, authoritative.
So where to start ?
According to TCM the heart is the king of all the organs and the other organs will sacrifice their energy for the sake of the heart. The heart and the large intestines are connected with the fire element. So upon further investigation that is where I need to start. Having a lovely lunch with a friend that will bring back some joy. Focusing on the connection with others. That can also mean just going for a walk with the dog in the middle of the day and soaking up a bit of sun in the middle of winter.
Everything is connected
So the organs are all connected and TCM explains their connections to each other like a parent-child relationship. Most mothers would completely understand this because when your children is not happy or experiencing sadness or bullying at school it affects you as a mom on an emotional level. The stronger the attachment with the child, the deeper the emotional impact.
The heart is the mother of the stomach.
When the stomach is functioning well, then the heart is well. That is the gut-mind connection.
Surprisingly the liver is the mother of the heart.
The importance of the liver has been highlighted in wellness circles more and more, but this is huge and we really need to understand this.
The liver is dealing with a lot – it has to metabolize alcohol, fats, hormones, proteins, carbohydrates, detoxify, produce bile and store vitamins and minerals. Our constant stress affects our liver which means that the liver cannot support the heart as it should.
Looking after your liver might mean cutting out certain foods, alcohol and making healthy lifestyle choices.
One of my favorite authors and speakers are Dr. Libby Weaver. She is a biochemist and nutritionist and have a few great books and resources out there. One of her best books on this topic is The invisible Load.
Different types of depression
In Chinese medicine they view depression a bit differently. It is seen as a disharmony caused by :
- 1) Not enough energy or blood deficiency leaving you flat, lethargic, tired
- 2) Restricted or constrained flow of energy or blood. Stagnation of blood and phlegm that can cause pain and spasms.
- 3) One or more of the organ systems are not functioning well
With the different organ systems or ‘elements’ explained above we can then use essential oils that are tailor made for you.
Now, as I mentioned in the beginning – essential oils is a complimentary treatment for depression and should not replace your medication.
Using different essential oils during different seasons will also support that organ system associated with that season.
Which essential oils to use?
Water element depression or disharmony of kidney organ system
Feelings of:
Being overwhelmed
Powerlessness
Apathy
Self-doubt
Demoralizing
Good choice of essential oils:
Thyme oil
For those who is really struggling with dread and apathy
Organic Thyme Thymol Essential Oil 10 mL
Thyme Thymol Organic is great for supporting the immune – – system and for tonifying t… [More]
Juniper oil
For those who struggles with self-doubt and are at a point of giving up. These are normally individuals who will isolate and just worry when they are facing with responsibilities that they cannot avoid. Juniper oil will boost the will and strengthen the spirit.
Organic Juniper Berry Essential Oil 30 mL
Organic Juniper Berry essential oil is an incredible oil with a very distinct scent and… [More]
Cypress oil
Cypress trees can survive really harsh climates and still grow strong and tall. Therefor it is a good choice of oil for those depression sufferers that are in dire situations where they are controlled or manipulated by others. It is a good choice of oil for those that want to move forward psychological. If you would like to find out more about Cypress you can click here.
Organic Cypress Essential Oil 30 mL
Our Cypress Organic Essential Oil originates from Spain and – – France and is steam di… [More]
Ginger oil
Ginger oil is great to improve circulation and a true warming oil. It therefor will warm the spirit and boost the morale and is helpful with low self-esteem. Also, a great oil to use if you are just in a place where you have all these responsibilities or assignments due and just need some initiative. A note on Ginger though, it has a strong smell so it might be one of those oils where you would put your blend on your feet rather. Your skin on your feet will still absorb the oil so it is still really effective. Ginger is great to help with digestion so you can also put the blend onto your tummy area. I would not recommend bathing with Ginger as it is a hot oil. You can read further about the uses and benefits of Ginger oil here.
Traditionally used for its warming action, Ginger Root CO2 aids digestion, stimula… [More]
Geranium oil
This calming oil is great for depression from overwork and to move some stagnant energy. This humble oil has a lot of great benefits which you can read about here.
Organic Egyptian Geranium Essential Oil 10 mL
Geranium Egyptian is a marvelous skin-balancing oil and can help improve the overall sk… [More]
Depression of the Wood element or disharmony of the Liver organ system
Common in hardworking people who then all of a sudden loses the motivation or purpose.
Feelings of being oppressed and frustrated can be result of long term stress and stagnant liver energy.
Good choice of essential oils to use:
Bergamot oil
This refreshing oil can uplift the spirit and relax the nerves at the same time. Bergamot oil is a very good choice for people struggling with a lot of bottled up feelings and frustrations.
Bergamot is a favorite amongst essential oil users for its aroma and therapeutic proper… [More]
Sweet orange oil
Oranges will often remind people of their carefree childhood. Sweet orange oil is great to rekindle that playfulness of the inner child.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil 30 mL
Orange Sweet is most commonly known for its wonderful uplifting and calming scent. It j… [More]
Neroli oil
For emotional support and awareness. A great oil if you need to take a break from the world.
Often these goal -focused and driven individuals cut themselves off from their emotions and just soldier on. Neroli oil is made from orange blossoms which makes it a bit more of an expensive oil. These diluted blends are easy to use though because you don’t have to dilute it yourself. All the hard work is done for you.
Neroli Pre-Diluted Essential Oil Roll-On 1…
An absolutely delightful and vibrant floral oil, Neroli comes from orange blossoms and … [More]
Jasmine oil
Comforting to the mind and great for nervous people who keep themselves busy as a coping mechanism in order to avoid the pain and hurt. Many mothers and codependents fall in this category.
Absolute Jasmine also falls in the expensive oil category and that is why I like these roll on blends.
Jasmine Absolute Pre-Diluted Essential Oil…
The delicate blossoms of the night-blooming jasmine sambac flower are known for their i… [More]
Chamomile oil
Both Roman chamomile and German chamomile is very effective for individuals who often come across very irritable and frustrated with themselves and others.
Liver disharmony often results in angry frustration. If you get angry at the smallest thing it is time to question whether your liver might be working too hard and the energy might be stagnant. You can read this article that I wrote about the uses and benefits of chamomile oil here.
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German Chamomile Essential Oil 5 mL
The powerful scent of Chamomile German (Blue) essential oil is widely known for its cal… [More]
Yarrow oil
Workaholics often buries their hurt in their work. Putting a tight band aid over the wound and try to forget about it. Unfortunately that wound just never heals, instead it can really fester. Yarrow oil is great for these individuals and people who really struggle with a sense of victimization. Often there is a lot of negativity and the glass is always half empty.
Organic Blue Yarrow Essential Oil 10 mL
Organic Blue Yarrow is another wonderful “blue†essential oil that is steam distill… [More]
Spikenard oil
The type of depression that stems from an intolerance of oneself and feeling very frustrated with yourself. A low self-esteem and self-condemnation and a lot of negative self-talk and self-doubt is at the order of the day. Spikenard oil can help with having some kindness for yourself and some self-compassion. Spikenard has a strong smell but it is a powerful oil. This might be the nard oil that Mary poured over Jesus’ feet. This blend is an easy to use product to help you feel grounded and to be kind to yourself.
Grounded Foundation (Root Chakra) Pre-Dilu…
The 1st (Root) Chakra is vital to how we experience our existence. Located at the base … [More]
Depression of the Fire element or disharmony of the heart organ system
The heart organ system includes the small intestines. Overall there is an imbalance of joy and love which is the root emotions of the heart.
Often a lack of enthusiasm and interest. Individuals often feel uninspired to do anything. Which is often very odd because these fire element individuals are normally very warm and emotional and then when they get depressed often is cold and agitated or very sensitive. Sometimes depression can stem from rejection and disappointment in relationships which can cause a lot of emotional insecurity and sadness.
Good choice of essential oils to use:
Jasmine oil
This anti-depressant oil can tonify and relax the energy of the heart. Jasmine oil has an uplifting effect on an emotional level. Very helpful to rekindle some warmth for those struggling with depression who has grown cold and hostile.
Tangerine Jasmine Body Oil 4 oz
Treat yourself to a luxurious body oil that will leave your skin feeling and smelling a… [More]
Ylang-ylang
Depression and anxiety can make you feel really flat and hopeless. Ylang-ylang oil can help those who need some emotional excitement.
Organic Ylang Ylang Complete Essential Oil…
Organic Ylang Ylang Complete Oil is steam distilled from the beautiful blossoms of the … [More]
Rose oil
Rose oil can restore some emotional security. Highly sensitive individuals are often also romantic idealist but then get very hurt by the pain and hurt of disappointment in relationships. Rose oil can be an expensive oil to buy as well so a diluted blend is not only easy to use but easy on the pocket as well.
Rose Pre-Diluted Essential Oil Roll-On 10 mL
Highly prized for its rich floral scent, Rose absolute is also known for its calming pr… [More]
Melissa oil
Often these fire people are always fun and the life of the party. So when depression hits or the disharmony occurs they struggle to show this and be vulnerable but rather suffer in silence without any one knowing what is really going on. Dismissing their own sadness and depression can be quite detrimental and make them feel really overwhelm and oppressed.
Melissa oil can be a great oil to revive the heart and restore the heart.
Organic Melissa Essential Oil 2.5 mL
This Melissa essential oil is the real thing! We have been searching for months to find… [More]
All hydrosols can be used in creating lotions and other herbal preparations. Most are g… [More]
Patchouli oil
For those who have lost their joy due to mental strain and stress.
Aged Dark Patchouli Essential Oil 10 mL
Some things simply get better with age. When it comes to Patchouli, that’s never been… [More]
Coriander seed oil
This warming oil is great for the worriers and over thinkers. For those who are just feeling emotional barren with nothing left in the tank. Coriander seed oil comforts the intellect and uplifts the mind.
Coriander Seed Essential Oil 30 mL
Coriander Seed is a fragrant, exotic oil that has been used for thousands of years in A… [More]
Joyful Creation (Sacral Chakra) Pre-Dilute…
The 2nd (Sacral) Chakra is the seat of creation, sensation, feelings and relationships…. [More]
Depression of the Earth element of disharmony of the Stomach organ system
This is a gut-brain connection because disharmony of the stomach organ system also results in a disharmony of the intellect. Your thinking and reasoning is disrupted. Overthinking, worrying and a sense of confusion is often happening for the Earth people or when the energy in the stomach organ system is not working as it should. Often these people neglect themselves and worry more about others but they do crave emotional support which often then leads to self-pity and frustration.
Good choice of essential oils to use:
Vetiver oil
This is a great oil to reconnect with yourself and to show yourself some self-love and self-nurturing.
The earthy, woodsy, slightly smoky scent of Vetiver essential oil is famous for its rel… [More]
Marjoram oil
For those who have experience loss or sadness due to loss. That can be anything from a pet, a job or a loved one. Marjoram oil is great to use if you have trouble keeping your own company. The gloom of isolation can be very overwhelming for some.
Organic Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil 30 mL
This precious essential oil is a comforting oil at all levels. With its slightly sweet,… [More]
Lemon oil
Just like the fruit, Lemon oil is very refreshing and uplifting for the spirit. It can clear a foggy mind and restore some light heartedness again.
Organic Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil 30 mL
Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil is calming to the spirit and can also alter a person’s p… [More]
Frankincense and Myrrh
Both of these oil can help to clarify the mind. It is helpful for the over thinkers and the worriers. For those dealing with grief and loss this would be a good oil mix to use.
Organic Frankincense Serrata Essential Oil…
Frankincense Serrata essential oil, also known as Olibanum, is steam distilled from the… [More]
Organic Frankincense Carterii Essential Oi…
Frankincense Carteri essential oil is Hydro-distilled – – from a Middle Eastern or Af… [More]
Self Esteem Essential Oil Blend 30 mL
Self Esteem Synergy is designed to provide a boost of confidence whenever you might nee… [More]
For depression of the Metal element of disharmony of the lung organ system
The root emotion of the lung organ system is grief. For many people loss was the catalyst that resulted in them suffering from depression in the first place.
The lungs are crucial for vitality of body and mind. The lungs are all about letting in the new energy and letting go of the old energy. Often emotions such as regret, remorse or a lingering sense of loss can cause the sadness or grief to get stuck in the lungs. Stagnation of the energy causes phlegm which can really impair the lung function.
Dealing with the unresolved grief is really important and I want to stress that before you reach for the essential oil bottle, you have to reach out to someone. Preferably a counselor but a close safe friend will help as well.
Good choice of essential oils to use:
Cypress
For those that are feeling stuck and unable to move forward. Individuals who feel oppressed by their circumstances. Cypress oil is fantastic for circulation and to comfort the spirit.
Organic Cypress Essential Oil 30 mL
Our Cypress Organic Essential Oil originates from Spain and – – France and is steam di… [More]
Eucalyptus
This oil not only opens the chest and bronchial airways but also encourages a sense of awareness. It is quite an invigorating oil to use to be able to move forward.
Organic Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil …
Eucalyptus Globulus is one of the world’s most familiar essential oils and is widely kn… [More]
Clary Sage
It has the ability to relax and to encourage the nervous system. It is a great oil of choice for depression form chronic tension and nervous strain. Very helpful for melancholy and can help to lift the spirit and strengthen the flow of energy. Clary Sage is a wonderful oil for any woman, especially mothers. You can read about the uses and benefits here.
Clary Sage Essential Oil 30 mL
Clary Sage essential oil is the perfect balancing oil to help ease symptoms caused by w… [More]
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Clear Intuition (Brow Chakra) Synergy Pre-…
While our eyes guide our conscious physical direction, our 6th (Third Eye/Brow) Chakra … [More]
Hyssop oil
Getting rid of stuck phlegm and to combat negative thoughts. This is a very helpful oil to use to be able to let go.
Tea tree oil
This is a great oil for those who just feel so weak from sadness. This refreshing oil has many helpful properties to strengthen you physically and mentally.
Organic Tea Tree Essential Oil 30 mL
Organic Tea Tree is one of the world’s best known and beloved essential oils. Native … [More]
Tea Tree Hydrosol is a mild version of the more familiar scent of tea tree essential oi… [More]
Essential oil safety guidelines:
Use good quality essential oil, preferably organic. One of my favorite companies that I use for essential oils is Plant Therapy
Do not take essential oils internally or apply essential oils undiluted topically. Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil.
Follow Dilution recommendations on the Essential oil Dilution chart.
Pregnant women have to consult with a qualified aromatherapist and or midwife and doctor before using essential oils, especially topically.
If you have liver damage, cancer, suffers from epilepsy or other medical problems and take medicine on a regular basis then you have to use essential oils under the guidance of a trained aromatherapist.
Before using essential oils on children you should consult with a qualified aromatherapist.
Check whether the essential oil of your choice is safe to use around your pets. Here is a list of essential oils safety for dogs.
Take care of you so that you can take care of others
Elize
Resources
https://www.tcmworld.org/what-is-tcm/the-five-major-organ-systems/
https://www.tcmworld.org/what-is-tcm/the-five-major-organ-systems/whats-your-heart-telling-you/
https://www.livestrong.com/article/141544-metabolic-functions-liver/