Aromatherapy That May Help Relieve Some PTSD Symptoms

[amethist]

Before you start using Aromatherapy, please remember this is not an alternative to your usual meds, it is not my intention to say you can replace them with Aromatherapy. The can be used safely along side meds, but if you are unsure, then please check with your Doctor.

I have used Aromatherapy on my husband for a long time now, and he does prefer it to some of the stronger emergency meds. But that is him, and his choice after feeling the after effects of the strong meds he was prescribed for emergency


As many who suffer with PTSD, sleep seem to be amongst the main issues.

As I know myself if you can get at least a few hours good quality sleep it goes a long way to help deal with all the other stuff that PTSD throws at you.

So first off a few Essential oils that could help and a few simple blends that are know to work.

Lavender is the best know of all the oils by most people, so that is the one I willl start with.

Lavender. (Lavandula vera, Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis)

Try putting 2 or 3 drops, no more on a tissue and placing it inside your pillow case before you go to bed. You can put it directly onto your pillow case or night wear, but it can stain, if these are dark colours it will be fine. Remember to only use these amounts, using too much is a waste and can have the opposite effect, so instead of falling asleep it could wake you up and also sensitise you to it. This could invoke an alergic reaction, where peviously there was no issue.

You can also 2 - 3 drops to 20ml of carrier oil and massage it into you upper chest and shoulders, or have someone massage it onto you upper back and shoulders for you. For convenience you can pre-mix it into a full bottle of Carrier oil, it is then ready to use whenever you need it.

You could just use the essential oil in a diffuser/burner. 2 - 3 drops of essential oil into the water will be just right to add a peaceful aroma to the air.

Rose absolute or Rose otto ( Rosa centifoilia, Rosa damascena, Rosa gallica ).

These are really nice if you don't like Lavender, but can be expensive. However Rose absolute is cheaper than the Rose otto but has a very strong fragrance so only 1 or 2 drops in a burner is enough or added to a carrier. Even though the Rose otto costs more it has a more delicate fragrance to it, so this may be the one you prefer.

You can use this in exactly the same way as the Lavender. It is wonderful added to an un-perfumed hand cream or body lotion to use a moisturising cream as it is really good for mature, dry, inflamed or sensitive skin. Adding this to a shower gel or bath oil is a nice treat after a hard day too.

Ladies please avoid using this one in early pregnancy, especially if you have a history of miscarriage.

Neroli. (citrus bigardia, Citrus aurantium)

This is one of the best of all for helping with sleep problems, especially if your mind is racing. It is very soothing and relaxing and was said to be traditionally used in wedding bouquets as it calms the nerves of the happy couple before they retired. This one is expensive, but as it is so good for easing the intensity of strong emotions such as anxiety or a racing mind, which is why using it for this type of problem is the most effective way to use it.

Use this in the same way as the Rose, including treating yourself to a home made luxury hand or body cream. As you only use a few drops at a time the price of it may well be worth it. Just blend it into enough cream to use when you want it, that way you will not forget about it and waste it.

Sandalwood. (Santalum album)

One for the boy's. How could we forget you, this is used widely in mens after shaves and colognes, though you can use the others if you like.

This is a good one to use in the bath or shower, as it is very cooling and calming as well as good for helping to prevent tense headaches from taking hold.

There are quite a few others so I wil just list a few more and add comments it required.

Ylang Ylang, (Cananga odorata) Use sparingly as too much can cause headaches or nausea.

Sweet marjoram, (Origanum majorana) Not to be used during pregnancy.

One last one for the little ones, for those who have children that don't like going to bed and sleep for whatever reason.

Monster Repellent. This is just Neroli Hydrosol, it is the distillate water that is left behind after the oil is distilled. It has a light floral aroma and is generally regarded safe to use with children. It helps calm and quieten them before bed. There are other Hydrosols if this one is too flowery and most aromatherapy or herbal shops sell them.

Just fill a small new plastic spray bottle with the water and decorate it with monster pictures. I say plastic because it is being used for children, usually they should be in glass, so it keeps better. Coloured spray bottles make it more mysterious for the kids.

You could also make a story up of how when it is sprayed in their room before bed, there is no way any monsters or boogie men could get in as they hate the smell of it. But tell them it only takes 1 or 2 light mists to work, or you could end up using the whole lot in a few days.

My grandchildren love it, they think the fairy's bring it so it is special and they have to be careful with it. Fairy's are only tiny and it is too heavy to bring it too often.

Even the adults can use this if they like.

Next time : Essential Oils for Anxiety.

 

[ISupportHer]

Thanks for this Amethist!

I have primarily used Lavender in the evening for sleep. Will definately try some others. I have found that I do have to be careful and keep things light. Part of PTSD, as I'm sure you know, is that sometimes there can be sensory overload. Too much noise, etc. can be bad. Sometimes strong aromas can be a turn of for my wife.

ISH

 

[amethist]

If the Lavender is too strong try a Rose one or if you can afford it the Neroli is a good one to try. If you feel that the essential oils for sleep are just too strong for your use, then you can try the Hydrosol,s. Being just the water left after distillation they are much weaker, in aroma but can do the same job, if you just want something light to help fall into a relaxed sleep. I added a few drops of Lavender to my grandchildren, but you do need to shake it before each use.

 

[amethist]

This must be one of the worst of all the symptoms of PTSD that I have seen in my husband, it can rock him to the core especially the sudden onset ones. If they are not caught in time it can lead to all sorts of issues and problems, from slight tremors inside his chest to the shakes, colour loss, not knowing where he is, feeling like everything around him is disappearing into a fog and the only thing he does know is that I am there reassuring him that it will pass and trying to explain to him what caused it.

That's OK if I am at home when these happen, but there have been times when I have had to get home from where ever I am, and fast.

As you all know there are various ways to stop and control these attacks, but what do you do if you are away from home and find all your knowledge of how to handle them flies out the door. Or even if you are at home and alone how do you manage with them, do you take emergency meds such as Diazapam/Valium or any of the other Benzodiazepine for acute anxiety. My husband won't take them anymore because of the hangover type after effects they gave him from the first few times of taking them, no matter how low the dose was.

So for the good stuff.

To help with your anxiety you could use any of the following Essential Oils. All of these can be carried around in your bag to use instantly if needed, though the glass bottles could be a danger. So maybe the best way to use these when out of the home, is by dropping a few drops on a tissue or cotton ball which can be kept in a small plastic bag ready for use.

LAVENDER, (Lavandula angusustifolia) Again a good all rounder, but try and change this whenever possible. Just so you don't become sensitised to it or any of the others.

BERGAMOT, (Citrus bergamia) this is a sunny oil with and is the finest of all the citrus essential oils. Because of the sweet fresh lemon scent and the slightly spicy undertones it is a refreshing and uplifting Oil.

SAFETY DATA. You must be careful with Bergamot oil if you are going out in the sun, as it is one of the photo toxic oils. It can cause skin pigmentation when exposed to direct sunlight, even after some time of using it on your skin, even when blended with other oils in a carrier. (i.e in a base oil for massage) Do you remember the BERGASOL suntan oil that was popular years ago, it has Bergamot in it to assist with the tanning process. Though not sure if it is any safer than it was then.

YLANG YLANG, (cananga odorata) This is quite a heavy oil so be careful of how much and how often you use this one, it could cause nausea or headaches. It is a good oil to use though, as it can help slow down your breathing so reducing the "fight or flight" feeling.

MIMOSA (Acacia dealbata) This is classed as one of the Exotic Essential Oils, and is used widely in oriental perfume's and soaps. It is often called the good mood perfume, as it's wonderful aroma can help to lesson anxiety and fear, with its spring like scent it is good for anyone with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

JUNIPER BERRY (juniperus communis) This one is great for you guys, being less floral that some of the others. It has a smokey, woody and slightly peppery aroma to it.

SAFETY DATA. Juniper Berry should not be used during Pregnancy or if you have Kidney Disease.


The following blend is one I use for my husband when he is having a major anxiety attack. It helps to calm his mind and relax his body, as well as sending him of to sleep for a few hours. He usually then wakes up feeling clamer and more relaxed but without the after effects that the strong meds leave behind.

I found this when researching nearly 2 years ago, looking for some alternatives to the strong medication he had been prescribed for the really bad times. It was in a really good book that has hundreds of different blends for all sorts of illnesses.

You will need a 50ml bottle of carrier, a bottle each of Lavender, Geranium and Palma Rosa essential oils.

To the carrier oil add 10 drops of each of the 3 oils, put the lid back on the bottle and twist and roll it until it is all blended together. It may take a while but please do not be tempted to shake it as this could cause pockets of essential oil to form in the bubbles. when it is all blended together, keep it in a cool dark place until needed.

When you need to use this blend, if possible it is good to have it massaged into you upper back and shoulders by someone close to you, as this helps the start of the calming process. You only need to use about a teaspoon full, pored into your palm then, then carefully rub your hands together. This will warm it slightly and spread it between both hands, then just gently massage in. If you have no one to help with this, use the same amount and massage it onto your shoulders and as far down your back as you can.

This may work for you it may not, as we are all different. But please remember this blend is not for everyday use, only when it gets too tough for you, and only maybe 2 or 3 times a week. This is a very strong blend, even I sleep well when he uses it, or as my husband says "Away with the fairies"

Next time.... Depression

 

[Marlene]

The big question for me is where can I get these? I'm not sur what type of shop would carry them.

The Juniper Berry actually sounds like a good one to try for me. I'm not overly fond of floral scents...they just feel too cloying for me. The simple, clean smell is what I like. And I'd like something that I can carry in my purse and help to keep me grounded when things start getting bad.

Lisa

 

[amethist]

Hi Lisa

There are many different types of shop which you could find sell essential oils. A good herbalist shop, a new age shop which sells incense sticks and candles is another or even a major pharmacy store is other place to look. You could even try googleing for one too, you would be surprised how many you can find that way, or if you are completely stuck, there is always a few good on-line shops you can get them from. The problem there is the price can go up due to postage, they can be a bit expensive, as some company's have a set price for 1 or 10 bottles. I only paid a few pounds for a 5ml bottle of the Juniper Berry, so when you add postage it can put the prise up to sometimes nearly double.

If you get stuck, let me know as I do have a few contacts that may be able to help.

 

[amethist]

If anyone needs help in finding an outlet for Essential Oil's and anything connected just ask. I do have access to a list of on-line shops, though these can work out expensive when postage is added.

If you need help finding one local to you, I can usually track down local shops and store's around the world, though it sometimes takes a while to find the good ones in different areas.

 

[amethist]

Depression can be really tough to handle when you are on your own and alone. With no one to turn to when you are in a mess and all you want to do is hide away. But hiding away is the exact opposite of you what you should be doing, hard as it is being among people or animals is so much better than being alone with all your thoughts and emotions.

So how can Aromatherapy help lift your spirits. This is one that you do actively for yourself, you have to think about it, you put the effort in to get it going. Being nice to yourself, for you, because you can, and it is beneficial for you.

This will not lift your depression altogether, but what it can do is just take the edge of it so you can do that bit more for yourself. Then as you do more you will feel better and keep going forward.

A few of the Essential Oils that can be used are the same that can be used for anxiety, but I will list on here different ones that are more specific for depression.

Now for the oils.

GERANIUM, (Pelargonium gravolens) This is wonderful for those who tend to sit and brood about all their problems in stead of getting up and doing something about them. It can blow through your mind like a wind of change. If you have geranium plants at home, you will know that the whole plant is aromatic, from the leaves to the flowers.

GRAPEFRUIT, (Citrus x paradisi) Grapefruit has a refreshing and has a brightness about it that can give you a real blast to get you out of your darkness. It can help to lift your self esteem and boost your optimism. Just the process of eating half a grapefruit can do wonders, as you pick it up, you will release the aroma of the natural oils in the peel, so giving you a morning lift before you start your day.

SANDALWOOD ( Santalum album) This can be rather expensive, but don't be persuaded into buying the cheaper version AMYRIS as it is really a poor substitute, you can buy it in 5ml bottle instead of the usual 10ml. Sometimes given the name "The Sand Of Time", maybe because of the shifting sands always changing, so it can help shift depression leading to change. It has a warm woody aroma to it, along with a hint of oriental spice.

PATCHOULI (Pogostemon calbin) This oil can encourage you to dream of new horizons, of desired yet to come as well as old ones coming back into your mind. You may think of this one as the "Hippy Oil" from the 60's and 70's used to hide the other smells of the time, still used today for the same thing. Any bikers out there will know exactly what I mean, I have been around bikers myself who used it, sometimes too much.

BLACK PEPPER (Piper nigrum) This is an unusual oil to use for depression as it not widely noted for its anti - depressant uses. It is very good at removing negative thinking, and directing your thoughts towards something more positive. It is very warming and can help you reconnect with life, it is full of spirit and mystery. It can help you get going again when you feel trapped and stuck.

SAFETY ADVICE Use Black Pepper sparingly as too much can be overpowering. Do not use as a massage oil if you have very sensitive skin.

JASMINE (Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum officinale) This has a heady aroma which some may find too strong, but when you dilute it and used in small quantities, you will find it becomes lighter and more pleasant to use. Jasmine can help to build up confidence and give you optimism, it can also help you to reconnect with other's.

SAFETY ADVICE Do not use this oil if you are pregnant.

NEXT TIME I will put a list up of Incense Sticks and the differences that can be found between them and the Oils.

 

[ISupportHer]

Very nice Amethist. I am so glad you have done these blogs for all of us!

ISH

 

[allowedtoheal]

Thank you for this.

I would like to have something that helps me when I am having a flashback to remind myself that I am here now. Can you suggest anything?

Thank you.

 

[amethist]

Hi allowedtoheal

A grounding essential oil is what you need here, to bring you back to the here and now. Something like Cedarwood, Black Pepper or Ginger. These are all good for the mind as they can all counteract the fear and negative thoughts that go along with flashbacks. Promoting focus, balance, confidence and stability.

You can carry any one of these with you, then when needed, take them out and gently breath in the aroma though you nose, holding the bottle about chin level. You will only need 2 or 3 breaths, don't over do it though. Then sit back and let the oil do its work for a few minutes, relax a while, take a few more slow deep breaths of fresh air, to clear your head even more.

Be careful not to get any of these on your skin, as undiluted they could cause a reaction.

When you go to buy any of these, have a smell of the sample bottles, this way you can decide the one you like the smell of best before you buy it.

Hope you find one you can use.

Amethist

 

[Phaed]

Dr. Bronner's makes a soap with lavender in it. I love it for when I am stressed, water is always grounding to me as well. I just suds up with some lavender oil soap and breath deep. This is a great thread. Thank you.