Essential Oils for Addiction Recovery
Lavender, rosemary, frankincense, and lemon are just some of the common essential oils available on the market. History is a testament to how plants and flowers have helped cure a lot of ailments and conditions. Their extracts and essences are even used to enhance beauty, therapy, and spirituality.
The existence of modern day medicine did not change many people’s views on the effectiveness of the essential oils. A lot of persons still use it to treat diseases together with their prescriptions drugs. They use it by diffusing or applying it topically to the affected areas.
But getting the essential oils is not that easy. You need hundreds of pounds of herbs, tree parts or flower just to get a pound of essential oil. Given the benefits of using the oils, it is no wonder how it has become part of a holistic addiction recovery approach.
How Aromatherapy Works
Aromatherapy refers to the skin application, inhalation or even ingestion of the essential oils. The first two are the most common ways while the last one is not recommended for everyone as it requires a lot of knowledge to be safely performed.
Aromatherapy is perceived as a holistic approach to attaining wellness. It improves the body, mind, and spirit.
When applying to the skin, the oils are absorbed just like your common pharmaceutical items. Heat is one factor that increases absorption. This is why most therapists rub their hands together to cause heat before rubbing it on your skin. The skin location is also important as those with the most sweat glands and hair follicles have better absorption.
The inhalation uses the entire olfactory system—from the nose to the other organs, and then the brain. As the scent travels to the brain, it affects a number of receptor sites including the emotional brain or what is known as the limbic system. This has control over your breathing, blood pressure, and stress levels. Thus, explaining the effects of the essential oils.
Addiction and Essential Oils
Addiction is a compulsive dependence on substances. It alters one’s physical and mental health. The essential oils work as an alternative treatment to cater to the health issues related to addiction.
Unfortunately, this holistic addiction recovery approach is often overlooked by many as they opt for a strictly medical method. While aromatherapy itself is not the cure to addiction, it is the boost you need for long-term health and wellness.
There are essential oils to help you avoid relapse, curb cravings, lessen the substance withdrawal symptoms, and enhance emotional balance when the going gets tough.
It is the best complement to the more traditional means of treatment, so it works more effectively.
Essential Oils for Addiction
Each essential oil is different from the other. Each one hosts therapeutic benefits that differ from the others. Here are some benefits of the essential oils you can use for addiction:
Mental clarity – The attitude is one of the factors that affect your propensity to addiction. By diffusing or applying essential oils, you can change the way you look at life, thus eliminating the need for relief brought by harmful addictions.
Use:
- Germanium – It is refreshing and can be used as an anti-depressant. It helps in opening your heart to release anger and softens any resentment.
- Bergamot – It helps relieve tension, a strong anti-depressant, and regulates appetite.
- Rosemary – It improves memory and concentration and is beneficial for the stiffness of the joints and pain associated with arthritis.
Helps in recovery – The recovery process can be challenging especially because of the withdrawal symptoms. Using essential oils can help lessen these effects. The oils can also enhance your motivation to win over the addiction.
Use:
- Grapefruit – It reduces hangover ailments, used for bulimia and anorexia, and provide relief for withdrawal symptoms.
- Peppermint – It is great for headaches, nausea, sinus pressure, and muscle pain which is the most common effects of withdrawal from substances.
- Rosemary – It helps with digestive or stomach issues, shortness of breath, and other breathing problems.
Regulates emotions – You’ll find yourself to be one of the biggest factors when it comes to sobriety. It will take time before you find your balance and learn how to use your inner peace. Here are some blends that will help soothe your emotions and promote relaxation:
- Chamomile – Diffuse it or apply topically by rubbing two drops on the soles of your feet when you go to sleep.
- Lavender and Eucalyptus – Diffuse the blend before sleeping. You can also add 5 drops of each in a big spray bottle and lightly spray on the pillows upon bedtime.
- Lemon, Orange, and Lime – Diffuse these essential oils for at least an hour three times a day to experience its calming and soothing effects. You can also apply these topically on the neck and wrists.
