Aromatherapy is very therapeutic when it comes to healing emotional and psychological conditions. This is because the essential oils from plants contain all kinds of compounds, phytoestrogens and phytochemicals that have the ability to subtly alter brain chemistry for the better.

Given the stressful demands of today's busy schedules, anxiety is a very common problem. There are scores of essential oils that can be used to combat this common psychological complaint. To achieve the best results try to buy high quality or organic oils as they contain the highest concentration of compounds, phyto estrogens and phyto-chemicals.

For anxiety you can try companioning a few drops of any of these oils in a base carrier oil such as olive or almond and applying them to your pulse points or temples. You can also disperse the oils through the air using a diffuser or candle oil warmer or add a few drops of the oil to eight ounces of distilled water and mist your surroundings. You can also shoot a mist straight up into the air and walk through it so that the plant's healing molecules cling to your clothing, skin and hair. For acute anxiety, you can try applying the oils to a hanky or Kleenex and sniffing the aroma whenever you feel a panic attack setting in. The best aromatherapy oils to use for anxiety are balsam fir, bergamot, cedar wood, frankincense, lavender, jasmine, neroli, rose and ylang ylang. Linden blossoms, in particular are excellent to use to stop a full-blown anxiety attack and geranium is the oil to use if menstrual or menopausal issues cause the anxiety.

If you have been overworking (also a common problem in this hectic society) and feel like you are on the verge of burnout warming oils such as basil, bergamot, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, ginger, lavender, orange, neroli (orange blossom) and patchouli can help revitalize your senses and raise your spirits. Essential lime oil is known as a brain chiller and alleviates cases of obsessive thoughts or racing mind.

Some essential oils have been known to be specifically beneficial for depression. Balsam Fir, basil, cedar wood, neroli and lavender have been known to level out mood swings. Lemon, orange, peppermint and vanilla scented oils help lift "brain fog" and put you in a cheerier mood.

If insomnia is keeping you up at night try misting your bedding or diffusing any combination of the following essential oils through your bedroom: chamomile, clary sage, frankincense, lavender, neroli, rose or sandalwood.

Basil, clary sage or rose oils can also be used to aid those who have suffered a sudden shock or who are overwhelmed with unbearable grief. Apply one or a mixture of these oils immediately to the pulse points to calm and pacify the sorrowful individual.

Essential oils can also be used to help enhance your mental performance. If you need to stay awake while driving or be as sharp as possible while studying any oil from the mint family (peppermint, spearmint) can help you burn the candle from both ends.

******* © 2006Liz Santher - All Rights Reserved

Liz Santher is a aromatherapy enthusiast and freelance author.

http://www.AromaTherapySecret.com *******