Friday 3 September 2010

SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER (SAD)

The nights are pulling in, long summer days have now gone, children will be back at school, you're thinking about ordering winter fuel - no wonder we all feel a little bit down - but for 1 in 20 people this feeling goes much further and deeper.

Reduction of sunlight is usually blamed for causing SAD as without the correct full spectrum light patterns that we are used to during the summer months, our neurotransmitter serotonin levels become irregular and an increase of the hormone melatonin (from the pineal gland) causes us to become depressed at varying degrees. A light box can help enormously with this as it mimics natural sunlight but as SAD affects the body, the mind and the spirit it makes sense that aromatherapy, herbs and essential oils can all contribute in alleviating some if not all of the symptoms.

NB Anyone who is feeling suicidal or severely depressed should always consult their own doctor.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Although SAD affects people in different ways below are some of the most common
  • Disturbed sleep, waking up feeling tired, reluctance to get out of bed, having to nap during the day
  • Feelings of depression, anxiety, despair and guilt, normal daily routine may become difficult and frustrating.
  • Feelings of extreme lethargy, fatigue, concentration and a reluctance to participate in daily activities.
  • Problems interacting with family members, loss of feelings or libido.
  • Overeating due to constant cravings for food.
  • Physical symptoms such as joint pain or stomach cramps, often a lowered immune system.

Essential Oils and Herbs that can Help


lavender.jpg   Clary_Sage.jpg  Bergamot.jpg   Grapefruit.jpg  Aroma_Natural_Lemon.jpg  orange.jpg
Disturbed sleep : There are many ways to help this condition in the form of a diffuser, by adding oils to your bath or shower, by spraying your bedroom with a natural essential oil room spray or by spraying directly onto your pillow.


Nightime add a few drops of Lavender, Chamomile and Ylang Ylang to your bath water or in a diffuser. Use a Sleep Massage Oil after your relaxing bath and then spray your bedroom with an AROMA NATURAL SLEEP SPRAY
Morning wake yourself up with a Lemon, Lavender and Chamomile shower gel and use a shampoo containing Lemon, Lavender and Chamomile

Depression, Guilt etc. : Use oils such as Jasmine, Rose, Clary Sage, Ylang Ylang, Lavender, Sweet Orange, Neroli, Cinnamon,Lemon, Grapefruit Ginger, . Use in the ways set out above.

Lethargy, Loss of Concentration, Fatigue : You can help to alleviate these symptoms by adding oils to your bath water, shower gels, shampoo, foam bath and bath oils/salts add them to a diffuser. Getting a loved one to massage your body gently using essential oils. Spraying your rooms with a Room Spray containing essential oils. The essential oils which can help are, Rosemary, Sweet Orange, Peppermint, Basil, Grapefruit, Black Pepper and Bergamot

Weight Gain, Bloating : Fennel is very good at combating hunger. Lemon and Grapefruit oils are diuretics so are good to put in your bath water to help against bloating. Take regular excise which is great for weight gain, and making you feel a whole lot better. Drink plenty of fluid like water with added Lemon

Joint Pain, Aches etc. Once again any of the oils can be used in the bath, shower and in a massage oil. Massaging the joints and muscles gently day and night every day can give immense relief but must be done over several weeks or even months. Use oils such as Eucalyptus, Ginger, Rosemary & Lavender

Basil.jpg  Ylang_Ylang.jpg  Rosemary_Leaves.jpg  Aroma_Natural_eucalyptus_oil.jpg  Aroma_Natural_Black_Pepper.jpg

As with all essential oils and herbs great care should be taken when using them, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart problems or pregnant. If in any doubt consult your doctor before using any essential oils.

Please contact  Diane at AROMA NATURAL

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