Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that can help to combat postpartum depression and offers many benefits for new moms. It is an inexpensive, non-invasive, safe treatment option for those who do not want to take medication. Aromatherapy uses essential oils that are well-known for their medicinal properties. At the beginning of a postpartum period, most new moms experience some form of depression which can drastically affect their well-being and daily lives. PPD is a period in which we lose significant amounts of blood and blood loss can lead to feelings of being mentally and physically drained. Many women experience postpartum depression after giving birth but it is not uncommon to have symptoms as early as during pregnancy as well.
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In this article, we would find out what essential oils are good for postpartum depression and discuss the best essential oils for postpartum depression that help women overcome these devastating symptoms by providing them with an array of benefits other than just eliminating physical pain. Essential Oils for postpartum depression have a long history of use in healthcare and can be used to promote mental health and emotional well-being. Scientific studies show that essential oils are capable of altering moods or behavior (eg anxiety or calmness) as well as having antibacterial effects on the skin and sinus canal when diluted in a carrier oil or mixed into aromatherapy vaporizers.
Best Essential Oils For Postpartum Depression
1) Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender Essential Oil is one of the most popular essential oils and it can be used to relieve pain, calm an upset stomach and respiratory system, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation. In aromatherapy, it is part of many blends used for various ailments such as dry skin or sunburns, induction of sleep, or relief from stress. Lavender oil is mostly recommended for moms who cannot sleep because of pain in the back during labor.
2) Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium Essential Oil has a wonderful floral aroma that promotes feelings of joy and happiness. It also helps to ease sore muscles and boost immune systems by reducing viruses or bacteria. Geranium essential oil can be used as an antiseptic for cuts and burns or mixed into massage oil for helping sore muscles. It also helps to reduce cellulite on the buttocks, thighs, or arms.
3) Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
Roman Chamomile Essential Oil has a sweet, floral scent and has been used for centuries to treat depression, reduce anxiety and ease emotional tension. Roman chamomile is known as the “King of Herbs” because of its many health benefits. Use Roman chamomile oil to reduce inflammation, soothe sunburns and rashes, help wounds heal faster, and promote sleep.
4) Rosemary Essential Oil
Rosemary Essential Oil has a woodsy, minty scent that is great for supporting immunity in the body as well as reducing energy exhaustion and fatigue. Rosemary helps with allergies, headaches, bronchial problems, and respiratory issues. It also provides relief from depression or headaches.
5) Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass Essential Oil is an effective ingredient in the treatment of postpartum depression. It can be used to reduce inflammation, improve circulation and soothe muscles. It has a strong scent that can help alleviate depression, anxiety, fatigue, and nervousness by producing a calming effect on both the mind and body. Lemongrass also helps with sleep problems, and pains associated with tumors and fungal infections. It is also effective in getting rid of dandruff, calluses, or corn on your feet.
6) Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense has a rich scent of sandalwood which makes it an effective ingredient for postpartum depression treatment because of its ability to promote feelings of calmness and peace. It also acts as an antidepressant by promoting treatment-resistant depression. Frankincense Essential Oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and skin immune-boosting properties.
7) Cypress Essential Oil
Cypress Essential Oil has a scent that can help you feel relaxed, energized, and uplifted. It is capable of treating liver problems, nervous tension, and insomnia. Cypress can be used as a powerful antioxidant that helps with stress, anxiety, and tension.
8) Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint Essential Oil has a strong smell of mint which makes it an excellent choice for pain relief. It also soothes heartburn and nausea symptoms as well as treats respiratory issues such as asthma or bronchitis caused by allergies or the common cold. Peppermint essential oil has many pain relieving properties and it is effective in reducing the effects of headaches and migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and it is even known to treat ulcers.
9) Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil
Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil has a light, floral scent that is great for improving moods because of its ability to promote feelings of sympathy and empathy. It also helps with treating depression by uplifting the spirit. Ylang-Ylang essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties which can help with headaches or other painful conditions in the body.
DIY Recipes Of Essential Oils For Postpartum Depression Prevention
Recipe 1:
Ingredients:
- 7 drops of lavender essential oil
- 7 drops of geranium essential oil
Method:
- To make this recipe, you need to mix 7 drops of lavender essential oil with 7 drops of geranium essential oil.
- Mix it with a carrier oil (olive or jojoba) that your baby can use. This recipe is perfect for mothers who are experiencing back pain during pregnancy.
Recipe 2:
Ingredients:
- 8 drops of lavender essential oil
- 4 drops of lemon essential oil
- 4 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 5 drops of peppermint essential oil
Method:
- To make this recipe, you need to mix 8 drops of lavender essential oil, 4 drops each of lemon and frankincense essential oils, and 5 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- Mix essential oils for postpartum depression prevention together in a dark glass bottle and put it in a dark place near your bedside table. This recipe is great for moms who are experiencing anxiety or sleeping issues due to the pain during delivery or postpartum depression itself.
Recipe 3:
Ingredients:
- 6 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of geranium essential oil
- 1 drop each of the horehound oil and cypress essential oils
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
Method:
- To make this recipe, you need to mix 6 drops of lavender essential oil, 2 drops of geranium essential oil, 1 drop each of horehound oil and cypress essential oils, and 2 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- Mix this all together in a dark glass bottle and put it in a dark place. This recipe is great for mothers who are experiencing headaches, stress, or pain during pregnancy or postpartum depression itself.
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FAQs
1. How long does it take to feel the effects of essential oils for postpartum depression?
It all depends on how fast your body absorbs the oil. Essential oils can also work instantly. Some moms who used them during pregnancy stated that they have even felt a significant change in their mood within the first 5 weeks of delivery. The best way to know if an essential oil is working is to write down your moods in a journal.
2. What is the proper way to use essential oils for postpartum depression?
Some moms find it easier to rub the essential oils on their wrists, upper arms, neck, or ankles. You can also make your bath salts using essential oils and just add them to your bath water instead of taking a shower in the morning. The hot steam will help with emotional and physical healing during pregnancy and after delivery.
