Aromas to Quell Anxiety

Anxiety has gone hand in hand with headaches since the beginning of time, creating one of the world’s oldest vicious circles anxiety brings on headaches, headaches bring on more anxiety, and so on. But inhaling the aromas of certain herbs can markedly decrease anxiety while increasing a sense of tranquility and a feeling that all’s right with the world. Chamomile, lavender, marjoram, melissa, and rose (listed in the previous sections) belong to this class, along with the following essential oils:

• Benzoin - A sedative with a vanillalike aroma, benzoin was used in ancient times to scare off evil spirits. Today it’s put to work soothing emotional stress and strain and the general turmoil of life that can contribute to all kinds of headaches. Benzoin is a yang aroma.
• Bergamot - Able to ease tension and lift the mood, bergamot (a yang aroma) has a sweet, citrusy scent that is used to treat anxiety and depression.
• Camphor - The penetrating odor of camphor helps soothe anxiety and lift depression. It is also helpful in easing the congestion associated with sinus headaches. Camphor is a yin aroma. Caution: do not take camphor internally.
• Cypress - A yin scent with a nutty, woody aroma, cypress is a sedative with tension-relieving properties.
• Geranium - A fresh-scented aroma with yin properties, geranium lifts the mood, helps soothe away anxiety, and strengthens the entire body.
• Jasmine - A sweet, flowery aroma with yang properties, jasmine is an antidepressant.

• Neroli - Also known as orange blossom, neroli is a yang aroma helpful in relieving depression and anxiety.
• Patchouli - Used for the depression and anxiety that may cause or be caused by recurrent headaches, this yang aroma smells something like an old, musty attic. It stimulates the nervous system and, according to legend, increases sexual desire.
• Sandalwood - A yang scent, mild-smelling sandalwood helps relieve the anxiety and depression that often accompany ongoing headaches. It’s also used to boost the immune system.
• Ylang-ylang - A yin aroma, this sweet, exotic-smelling scent helps ease anxiety and insomnia. It also helps increase an overall feeling of well-being.