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A Stressful Time of Year? Science Confirms ‘Anxiolytic’ Effects of Orange and Bergamot Essential Oils
When it’s getting a little stressful around the home or office, one of our absolute favorite single essential oils for diffusing is our tart organic Italian Bergamot…for those who enjoy a little sweeter scent, our classic Sweet Orange is fresh and wonderful too… And Western science has confirmed the stress-reducing or ‘anxiolytic’ actions of inhalation [...]
December 17 2013
When it’s getting a little stressful around the home or office, one of our absolute favorite single essential oils for diffusing is our tart organic Italian Bergamot…for those who enjoy a little sweeter scent, our classic Sweet Orangeis fresh and wonderful too…
And Western science has confirmed the stress-reducing or ‘anxiolytic’ actions of inhalation of the aromas of each oil. Really, virtually every aromatherapy guidebook will tell you the same: ALL the oils of the citrus family, including Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, and Mandarin offer similar ‘relief’.
‘Sweet’ oranges, source of the wonderful – sweeter – orange essential oil.
These two studies conclude the inhalation of diffused Sweet Orange and Bergamot essential oils have a significant anti-stress effect. The first study confirmed the effect of Sweet Orange by noting the same anti-stress (termed ‘anxiolytic’) effect did not occur when Tea Tree was inhaled.
The second study was performed using Bergamot essential oil, and one of the most highly regarded anti-stress, anti-depressant essential oils. The study revealed an anti-stress result from adolescents wearing an aromatherapy necklace, spiked with Bergamot.
Study 1: “Anxiolytic-like effect of sweet orange aroma in Wistar rats.”
From the Journal of Progressive Neuropsychopharmacology, Biology, and Psychiatry: Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils as an alternative approach for medical purposes. Despite the lack of sufficient scientific proof, it is considered a holistic complementary therapy employed to enhance comfort and decrease distress. Citrus fragrances have been particularly used by aromatherapists for the targeting of anxiety symptoms. Based on this claim, the present study investigated the effects of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) essential oil on Wistar, male rats evaluated in the elevated plus-maze followed by the light/dark paradigm. The animals were exposed to the orange aroma (100, 200 or 400mul) for 5min while in a Plexiglas chamber and were then immediately submitted to the behavioral tests.
At all doses, Camilia sinensis essential oil demonstrated anxiolytic activity in at least one of the tests and, at the highest dose, it presented significant effects in both animal models. In order to discard the possibility that this outcome was due to non-specific effects of any odor exposure, the behavioral response to Melaleuca alternifoliae (Tea Tree) essential oil was also evaluated, using the same animal models, but no anxiolytic effects were observed.
Study 2: The effects of aromatherapy on stress and stress responses in adolescents
From the Journal of Korean Academic Nursing: This study was done to examine the effects of aromatherapy on stress and stress responses in adolescents. METHODS: A two-group cross-over design was used for this study. The experimental use of aroma essential oil (using Bergamot essential oil) inhalation and the placebo group was carrier oil inhalation using a necklace. The sample included 36 female high school students. Fisher’s exact test, t-test, and paired t-test using SPSS/WIN program were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Stress levels were significantly lower when the students received the aroma exposure compared to when they received the placebo exposure. The stress responses except salivary IgA levels were significantly lower when the students received the aroma approach.
CONCLUSION: Aroma inhalation could be a very effective stress management method for high school students. Therefore, it is recommended that this program be used in clinical practice as an effective nursing intervention for high school students.
The easiest way to use these oils yourself is to use an essential oil diffuser, such as one of our ‘cold-air professional nebulizing diffusers‘. These produce a fine mist of ONLY the essential oil(s) (not diluted in water) which evaporate completely in the surrounding air. They’re VERY efficient – producing lots of aroma with just a little oil, and are very well-liked by our customers!*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual weight loss results will vary. By using this site you agree to follow the Privacy Policy and all Terms & Conditions printed on this site. Void Where Prohibited By Law.Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition or use prescription medications. A Doctor’s advice should be sought before using this and any supplemental dietary product.
ANANDA CONTINUES JUST DIFFERENTLY You will soon see a slight change to our website. We have decided to transition the online store to a resource and information site.So while you can not purchase products, you can still have access to the incredible depth of information!We have 16 years of research, and useful tidbits about Essentials oils, CO2 extracts, Carrier Oils and […]
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We Want You To Know – We Have Heard You. Your sentiments are important to us. We are considering our next steps with YOU in mind. Dearest Ananda Customers~ Many of you have asked us if this closure is permanent, or if there is any way we may be able to remain open, or make […]
It Comes with the Greatest Pleasure To let You Know… that…Because of YOU Ananda has Managed to Survive one of the Most Uncertain Times of its Tenure ~ We can not thank you enough for your enormous patience, understanding and support. From your incoming calls, comments on social media, direct messages across various channels, emails […]
Here are a small fraction of the heartfelt responses we have received following the notice of our business closure and liquidation sale. We offer all of you a deserved shout out for being the improbable, most essential, significant, factor in creating the Dream you are voicing to us: Hope for a Sustainable Future and Provider […]
Thank You For your Support Since 2004 The Ananda Apothecary is Closing Business SAD BUT TRUE As previously disclosed, The Ananda Apothecary has been greatly affected by to the global health situation. Bottom line is, we were increasing growing slim on product with no resupply any time soon. We are unable to get goods […]
* SPRING CLEANING SPECIAL * *OFFERS VALID APRIL 24 – MAY 2, OR UNTIL SUPPLIES LAST. SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY. WE’RE GIVING OILS AWAY Get Yours Today! WITH ANY PURCHASE THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET GET UP TO THREE OF YOUR ALL TIME FAVORITE OILS FREE *We have limited supplies due to overseas shipping restrictions. Order now while supplies last. ALSO […]
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