heal: how aromatherapy can have a positive effect on anxiety and depression with tia lawson

When I was travelling and jumping time zones, Lavender Oil became my closest friend. At night, in lonely hotel rooms after a hectic gig it was the one thing that helped me to chill out and get a good nights sleep. After I realised its impact, I started to look in to other oils and their properties. I’d put them on my pillow, load up an oil burner and candle or use a diffuser. The oils I used not only helped with my mood and made me feel more balanced but also smelt amazing. Something so simple, direct from nature but yet so powerful.

Meet Tia who created Elysian Aromatherapy. Their natural and organic oils are loaded with some of natures finest super powers. Their manifesto is to create products with your mental health at the forefront. Believing that skincare should not only make you look good but make you feel good too. They have created a range of unique products with the main focus being the effect aromatherapy has on your wellbeing. With each oil developed for the way it affects our nervous system.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a form of complementary medicine harnessing the power of Essential Oils for both psychological and physiological health benefits. Essential oils are highly concentrated essences extracted from plant matter. The aromatic compounds in essential oils are thought to help plants survive by protecting them from insects, shielding them from harsh environments and helping them adapt to their surroundings. By using essential oils, you are harnessing the protective and beneficial powers of a plant.

How can it be used to help create balance?

Every essential oil is made up of a unique chemistry. These chemical compounds within the plant produce a distinct therapeutic physiological and psychological effect. As well as being anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, decongesting and antiseptic, essential oils are also beneficial at helping to ease anxiety, uplift the mood and help restore balance and vitality. To create emotional balance, use essential oils which have both uplifting and relaxing qualities such as Lavender, Geranium, Neroli, Mandarin and Ylang Ylang.

You created Elysian with mental health at the forefront, how can aromatherapy be used for anxiety and depression?

Essential oils have proven to have a positive effect on those suffering with the symptoms of anxiety and depression due to the effect their chemistry has on our mind and body. I believe the best way to use aromatherapy for anxiety and depression is to choose oils which have antidepressant, euphoric, balancing and anxiolytic effects (all of which are oils I have chosen for our facial oils) and combine that with self- love and mindfulness. The best way to enjoy aromatherapy is to be present with that oil. Whether that be giving yourself a facial or a hand and arm massage, putting a couple of drops in the bath or putting some essential oil in a diffuser and enjoying the beautiful aromas whilst you focus on your breathing.

What are three of your go to oils and why?

My three go to oils are Lavender, Neroli and Bergamot which are the three essential oils in our new tranquillity facial oil. If you only have one essential oil in your collection it should be Lavender. Lavender promotes homeostasis so creates a balancing effect within the body. A small amount will have a sedative action and a larger amount a stimulating action! It has a beautiful bitter-sweet herbaceous aroma. My second oil of choice, which is my personal favourite, is Neroli. It is one of the more expensive oils out there, but the smell is divine. Neroli is the blossom from the bitter-orange tree and has a slightly green, creamy floral aroma. Neroli is fantastic for both anxiety and depression. It’s hypotensive qualities help with palpitations and its antidepressant qualities help you feel uplifted. My final oil of choice is Bergamot, I love to use citrus oils in aromatherapy as my clients all adore them and feel instantly uplifted when they smell the zesty aroma. There have been studies showing Bergamot to be the top oil for depression, it has a beautiful zesty and slightly unusual aroma- think Earl Grey tea!

How has aromatherapy changed your life?

My mother has always had an interest in aromatherapy so I grew up learning about the different effects essential oils have on our mental state. When my mental health was not at its best, my mother would give me a reflexology treatment using essential oils such as Neroli, Ylang Ylang and Clary Sage. I remember always feeling so relaxed after a treatment and I adored the smell of the blends she would create. This sparked my interest of using essential oils for mental health conditions. For me, aromatherapy has changed my life because I know I have been able to help so many others. Whether that has been through giving a beautiful massage using a bespoke blend or teaching others how they can use aromatherapy to enrich their own lives. I am grateful that I can give back the love and care that was given to me and I’m happy that I can now share my blends with not just my clients but with everyone.

For anyone who may be finding things tough right now, what advice can you offer?

Slow down and be mindful. It is so easy to get swept up in anxiety, especially during a time where our situation is out of our control. I know myself how overwhelming it can feel when there is a thought racing around your mind. Taking just five minutes out from your day to do something for yourself and focus on how you are feeling in this present moment can completely alter the way you feel. Whether that is calling a loved one, meditating, doing some yoga, having a bath, cooking your favourite meal, giving yourself a mindful massage with a beautiful blend of essential oils or getting out for a walk- just make sure you are doing it for you.

connect with tia and find out more…

follow them on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elysianaromatherapy/

checkout their website: https://www.elysianaromatherapy.com