PTSD and Aromatherapy: Promoting Balance

Aromatherapy can be described as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize, and promote the health of the body, mind, and spirit.  

Aromatherapy is described as both an art and a science because it takes the knowledge of the chemistry of the essential oils combined with the art of marrying the essential oils to create a harmonic, effective, and safe blend that is uniquely your own.

Certified aromatherapists study botany, chemistry, safety, anatomy and physiology, pathologies, and the specific characteristics, actions, and benefits of essential oils.

Like herbalism, aromatherapy draws on the healing powers of the plant world. However, instead of using the whole plant, it employs only its aromatic oil. This potent, aromatic substance is housed in the tiny glands on the outside or deep inside the roots, woods, leaves, fruits, or flowers of the plant. The more oil glands or ducts present in the plant, the higher the yield and thus the less expensive the oil. 

Aromatic oils can strengthen our immune system and stimulate our bodies’ natural healing abilities. They are highly complex substances made up of many different chemical constituents, and it is the design and number of constituents in such an oil that makes it impossible to reproduce synthetically. 

In addition, depending upon the chemical makeup of the aromatic oil and the particular action of each chemical constituent, an aromatic oil will have many benefits for the body and mind.

All aromatic oils help to balance the immune system by stimulating or balancing the production of white blood cells. Some can stimulate the secretion of neurochemicals such as endorphins for pain relief and serotonin for stress or insomnia. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands can be stimulated to help correct and balance the endocrine system.

Conventional treatments for PTSD include psychotherapy and medication, however, holistic approaches, such as the use of aromatherapy, can be used effectively in combination with conventional treatments for PTSD.

For example, combining aromatherapy and Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a complementary approach that can play a vital role in a holistic PTSD treatment plan.

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine. SE aims to help process and overcome trauma by focusing on physical sensations rather than cognitive or emotional experiences alone. The approach is based on the premise that trauma and emotional distress can become physically embedded in the body, leading to various symptoms.

Integrating aromatherapy with Somatic Experiencing in holistic PTSD treatment plans offers a comprehensive approach to healing. Aromatherapy can enhance the sensory and emotional aspects of SE, providing additional support for anxiety reduction, mood enhancement, stress relief, and overall well-being. While neither therapy is a standalone cure, their combined use can significantly contribute to the effective management of PTSD by addressing both physiological and psychological dimensions of trauma

1. Creating a safe environment by diffusing calming essential oils during SE sessions to help create a safe and soothing atmosphere. This can make it easier for the person suffering from PTSD to focus on their bodily sensations.
2. Enhancing sensory awareness with essential oils, which can heighten sensory awareness, aiding in the tracking of physical sensations during SE.
3. Supporting emotional release with essential oils that have grounding actions such as frankincense (Boswellia carteri), patchouli (Pogostemon cablin), and vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides). These essential oils can support the emotional release process by promoting a sense of stability and safety.
4. Promoting relaxation by integrating essential oils with SE can help one to relax, which can make it easier to discharge and regulate their physiological responses to trauma.

For example, before an SE treatment, the person with PTSD could inhale essential oils such as bergamot (Citrus bergamia) or lavender, true (Lavandula angustifolia) to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.  During the session, the grounding oils can be beneficial e.g. frankincense, patchouli, or vetiver. After the session, calming oils can extend the relaxing experience.

Each person will respond uniquely to PTSD. Some will be very fearful and will isolate themselves. Others will be short-tempered and even aggressive. It is best to target the following symptoms: 

• anxiety/stress
• aches/pains
• digestive difficulties
• headaches
• depression
• insomnia/restless sleep
• irritability

It is also often helpful to use essential oils that remind sufferers of a happier time. For example: use conifer oils if the person has happy memories of playing in the woods as a child.

In most cases, inhalation will be the best approach, however, for pain and headache, topical application could be more appropriate.

Essential oils for digestive issues, headaches, and insomnia were covered in Blog 1 of this 3-part series.

You do not need to be an aromatherapist to use any of the above essential oils. Except for peppermint essential oil, all the essential oils suggested above are safe for inhalation.

Peppermint essential oil safety:

• mucus membrane irritant (low risk)
• avoid if a person has cardiac fibrillation
• do not use on children under the age of 6 years
• avoid if a person has a G6PD deficiency - people with a G6PD deficiency will typically have abnormal blood reactions to at least one of the following drugs or will have been advised to avoid them: antimalarials; sulfonamides; chloramphenicol; streptomycin; aspirin. This enzyme deficiency is usually inherited and tends to be more common in people of Chinese, West African, Mediterranean, or Middle Eastern origin. Dermal max concentration of 5.4% (Tisserand & Young, 2014).

Inhalation suggestions

Studies about PTSD and aromatherapy/essential oils

1. Daniel, D. R., & Zolnikov, T. R. (2023). The Use of Bergamot Essential Oil for PTSD Symptomology: A Qualitative Study. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 7(4), 1-32. https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/13596 
2. Citrus Essential Oils in Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms Antioxidants | Free Full-Text | Citrus Essential Oils in Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms (mdpi.com)
3. Whitten, C. (2020). Aromatherapy and Stress Reduction. International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy, 8(4). Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies Graduate
4. S. Herz, R. (2021). Olfactory virtual reality: A new frontier in the treatment and prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder. Brain Sciences, 11(8), 1070.

Last thoughts

• remember that scent is highly individualized. An essential oil that may help with symptoms related to PTSD for one person may be a trigger for another
• less is more when it comes to any emotional issue and PTSD
• if in doubt, consult a qualified aromatherapist although aromatherapy can help with symptoms related to PTSD, it should be used as an adjunct to medical treatment and not in place of

References

Elena Merkulova. (2021, May 19). iStock.Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month concept. PTSD banner template with glowing low poly. Futuristic modern abstract. Isolated on dark background. [Vector illustration]. https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-awareness-month-concept-ptsd-banner-template-with-gm1318750030-405793126 

Article by: Colleen Thompson, Cert Ed, MIFPA, RA®, EOT®, CA

For over 25 years, Colleen Thompson has been a passionate and highly respected aromatherapy educator. She has owned 3 aromatherapy stores and a holistic spa, and she founded Essence of Thyme in 1995, where she mentors budding aromatherapists from all over the world, helping them create their own thriving aromatherapy businesses.

About Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies

Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies offers 300- and 630-hour professional aromatherapy certification programs that help you grow a successful, fulfilling career by specializing and creating your market niche. Professional Level Certification prepares graduates to become aromatherapy consultants, launch product lines or retail businesses, or provide services as an adjunct to existing holistic health specializations. Master Level Certification and electives are ideal for certified aromatherapists seeking higher education or a path to clinical aromatherapy practice.

All Essence of Thyme programs focus on aromatherapy product development and advanced formulation, evidence-based research, spa and business management, international industry regulatory guidelines, and sustainability and conservation of essential oil and carrier oil-bearing plants.

Our comprehensive, evidence-based programs meet or exceed the criteria set forth by 5 international professional aromatherapy associations. Learn more about our aromatherapy certification programs.