Does winter tend to get you down? For many it is more than a little cabin fever. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a very real problem. Luckily, there is a treatment that is all natural and makes a lot of scents–literally.

Have you ever thought seasonal depression and light therapy was a made up ailment? Not so much. SAD is a form of clinical depression that affects many people each year, mostly those living in the Midwest where winters tend to run long. Symptoms include anxiety, depression, lethargy, mood changes, food cravings, and sleep disruption.

Reduced light exposure is thought to be the main cause of SAD. Natural light affects everything from how we feel to our appetite and sleep habits. Those longer, darker days of winter can lead to chemical imbalance in the brain, resulting in SAD.

Light therapy is the traditional treatment for SAD and antidepressants are often prescribed. Other remedies are taking advantage of sunlight when you can, getting outside, and making sure to exercise regularly.

Before you go pitching a “for sale” sign in your front yard and heading permanently to warmer climates, get this: Research has found that scents may play a role in seasonal depression. Studies show that those who suffer from SAD have a more acute sense of smell than those who are not as negatively affected. Furthermore, natural plant oils may stimulate parts of the brain that control hormonal, immune, and emotional functions.

If what we smell affects our moods and other functions, aromatherapy must be the answer, right? Many people who deal with an annual bout of SAD have seen benefits from using essential oil aromatherapy. Certain oils are uplifting and energizing, while others are calming and help to induce a peaceful night’s sleep.

Ways to use essential oils for aromatherapy are through steam inhalation, massage, mists, and bath. When using essential oils it is important to remember that these oils are very potent and should not be applied directly to skin. If using on the skin combine a few drops with a tablespoon of carrier oil (like sweet almond or jojoba) prior to application.

Wondering which essential oils are best for you? Citrus and mint oils are best for reviving and energizing a lagging spirit. Try sweet orange, grapefruit, bergamot, rosemary, or peppermint. Need help getting to sleep? Lavender and chamomile should do the trick.

If you aren’t so much the DIY type, there are essential oil blends that you can purchase to use right away. Here are some of the best:

Aromatherapy for Energy and Refreshment:

Skinnyskinny Bergamot and Coriander Aromatherapeutic Organic Room Spray

“Bergamot is an excellent choice to use because it is great for helping to alleviate symptoms of depression. On its own, it is an uplifting citrus scent that can cut through the heavy, sometimes suffocating scents at this time of year (like cinnamon, clove, pine, and all those baked goods). Coriander is a fantastic complement to Bergamot and helps to instill some confidence and motivation, which is extremely important when seasonal affective disorder is making you feel down in the dumps.” ~ Clara of Skinnyskinny

Amala Aroma Apothecary Refresh Peppermint Room & Linen Mist

Lotus Wei Radiant Energy Energy Mist

Ila Concentrated Room Spray for an Essence of Joy

Aromatherapy for Relaxation and Sleep:

Amala Aroma Apothecary Relax Lavender Room & Linen Mist

Tata Harper Aromatic Bed Time Treatment

Lotus Wei Inner Peace Balancing Serum

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of woman using aromatherapy via Shutterstock

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Ditch the complicated beauty care products and start using the best oils for skin.

One of the best beauty and health care tips I embraced was to stop buying into the sensational firming, anti-aging, silky-smooth claims touted by expensive beauty products. Sure, they may work this so-called “magic” quite well, but coincidentally enough, the best of these brands are often based in natural plant-based oils. So, why load on the extra fillers, fragrances, water and other colorants and preservatives when you can get right to the source?

These oils are incredibly potent, basically concentrated versions of the leaf, fruit or flower they herald from. A few drops are all it takes to transform your skin and your health. Do your bank account and your conscience a favor by embracing the natural benefits of plant-based oils.

Oils reap so many benefits that they simply cannot be ignored. They can be ingested, topically applied and even used as a bottle of incense, so to speak – one whiff and your mood can change! They are non-toxic, chemical-free and all-natural alternatives to store-bought beauty products and often get the job done much more effectively.

Be sure to do you research before applying any oil to the skin, as you want to first make sure if the particular oil complements your particular skin tone and complexion. Certain oils are best for dry skin while others are best for combination or oily skin.

Be sure to buy organic, pure oils that are extra ensured to be unadulterated and completely pure. Often, oils are diluted in another “carrier” oil, which is cheaper to produce, so make sure to look at the ingredients list to check if the oil you are buying is only what it says it is.  Also, don’t just look at the price tag as a show of quality. Most oils should be stored in dark bottles, as any exposure to light will spoil their quality. Do your research first, then bask in their glory.

11 of the Best Oils for Skin

1. Sesame: Sesame oil moisturizes the skin and hair, has a slight SPF factor, lowers stress and blood pressure and even slows the growth of cancer in cells.
2. Marula: This East African oil has a matte finish and is great for combination or skin, as it doesn’t leave behind any sheen. It is full of antioxidants and omega acids.
3. Rose: If you’ve ever been to the Middle East, you’ll notice the widespread use of rose oil among women as a beauty product. It makes for a pleasant perfume and moisturizes skin and hair, improves hormone balance, treats PMS and menopause and even improves sexual performance.
4. Argan: Argan oil from Morocco already has the beauty world buzzing, particularly for its anti-aging properties. The trend is there for a reason – follow it!
5. Frankincense: I’m not sure how to pronounce this one, but I’ve seen it pop up in some of my favorite raw and organic moisturizes. It is touted for preventing acne and healing burns, rashes, cuts and scrapes. It also improves the immune system.
6. Jojoba: Jojoba oil is light and very easy to find at most drug stores. Its purposes also spread thin. It can be used for all skin types and reaps so many benefits – moisturizes, heals and reduces fine lines.
7. Tea Tree: This oil gets red of fleas, clears acne, kills bacteria, eliminates bad odors, cleans silver and dresses wounds. It is a popular ingredient in natural anti-acne remedies as well as natural toothpastes.
8. Coconut: You can eat it for incredible benefits, but it is just as effective as a moisturizer. Coconut oil is packed with healthy fats that leave you with smooth, supple and young skin. The coconut oil benefits are endless.
9. Grapeseed: Protecting the skin from UV damage is reason enough to rub in grapeseed oil, but it is full of other benefits as well. It is great for oily skin, because it naturally regulates oil production. It also has strong antioxidants.
10. Chamomile: Sip your chamomile tea to relax and apply chamomile oil on your face to reduce irritation. Consider chamomile your one-stop shop to unwind and release tension.
11. Almond: Packed with some sweet benefits, almond oil is light and leaves behind a silky, soft and smooth finish.

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Photo Credit: Kazuhiro Zeino

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Instead of resorting to prescription pills this winter season after complaints of seasonal aches, pains, sadness, and colds, embrace natural remedies with essential oils. These remedies are geared specifically towards winter woes.

The topical application of essential oils can be used to relieve depression, anxiety, the common cold and muscle pains. Dab on wrists and neck if you’re inhaling to boost your mood, and use on site specific areas to target pain. A little goes a very long way–you’ll only need a few drops.

1. Ylang Ylang

Cananga odorata, commonly known as ylang ylang, is a tropical tree originating in the Philippines. The essential oil comes from the flowers produced by the tree. Ylang ylang is useful in aromatherapy for its ability to relieve depression. The cold, dark winter months keep us indoors and without much sun exposure, which can result in feelings of isolation and sadness.

2. Orange

Like ylang ylang, orange has the ability to relax the senses and reduce anxiety that characterize the winter season. Aromatherapists often use orange as a tranquilizer on their clients.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile essential oil’s winter-time benefits are two-fold – it has been shown to improve the function of the heart and stimulate the immune system. This means that it can boost circulation of the blood when blood vessels are generally contracted due to cold weather conditions as well as keep you safer from catching the common cold.

4. Peppermint

Peppermint essential oil goes a long way. The iconic aroma is refreshing to your mood as it is beneficial in clearing sinuses. In one study, peppermint was put up against ylang ylang. While ylang ylang showed the ability to increase calmness, peppermint increased alertness. So while ylang ylang may be helpful in the winter months to ease depression, those who need more pep in their step will benefit from peppermint essential oils instead.

5. Clove

Topical application of clove essential oil may help to relieve pain. When joints are stiff in the winter, clove is a great all-natural remedy to mild aches and pains.

6. Ginger

Like clove essential oil, ginger essential oil demonstrates effectiveness in reducing muscle pain, especially after exercise. In the winter, the cold weather contracts muscles and reduces blood flow, which can lead to injury more readily. Ginger is at your service in the event you experience muscle pain in the winter.

Photo Credit: urbanewomen

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Wanna be happy and kick Prozac to the curb? Start eating your fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, beans, fish and olive oil. We’ve long known that a Mediterranean diet is good for the heart, but it turns out it’s also good for the mood.

In a study published earlier this month, Spanish researchers looked at the diets of 10,000 people and found those who mainly ate a Mediterranean diet had lower depression rates than those who did not. The study compiled data from Spanish people who reported their dietary intake on a questionnaire between 1999 and 2005.

After an average follow-up of 4.4 years, the overall incidence of depression for those who followed the diet was 30 percent lower than for those who mostly did not follow the diet. Even lower rates of depression were associated with intake of specific elements of the Mediterranean diet, such as fruits, vegetables and olive oil.

To be sure, specific foods contain components that make your body, nervous system and brain work better. From the dopamine in chocolate to the serotonin producing carbohydrates, to the healthy fats and antioxidants that can boost brainpower, there’s definitely something physiological going on here.

I’d like to see a study that includes sociological-cultural controls because I think there’s something else going on here as well.

Notice that all the foods listed are whole foods, meaning they require cooking and preparation. So the people in the study who followed the Mediterranean diet and experienced less depression were probably cooking.

If people take the time and energy to cook, it usually means they place some importance on cooking for others, sitting down in groups to eat and generally having unhurried, quality contact with friends and loved ones.

Of course, you can eat a Mediterranean meal in a restaurant, but you’d have to be frequenting restaurants that actually cook real food. These are the types of restaurants people go to with others to enjoy life and socialize. There it is again – human interaction over a meal.

What you cannot do is follow a Mediterranean diet eating fast food, eating in your car or heating up processed food in the microwave and scarfing it down in front of the television or computer. These eating behaviors are often engaged in while alone, when rushed or when stressed.

What I’m getting at is this:

The way you eat and how much you enjoy mealtimes might have just as much to do with mood as what you eat.

Whether or not depression causes social isolation, or vice versa, there is a strong correlation between the two.

One study showed that children who have regular family mealtimes are less likely to get in trouble as teens. Troubled teens are often depressed. Another researcher found that family mealtimes strengthen relationships. People with strong relationships are less likely to be depressed.

So here’s my Rx for depression prevention:

Invite some good friends or family members into the kitchen and prepare a meal of healthy, whole foods from scratch and then sit down and eat it together. Enjoy the following recipe with a moderate glass of red wine and some fresh, seasonal fruit for dessert and you should feel better by morning.

Depression Busting Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Serves 6

4 small to medium beets
1/2 cup (about 2 ounces) walnut halves, coarsely chopped
1 cup brown rice
Salt
1 bunch Lacinato or green or red kale
1 can sardines, drained, skin and bones removed and separated into filets
2/3 cup cooked and drained (or canned) chickpeas
2/3 cup homemade vinaigrette made with olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Trim the beets and wrap them in 1 or 2 foil packets, depending on their size, keeping like-sized beets with like-sized beets. Roast until tender and fragrant, 35 to 40 minutes. Use a small paring knife or skewer to check for doneness. Set the beets aside to steam in their foil packets. When they are cool enough to handle, peel them by rubbing the skins off with your fingertips, and cut the beets into bite-sized wedges.

Lower the oven to 300 degrees F.

Arrange the walnuts in a single layer in a small baking dish. Toast until brown and fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.

While the beets are roasting and the walnuts are toasting, cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside until you are ready to mix the salad.

Meanwhile, trim, stem, and wash the kale and put it in a vegetable steamer set over boiling water. Steam until tender, wilted, but still bright green, about 5 minutes. Remove immediately to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and squeeze out excess moisture. Chop coarsely and set aside.

When all the rice, beets, walnuts and greens are ready, transfer them to a large bowl. Add the chickpeas and dressing and toss thoroughly. Taste and correct the seasoning with salt and pepper. Present each serving with a filet or two of sardines on top.

Image: ToastyKen

This is the latest installment in Vanessa Barrington’s weekly column, The Green Plate, on the environmental, social, and political issues related to what and how we eat.

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