Bringing The Outdoors In

by Stephanie Chambers

In Norway and the Netherlands, they are helping people who suffer from depression (and other mental illnesses) by having their doctor send them (via a special program) to stay on a farm.¹ These places are known as “care farms”. Apparently, working on a farm helps them to recover from depression and get their lives together. The town where we are based in Iowa, Fairfield, was recently made part of the Blue Zones Project for greater longevity and, it too, talks about the need to have a purpose in life.² Research shows that our psychology, and even our physical stress indicators, are affected by our environment. Being in a more natural environment, like a green space or urban garden in places like New York City, calms us down and makes us feel more relaxed. People who are recovering from surgery have been shown to recover faster and to need less pain medication if they are given a room with a scenic view of nature.³ Even people who are shown photos of nature or are immersed in nature, virtually, show some improvements.⁴

So how does this relate to Essential Oils?

When we open a bottle of an Essential Oil like Atlas Cedarwood, Balsam Fir, Hemlock Spruce or one of the Eucalyptus (or the Mountain Forest Synergy blend), perhaps it reminds our psychology (and maybe even physiology) of our natural environment, like walking in a forest. Perhaps that’s why so many Essential Oils help relieve anxiety.*

Studies have shown that smelling either Rosemary or Lavender Essential Oil for only five minutes decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol in people’s saliva⁵. This is similar to the effects reported as a result of being in a natural environment.*

Amrita is not proposing to just stay indoors all day and diffuse Essential Oils. As much as you can, drag yourself, your spouse, or your family outdoors. Go to the park, or even just the garden, as much as you can to counteract the effects of stress on our modern lives. But, when that isn’t possible, bring the outdoors with you wherever you are by diffusing Essential Oils.

Sources:

1.) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1310870/Doctors-prescribe-fresh-air-farm-work-patients-depression.html

2.) https://www.bluezones.com/

3.)http://www.researchgate.net/publication/17043718_View_Through_a_Window_May_Influence_Recovery_from_Surgery

4.) http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/nature-that-nurtures/

5.) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17291597

Disclaimer: *The statements made in this blog have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. If a condition persists, please contact your physician or healthcare provider. The information provided is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider, and should not be construed as medical advice.

Original Published: 2015-10-21 / Last Modified: 2025-5-29