The client was a 52 year old male diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD, panic attacks & diabetes. His primary complaint was that while he was at work, he suffered a panic attack so severe that it prevented him from carrying out his job. He was subsequently sent home from work, placed on leave & was eventually terminated. He lived alone but had family & friends as a support system. At the time of his consultation, he was not on any medications other than insulin for diabetes.
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause(Mayo clinic staff, 2023). He reports he was unsure of the exact trigger but felt as though he was going to die. The client stated he had not had a panic attack in years but feared that more attacks would occur in the future. He did contact his doctor to inform him of what had happened. His doctor sent a referral in to psychiatry. His appointment was about 3 weeks out from the date of the panic attack.
He contacted me for an aromatherapy consultation with the goal of finding something to aid him with relaxation before a panic attack could set in. He described a feeling of being watched prior to the panic attack. The client also subsequently suffered from dry skin, arthritis/ inflammation & obesity, which he wanted something to aid with those complaints as well.
Formula for topical blend to aid with relaxation
(approximately 2% dilution)(Dechen, 2021)
· 15 ml Sesame Oil (Sesamum indicum)
· 10 ml Safflower Oil (Carthamus tinctoris)
· 5 ml Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)
· 4 drops Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
· 2 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
· 2 drops Frankincense (Boswellia carterii)
· 1 drops Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
· 1 drops Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides)
· 1 drops Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
· 1 drop Fir (Abies alva)
Sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil was used in the base due to its moisturizing & warming properties to aid with the dry skin & inflammation. It is rich in vitamins and minerals (Dechen,2021). Safflower (Cathamus tinctoris) oil was added to aid with inflammation & circulation (Dechen, 2021). Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) was added to aid with weight loss & arthritis/inflammation (Dechen, 2021). I selected Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)essential oil due to its anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties. Sweet Orange also increases activity of parasympathetic nervous system to aid with sleep. It decreases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) (Battaglia, 2018; Dechen, 2021). Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil was selected for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties (Dechen, 2021). It has a harmonizing effect of the nervous system (Battaglia, 2018.). Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) essential oil was chosen for its anti-inflammatory properties & its ability to relieve congested lymphatic system. It is used in Ayurveda for treating inflammatory diseases (Battaglia, 2108; Dechen, 2021). Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil was used to stimulate mental clarity as well as its ability to aid with inflammation (Battaglia, 2018;Dechen, 2021). Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) essential oil was used for its calming properties. It is recommended for physical, mental and emotional burnout (Battaglia, 2018). Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) essential oil was used for its antidepressant & calming properties (Dechen, 2021). It is recommended for emotional tension, anxiety and emotional shock (Battaglia, 2018). Fir (Abies albla) was chosen for its properties that aid with anxiety and muscle/joint pain (Dechen, 2021). Fir regulates Qi & encourages clarity of the mind (Battaglia, 2018).
Nasal inhalers utilizing this blend were implemented as a secondary application. The secondary application was added due to the severity of his symptoms. He used the topical formula daily on his arms, chest, & legs massaged in a circular motion in the direction of the flow of lymph. He reported he would use the nasal inhalers once daily as needed. He took the nasal inhaler with him everywhere in case he had an episode. I taught him refocusing and breathing techniques to aid with symptoms as well.
He reported a noticeable improvement in symptoms after two weeks of aromatherapy use. He shared that during one outing, he had the unsettling sensation of being watched, even though no one was around. Using his inhaler alongside breathing techniques, he managed to regain control of the situation. He credited the aromatherapy with helping him feel grounded and in control of his emotions. Additionally, he experienced relief from dry skin, joint pain & inflammation. Aromatherapy complemented his efforts as he began therapy to address the underlying causes of his PTSD and panic attacks.
For two months, he followed a regimen of using aromatherapy for two weeks on and two weeks off. He expressed a desire to share his story, hoping to spare others from similar struggles. The client reported that the oils were effective for him, as he had not experienced any further panic attacks since starting aromatherapy, therapy, and utilizing tools such as refocusing, breathing exercises, and avoiding potential triggers. He was actively taking steps toward his goals of managing his anxiety and improving his overall well-being. Tragically, he passed away suddenly and unexpectedly due to complications from diabetes.
Reflection
Based on his feedback and results, I would not change the formula unless circumstances changed, such as the introduction of a medication that could potentially interact with one of the oils or if he reported that the formula was no longer effective. In such cases, I would have adjusted the blend accordingly.
Conclusion
My approach to formulating is always client-centered, tailored to individual goals, medical conditions, and medications. I do not use a one-size-fits-all method. Even if another client presented with similar issues, I would create a custom blend specific to their unique needs. This ensures the most effective and safe outcomes for each individual. Had he lived, I believe his continued dedication to using these tools, alongside therapy and aromatherapy, would have helped him make even greater strides in achieving his goals.
Aromatherapy is not intended to replace traditional western medicine, nor is it intended to treat or cure any diseases. It supports the healing process.
First Published in the IJPHA Volume 14 Issue Summer 2025.
References
Battaglia S. (2018). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, 3rd ed. Brisbane, Australia: Black Pepper Creative, p176-180, 243-248, 298-301, 305-311, 359-371, 447-452, 586-591.
Dechen, S. (2021). Aromatherapy Certification Level 1 Text [eBook Edition]. Crested Butte. Aroma Apothecary Healing Arts Academy. p 85, 88, 91, 93, 96, 109.
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Apr. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/symptoms-causes/syc-20376021. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
Photo by Ron Lach : https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-gray-sweater-holding-his-head-10366892/