Essential oils can be a help during the process of grief and sadness
Pain and sadness are part of the human condition: we all have this experience more than once in our lives. As we’ve learned, there are stages we go through as we work through the grievance and pain to reach a place of acceptance and eventually move past our grievance to live our life once more. Essential oils can help in that process and ease the load.
What oils are useful?
Bergamot-(citrus bergamia)- the medicinal properties of this oil are calming. Bergamot offers hormonal support and is an antidepressant. The citrus fragrance relieves anxiety and has mood-lifting qualities. It can be used for agitation, depression, and insomnia. It can be diffused or directly inhaled. Take care to avoid applying to skin that will be exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light within 36 hours, as bergamot is phototoxic to skin.
roman chamomile–(Chamaemelum nobile)-The medical properties of this wonderful oil include being relaxing, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifies the blood and liver. It can be used to relieve restlessness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and skin conditions such as dermatitis. The fragrance can also dispel anger, stabilize emotions, and help release emotions tied to the past. You can diffuse it or inhale it directly, as well as apply it directly to the skin. This is a very safe oil and is often used with young children and the frail elderly.
Juniper–(Juniperus osteosperma)- This is a universal oil that is a digestive cleanser/stimulant, increases circulation through the kidneys and promotes toxin excretion, and is detoxifying. The fragrance evokes feelings of health, love and peace and can help raise spiritual awareness. You can directly inhale or diffuse this oil, as well as apply it directly to the skin or dilute it with a good carrier oil.
lavender— (Lavandula angustafolia)- The medical properties of this universal healing oil include being analgesic, relaxing and anti-inflammatory. It is very effective for insomnia and nervous tension. Lavender balances both physically and emotionally and has been shown to dramatically improve concentration and mental alertness. You can directly inhale or diffuse this oil and apply it undiluted to the skin or diluted for a massage. Be sure to use therapeutic essential grade lavender, often extended with lavender hybrid or synthetic linalool and linalyl acetate, which are two key components of the oil.
What about some well-known essential oil blends, which ones help in grief and sadness?
Value(TM)-balances energies to instill courage, confidence and self-esteem. I have found this blend to be helpful in realigning both balance and alignment of the body. The ingredients are rosewood, blue tansy, frankincense, and fir in a carrier of sweet almond oil.
Release(TM) -This blend helps release anger and trauma from liver memory to create emotional well-being. Letting go of negative emotions and frustrations allows us to progress in a positive way. The ingredients are ylang ylang, lavandin, geranium, sandalwood, and blue tansy in an organic olive oil carrier oil.
Harmony(TM)-promotes physical and emotional healing by creating a harmonious balance for the energy centers of the body. This blend is one that I personally use every day. It puts us in harmony with all things, people and the cycles of life. It is beneficial for reducing stress and increasing well-being. It combats feelings of discord and encourages and uplifts the mind thus creating a positive attitude.
Sorry (TM) -this is a favorite oil requested by my students in my courses on emotional release work (ERT or Emotional Release Therapy) with essential oils. Helps release hurt feelings, insults, and negative emotions. Contains rose, lemon balm, helichrysum, angelica, frankincense, sandalwood, lavender, bergamot, geranium, jasmine, lemon, palmarosa, Roman chamomile, rosewood, and ylang ylang.
Gratitude (TM) -another favorite oil that for me is very basic. Uplifts, calms and soothes the body while helping to foster a grateful attitude. Contains Idaho balsam fir, frankincense, myrrh, galbanum, ylang ylang, and rosewood.
Present tense (TM) -As the name implies, this oil helps create a feeling of being in the moment. In grief and grief, there is often the problem of living in the past with difficulty moving into the present or future. This blend contains neroli, ylang ylang, and fir.