Pain and sadness are part of the human condition: we all have this experience more than once in our lives. As we have learned, there are stages we go through as we work through hurt and pain to a place of acceptance and finally moving past our hurt to live our life once again. Essential oils can help with that process and ease the burden.
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 eases anxiety and has mood-lifting qualities. It can be used for agitation, depression and insomnia. It can be diffused or inhaled directly. Take care to avoid applying to skin that will be exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light within 36 hours, as bergamot is phototoxic to the 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. Fragrance can also dispel anger, stabilize emotions, and help release emotions tied to the past. You can diffuse 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 the excretion of toxins, 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 acuity. You can directly inhale or diffuse this oil and apply it undiluted to the skin or diluted for massage. Be sure to use therapeutic essential grade lavender, often extended with hybrid lavender or synthetic linalool and linalyl acetate, which are two key components of the oil.
What about some familiar essential oil blends, which ones help with grief and sadness?
Value(MT)-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 memory from the liver 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 a carrier oil of organic olive oil.
Harmony(TM)-promotes physical and emotional healing by creating a harmonic balance for the body’s energy centers. This mix 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 uplifts and uplifts the mind thus creating a positive attitude.
Forgiveness (MT) -this is a favorite oil requested by my students in my courses on emotional freedom work (ERT or Emotional Freedom Therapy) with essential oils. Helps release hurt feelings, insults, and negative emotions. Contains rose, melissa, 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. It 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 time (TM) -As its name implies, this oil helps create a feeling of being in the moment. In grievance 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.