Our third guest blog and final of this 3 part essential oils series is from Lynette Outler. Teresa and Jeni have invited Lynn to provide a guest blog. We thank her for knowledge and oil expertise.
Dealing with Grief Through the Benefit of Essential Oils
Grief, by definition, is “a deep and poignant sadness or distress caused especially by someone’s death or a great loss”. Losses come from many sources, not just the death of a loved one, but also from the loss of a job, friendship or relationship, a dream. There are many avenues available today to help one deal with grief. Family, friends, pastors/churches, ministries, counselors, etc. are accessible to many to help lend comfort and direction.
One great source of comfort is always my faith in my God. In the last couple of years another tremendous source of assistance in dealing with life’s emotions has been added in my life. It’s been my joy to be incorporating essential oils and oil-infused products into my daily routine, whether to improve my overall wellness (that plays so heavily into our emotions), to remove toxins from my home (again, something that truly triggers emotional responses) or directly promote emotional stability and healing.
According to the Essential Oils Desk Reference book, “Emotional trauma can be generated from events that involve loss, abuse, bereavement, accidents or misfortunes. The scents of essential oils have the ability to cross the blood brain barrier, stimulating the amygdala that controls the emotional and memory center of the brain. Certain essential oils help facilitate the processing and release of emotional trauma in a simple way that minimizes psychological turmoil.” This is not the blog to go into depth of the chemistry behind the oils. But, let’s look at some specific oils that can help us through the painful emotion of grief.
Frankincense (& Sacred Frankincense) – Frankincense is considered the “holy anointing oil”. It was revered in Jesus’ time for its anointing and healing powers. It was used to treat every conceivable ill known to man. It was considered more valuable than gold. Frankincense increases spiritual awareness, promotes meditation, improves attitude and uplift spirits.
Idaho Blue Spruce – is an oil that releases emotional blocks and brings about a feeling of balance and grounding.
Idaho Balsam Fir – is another oil that is very grounding, stimulating to the mind and relaxing to the body.
Northern Lights Black Spruce – releases emotional blocks, bringing about a feeling of balance and grounding.
Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood – is an oil that is very grounding and stabilizing. It is high in sesquiterpenes that stimulate the pineal gland and the limbic region of the brain, the center of emotions. The pineal gland is responsible for releasing melatonin.
Cedarwood – used in medicines for centuries. Its fragrance stimulates the limbic region of the brain, which is the center of emotions. It also stimulates the pineal gland, which releases melatonin. It is recognized for its calming and purifying properties.
Cistus – is also known as “rock rose” and Rose of Sharon. Its fragrance is calming to the nerves and may elevate emotions.
Trauma Life – “The emotional trauma from accidents, death of loved ones, assault, abuse, etc., can implant its devastation deep within the hidden recesses of the mind, causing life-long problems that seem endless. Being able to release such burdens can bring about a new ‘lease on life’ with a return to motivation and vitality. This blend combats stress and uproots trauma that cause insomnia, anger restlessness and a weakened immune response.” [Essential Oils Desk Reference] The oils in Trauma Life are Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, Frankincense, Valerian, Black Spruce, Davana, Lavender, Geranium, Helichrysum, Citrus Hystrix and Rose.
I’d like to quote my daughter who used essential oils after an emotionally difficult time in her life.
“I think it was mainly the spiritual aspect of promoting closeness with God and the emotional side of releasing worry and all that. Release is definitely a good oil for grief (and really any emotion)…..sometimes it works too well. ☺ I learned to pair it with Joy or somethings like that to help deal with the emotions that were released.”
In conclusion, let’s look at those two oils as well.
Release – “This is a helpful blend to release anger and memory trauma from the liver in order to create emotional well-being. It helps open the subconscious mind through pineal stimulation to release deep-seated trauma. It is one of the most powerful of the emotion-supporting essential oil blends. In this blend you will find Ylang Ylang, Lavandin, Geranium, Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood, Grapefruit, Tangerine, Spearmint, Lemon, Blue Cypress, Davana, Kaffir Lime, Ocotea, Jasmine, German Chamomile, Blue Tansy and Rose.
Joy – has become an oil that I use almost daily for its emotional support. This beautiful blend produces an energy that brings joy to the heart, mind and soul. It helps one to overcome deep-seated grief and depression. Its ingredients are Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Lemon, Coriander, Tangerine, Jasmine, Roman Chamomile, Palmarosa and Rose.
How do we use essential oils? Basically we use oils in 3 ways. We inhale [using a diffuser, or putting a drop in the palm of your hand, or even just opening the bottle and gently inhaling. We also apply topically, for example, over one’s heart, back of neck , etc.. Thirdly, if using Young Living, there are certainly oils that we can ingest by cooking with them or putting one drop in a glass of water, for example [using glass, ceramic or metal].
There are so many oils that we could discuss, but I hope this will give you a place to start in your journey through grief and incorporating the benefits of essential oils. I must state that the ONLY essential oils that I would use are Young Living. The reason is their Seed to Seal guarantee that means they oversee the entire process of owning the farms, planting the seeds, caring for the soil, harvesting the oils in their proper, God-given environment and processing them to get them into our hands. I know I have 100% pure, natural oils when I use them. I’m not concerned with fillers and additives.
I claim often the promises of God found in His Word, the Bible. Beyond any shadow of a doubt I believe God is my strength, my hope, my joy, my constant companion Who promises to never leave me or forsake me. He walks through those dark times with me, those times when I have more questions than answers, when life just doesn’t make sense and when I flat out don’t like what’s happening in my life. I have a Savior in Jesus Christ who offers me hope for the future and the gift of the Holy Spirit Who directly comforts and guides my life. Verses such as these are my source of encouragement and perspective:
- “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.” [Deut. 31:6]
- “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” [ II Corinthians 12:9a]
- “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” [Jeremiah 29:11]
- To quote a friend after a very trying time in his life:
- “God has a plan for your life even when you are having the hardest time seeing it. It may seem like the world is falling apart all around you but putting your faith and trust in HIM is the only answer.”
- “Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” [I Peter 5:7]
- “Be still and know that I am God.” [Psalm 46:10a]
I pray that God will comfort, strengthen and guide you through your journey.
Abundant Blessings,
Lynette
Interested in learning how to incorporate oils in your life or searching for more information about oils click here.
Jeni and I would love to hear how you use oils with grief or in everyday – Please contact us.
