Essential Oils and Emotional Support

By now, you’ve probably heard someone mention how essential oils can help with emotional support.

Every day, it seems that more and more people tout their benefits and incredible properties. But can essential oils actually impact emotions? Is it possible that they can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, overwhelm, etc.? The answer, of course, is *YES!* 

Now, before we go any further, I need to let you know that *none of this is medical advice.*

I also want to touch on the fact that struggles with various emotions are rarely solely a spiritual, mental, or physical issue. As believers, we know that we have three components to our overall wellness: spiritual, physical, and mental. Emotions usually involve all or a combination of the above, but today I want to specifically discuss how we can address them physically through harnessing high quality, premium essential oils.

That being said, many essential oils are touted for their emotional support. But we also know that everyone is different; our DNA, body chemistry, temperament, triggers, environment, and lifestyle all vary and make each of us unique. It’s amazing because we were intentionally made that way! So it’s necessary to remember that what works for one person may not work for another. 

That may sound a bit overwhelming or even disheartening, because it would surely take a lot of time to research and experiment on your own. But this is where having someone knowledgeable in the therapeutic use of essential oils comes into play because they can guide you on where to start. If you need help getting started, please email me. I’d love to help you get started with a little welcome package!

First, let’s discuss some of the science behind essential oils. Yes, there is REAL science backing their properties! Did you know you can head to any biomedical and life sciences database and easily search for them? Here is a study showing the outcome of therapeutic essential oil use for depression. Pretty incredible! https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6152054/

So how exactly do essential oils help with emotional support? Here are two ways to reap their benefits:

The first way is the most obvious, and definitely the most popular: through inhalation. The biggest reason for this is due to what’s called the limbic system. The limbic system is the part of your brain where memories and emotions are kept and processed, and smell is the easiest way to access it. This explains why, for so many of us, certain scents trigger certain memories and feelings. The limbic system also affects our nervous system, which regulates our blood pressure, heartbeat, breathing, and even digestive issues. You can inhale essential oils by using a diffuser, or by placing 1-2 drops of the desired oil(s) into the palm of your hand, cupping them around your face, and inhaling deeply. Repeat this several times throughout the day.

You can also use essential oils topically. First, do a patch test to ensure no contact irritation will occur. Then pick an oil, add it to your body lotion or a carrier oil and rub into your skin. You can do your chest, temples, wrists, bottoms of your feet; wherever works for you. Do remember that quite a few essential oils cause photosensitivity, so if you’re using them topically, it’s best to apply them in the evening or at times you’ll be indoors. 

Next, it’s important to remember that there are two ways essential oils affect our emotions: by calming, or by uplifting. So for example, someone who struggles with panic disorder may consider utilizing oils with calming properties, whereas someone who struggles with depression may prefer uplifting oils. This doesn’t mean that you need to stick to only calming or only uplifting oils, because most people use a combination of both types. After all, our emotions change constantly. But for maximum results, it’s important to know why you’re using what you’re using. Are you looking to mostly calm overactive emotions, or to uplift them? Creating blends is a great way to achieve balance, and that’s where your oily person or aromatherapist can help guide you.

Finally, I want to share four of the best essential oils and blends from Young Living that help with emotional support:

STRESS AWAY

Like the image says, Stress Away truly reminds you of restful, sunny days relaxing on the beach. It’s probably the first oil that gets everyone hooked, because not only does it smell incredible, but the blend of Lavender, Vanilla, Lime, Cedarwood, Copaiba, and Ocotea essential oils helps relieve stress and induce a sense of calm and happiness.

VALOR

A blend of Black Spruce, Blue Tansy, Camphor wood, Geranium, and Frankincense, this essential oil blend promotes feelings of positivity and courage. Very useful when applied prior to anxiety inducing events such as public speaking. Plus, it has a divinely woodsy, grounding scent. This blend is also my personal favorite used as a natural perfume!

PEACE & CALMING

Smells like a spa in a bottle. This oil blend consisting of Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Blue Tansy, several citrus oils and can be used to promote restful sleep, reduce stress, and calm big emotions. There’s a reason we love to call this one “tantrum tamer”! It’s incredible for balancing emotions, and the heavenly musk scent is an added bonus.

CBD CALM

I’ve only recently jumped onto the CBD train, but let me tell you, if you haven’t tried it you’re seriously missing out! This high quality, 0% THC CBD oil helps with anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, etc. Plus, the one I use is also infused with premium essential oils such as Frankincense, Vetiver, Lavender, and Ylang Ylang.

Young Living also makes an essential oils bundle specifically for emotions. You can get it for wholesale pricing by adding the basic kit, which includes the blend Stress Away (lives up to its name and smells like lavender vanilla!) and refreshing Thieves mints. Please feel free to message me with any questions you may have, and if you decide to sign up for a free wholesale membership through my link, I also gift my members with an account credit and oily welcome package.

Essential oils are truly a gift, and I want every family to experience the powerful ways they provide us with emotional support.

With love & grace,
Natalie