You are probably aware of essential oils for sleep and stress relief, but are you aware that you can use essential oils for emotional healing? Sometimes we have wounds such as abandonment, grief, betrayal, and wounds that come from the sting of unexpected belittling.
These situations can be overwhelming, and leave us with a sense of unease or other physical symptoms of discomfort and sometimes pain. Emotional healing is a journey that requires action with the right support tools including self-care, and patience with ourselves during the healing process. Before we can effectively handle the situations that present themselves to us, it is often necessary to restore inner peace.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best essential oils for emotional healing, how to use them effectively, and the science behind their mood-enhancing benefits.
This blog is all about essential oils for emotional healing.
How Essential Oils Support Emotional Healing
Aromatherapy works by stimulating the limbic system, which is the part of the brain that controls emotions, memory, and stress responses. When you inhale essential oils, their molecules interact with neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can uplift mood, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.
But it’s so much more than that. Essential oils interact with our system in ways that promote holistic health and increase our sense of overall well-being, as one positive outcome can have an effect on another. For example, a number of essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties. So that blend that you make to alleviate the stress of an overbearing boss may also ease your headache.
Let’s explore essential oils for emotional healing and restoring the balance of resilience.
Best Essential Oils for Emotional Healing
When blending essential oils for healing emotional wounds, I recommend keeping the number of oils in a blend to a minimum, not exceeding three oils for a blend. I enjoy creating blends of two oils that I have dubbed “dynamic duos”. There is usually one main oil to balance the major feeling of unease, while adding one support oil that may serve the same purpose or it may be generally supportive of our system.
For example, anger is sometimes accompanied by the feeling of guilt, and in turn guilt can lead to stress and anxiety. While yarrow essential oil is a great choice for calming anger, blending this with a small amount of ylang ylang may help to calm feelings of anxiety that may come when guilt is present.
1. Bergamot – The Uplifting Citrus
Bergamot essential oil is wonderfully uplifting without being overly stimulating. You may find support for low mood, emotional fatigue, and self-doubt. Bergamot’s fresh, citrusy scent is known for its ability to reduce feelings of sadness and fatigue. It has been shown to lower stress levels while promoting a sense of joy and confidence.
2. Chamomile – Ease frustration
Known for its calming and soothing properties, let chamomile essential oil ease frustration in order to help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Its gentle, floral aroma helps alleviate anxiety and encourages a peaceful state of mind. You may find that incorporating chamomile into your wellness routine helps to promote inner tranquility.
3. Clary Sage – Hormonal Harmonizing
You may find Clary sage to be beneficial for emotional tension, mood swings, and stress relief.
Clary sage is particularly helpful for those experiencing emotional distress due to hormonal imbalances. It has natural emotionally uplifting properties and can ease nervous energy. Diffusing clary sage during meditation or yoga can help cultivate a sense of balance and well-being.
4. Cypress – Accept what cannot be changed in order to move forward
Cypress essential oil encourages emotional resilience and strength. Its fresh, woody scent promotes a sense of stability, making it perfect for those experiencing grief or emotional upheaval. Cypress is a key essential oil for emotional healing, helping to ease tension and restore a feeling of security. Cypress may be particularly good when we feel that things change, supporting us to let go and move on.
5. Frankincense – The Grandfather of Grounding
Frankincense is known for spiritual healing, inner peace, and emotional stability. It is often used in meditation and spiritual practices because of its grounding and centering properties. This ancient oil encourages deep breathing and mindfulness, helping to soothe feelings of overwhelm. Inhaling frankincense directly or using it in a personal inhaler can bring emotional clarity and peace.
6. Lavender – A Peaceful Place
We can become more resilient with a better sleep, and what better way to try and find that than lavender, with its rich history for anxiety and stress relief. Lavender essential oil is one of the most well-known for emotional support. Its calming scent helps reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and promotes a deep sense of relaxation. Diffusing lavender before bedtime or applying a diluted blend to pulse points can help ease anxious thoughts and support restful sleep.
7. Rose – Opening the heart to forgiveness and new experiences
Rose essential oil is another powerhouse for emotional healing. It nurtures the heart, promotes self-love, and may help to release feelings of sadness or emotional pain. Its rich, floral scent uplifts the spirit and provides comfort during times of emotional distress.
8. Yarrow – Cooling for anger
Yarrow essential oil is known for its ability to promote emotional balance and transformation. It helps process deep-seated emotions, making it a valuable tool for those working through emotional challenges, especially when cooling off from anger. Yarrow supports essential oils for emotional healing by fostering inner strength and emotional clarity.
9. Ylang Ylang – The Oil of Joy
If you have emotional wounds that include anxiety, you may find help with ylang ylang. This sweet, floral oil is known to balance emotions and reduce feelings of frustration. Try blending it with lavender for a deeply relaxing bath soak.
How to Use Essential Oils for Emotional Healing
- Diffusion: Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to a diffuser to fill your space with soothing aromas.
- Topical Application: Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil and apply to pulse points, such as the wrists, temples, and behind the ears.
- Aromatherapy Inhalation: Inhale essential oils directly from the bottle or add a few drops to a tissue for quick emotional support.
- Bath Soaks: Add a few drops of essential oils to a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, then add the blend to warm bathwater to create a calming, spa-like experience.
Essential Oil Blends for Emotional Healing
Try these simple blends to enhance your emotional well-being.
Create a roller bottle by adding the number of drops to 9.5ml of your favourite carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil. Place the blend into your roller bottle and use on your pulse points throughout the day.
Feelings of abandonment
4 Drops rose
2 Drops frankincense
1 Drop clary sage
Cooling the Anger
4 Drops yarrow
1 Drop chamomile
1 Drop ylang ylang
Ease deep Hurt
3 Drops Lavender
2 Drops rose
2 drops Frankincense
Unburden a Heavy Heart
3 Drops cypress
3 Drops rose
2 Drops frankincense
Experience less Resistance
4 Drops cypress
2 Drops clary sage,
Ease Sadness
5 Drops bergamot
2 Drops clary sage
Essential oils offer a natural way to support emotional healing and restore balance in your daily life. Whether you need support for emotional hurt, a mood boost, or grounding energy, these oils can be valuable allies in your wellness routine. Try incorporating them into your self-care rituals and notice how they help shift your emotional state.
Have you tried using essential oils for emotional healing? Share your favorite blends in the comments below!
