Overview
Jennie Wright, RN, Certified Grief Counselor and member of the American Academy of Grief Counseling, explains that common emotional symptoms of grief may include anxiety, fear, helplessness, sadness, guilt, numbness and anger. In looking for ways to find relief from these symptoms, some individuals turn to aromatherapy, which can have a positive effect in helping a person to cope with grief. While essential oils are a holistic treatment that does not provide a cure, inhaling these natural oils often helps improve the emotional outlook of individuals going through the grief process.
Role of Aromatherapy
Grief typically presents as an overwhelming sadness accompanied by an unbearable feeling of loss. Some people become withdrawn while others experience intense emotions of anger. Whether used alone or in a blend, essential oils can play a role in helping individuals release the stress and tension that often comes with grief.
Fragrances
The scent of rose in blends of essential oils sometimes helps individuals release emotions of anger and grief. Other people use sandalwood as an aid in relieving stress and lifting depression, both of which are common symptoms of grief. Frankincense can help calm the body and relax breathing for those individuals experiencing severe anxiety following the loss of a loved one. Cypress is another essential oil that can be comforting to individuals struggling with grief and loss.
Botanical Names
Rosa damascena has a sweet and strongly floral fragrance. Rose essential oil is used to alleviate the depression associated with grief. The sweet, fruity fragrance of Santalum album, more commonly known as sandalwood, is not as strong as the floral aroma of rose. This oil is used in aromatherapy to help relieve symptoms related to depression and stress. Cypress, or Cupressus sempervirens, gives off a slightly woody, evergreen aroma while Helichrysum angustifolia has a fresh, earthy fragrance that is a bit stronger than cypress. Boswellia carterii, also known as Frankincense or Olibanum, produces a woody, balsamic fragrance, which is slightly spicy and fruity. The aroma is milder than some of the other essential oils frequently used as aromatherapy for stress and anxiety.
Emotional Response
The aroma of certain essential oils stimulate the hypothalamus, activating the pituitary gland, thereby triggering hormones, which can affect a person’s emotions. This holistic method of treatment can impact not only an individual’s physical well-being, but may also have an effect on emotions. One problem is that people can have different reactions to the same aroma. How an individual responds to a smell is a matter of personal taste and past memories. Even an aroma that generally has a calming effect on most people can have the opposite effect if an individual associates a negative memory with that particular scent.
Recipes
Blend two drops of rose with three drops of sandalwood or cypress. Another recipe calls for blending one drop each of rose, cypress and helichrysum with two drops of frankincense. If you intend to use the blend in a diffuser, multiply each ingredient of the recipe by four to give you a total of 20 drops. Add the essential oils to a small, glass bottle, preferably amber or cobalt in color. Mix the blend by rolling the bottle in between your hands. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to how many drops you should add to the diffuser.
Warning
Essential oils must be diluted before applying onto the skin. Avoid using essential oils undiluted. If you intend to use a blend of essential oils as bath or massage oil rather than as an inhalant, do a skin patch test before using any ingredients, which you have never used before. Essential oils should only be used with children, pregnant women or individuals with certain medical problems when under the careful supervision of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner and the knowledge of their physicians.
About this Author
Amber Keefer has more than 25 years’ experience working in the fields of human services and health care administration. Writing professionally since 1997, she has written articles covering health, fitness and women’s issues published in Family Digest Magazine, Chicago Parent and Woman’s Touch. Keefer holds a B.A. from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. in health care management from Baker College.
