The oils we reach for during grief seasons

The first thing I do each morning when I get to the kitchen is turn on some worship music. The second thing I do is fill our diffuser with water, add an essential oil, and turn it on.

I typically choose blends that support emotional peace or joyfulness. In the springtime, when our house has extra runny noses and sneezing from seasonal allergies, I’ll choose a blend that helps calm those symptoms. During cold season, I diffuse oils that support respiratory health and immune systems.

And during grief seasons, there is a specific group of essential oils I reach for. Below is a small list that we find particularly helpful, with live links in case you’d like to add them to your collection.

If you’re interested in getting started with essential oils and have questions, please reach out at emiliebirkenhauer@gmail.com.

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Bergamot

This oil has a citrus scent with some light floral hints. According to Essential Oils: The Complete Home Reference, it may be helpful for reducing stress and anxiety, supporting depressive symptoms and uplifting mood. 1

This is an oil we frequently diffuse.

Mastrante

Mastrante has a woodsy, grounding aroma. According to Essential Oils: The Complete Home Reference, it has been used in folk medicine for its calming influence and to help relieve depressive symptoms. 2

We typically dilute this oil and blend it with several others in a roller ball specifically designed to support grief seasons.

Cedarwood

This is an oil we reach for regularly, both to diffuse and to use topically. According to Essential Oils: The Complete Home Reference, it may assist with relaxing the body and emotions, promoting sound sleep (so crucial when we are working through big emotions), and is known for its calming properties. 3

Frankincense

Historically, frankincense has been used for thousands of years, back to the time of Christ. It can be found in the oldest known medical records, as an ingredient in more than 800 prescriptions and recipes. According to Essential Oils: The Complete Home Reference, it may help uplift the spirits and improve attitude, along with helping to relieve depressive symptoms. 4

Most commonly, we use this oil topically, and blend it with several others in a roller ball specifically designed to support grief seasons.

Idaho Blue Spruce

This oil has a beautiful woodsy scent, and we use it both topically and in a diffuser. According to Essential Oils: The Complete Home Reference, it may help the body process and release negative emotions, along with returning to a relaxed, grounded state. 5

We particularly appreciate this oil blended with several others in a roller ball specifically designed to support grief seasons.

1. Essential Oils: The Complete Home Reference. First Edition. Printed in the USA. Life & Science Publishing. May 2021. Page 96.

2. Essential Oils: The Complete Home Reference. First Edition. Printed in the USA. Life & Science Publishing. May 2021. Page 366.

3. Essential Oils: The Complete Home Reference. First Edition. Printed in the USA. Life & Science Publishing. May 2021. Page 144.

4. Essential Oils: The Complete Home Reference. First Edition. Printed in the USA. Life & Science Publishing. May 2021. Page 239.

5. Essential Oils: The Complete Home Reference. First Edition. Printed in the USA. Life & Science Publishing. May 2021. Page 108.