The grief arising from the death of a loved one is one of the most challenging set of emotions a person has to deal with. It is a strong, overwhelming, emotional pain that may stay with you spiritually for a lifetime. There is much more to dealing with grief than simply using a few essential oils but aromatherapy can certainly play a part in helping to release the stress and tension of bereavement and keep the mind balanced during the periods of intense sorrow. Essential oils will not take the pain away but they can help you to work through the pain and move on with your life.
I have made a short list of essential oils and how they can support grief and loss. Personally I have found doTERRA oils to be the best suited for use with dying and death.
Lavender is the “when in doubt” essential oil and has many uses. In death and dying it can be used to bring balance to grief and sorrow. It is calming and helps level out mood swings. It helps create a sense of peace and wellbeing. It can be placed topically on the body and used in a diffuser.
Rose is great for soul wounds, broken hearts, grief, jealousy and anxiety.
Rosewood enhances balance, eases the mind and helps connect loved ones and caregivers. It helps the person deal with stress and can stabilise energy levels and a restless minds.
Frankincense sets the spirit free. It helps slow down and deepen the breath and induce feelings of calmness. It is useful to help people break links with the past, to expand consciousness and heal old wounds.
Sandalwood stabilizes mind, body and spirit, and helps to alleviate loneliness and obsessions.
Geranium is a warm, nurturing, and loving oil balances highs and lows. In times of uncertainty it helps against excessive sensitivity.
Myrrh promotes a deep connection to spirit. It helps with endurance and strength and promotes inner silence.
Wild Orange applied topically on the soles of the feet, wrists, or under the nose, it diminishes insomnia, heart palpitations, nervousness and withdrawal. Diffused into the air it counteracts fear and anxiety.
Serenity is a calming blend of oils designed to soothe feelings of anxiety and stress. It can be placed on the back of the neck, soles of the feet, wrists, or under the nose. It can be diffused into the room to support and calm the family or group.
Aromatherapy and the stages of dying
The earthy scents of aromatherapy oils such as sandalwood, frankincense, myrrh, and cedar wood can ease the journey through the Earth stage.
The scents of aromatherapy oils such as rose, geranium, lavender, and wild orange can soothe the journey through the Water stage.
Aromatherapy oils such as serenity and myrrh are perfect for the Fire stage.
As Air withdraws do not use oils, this is a time to withdraw stimulus.
Self care and care for caregivers
You and those who are providing care for the person dying can use these same oils to heal and cleanse. Some of these oils work beautifully in a diffuser and help cleanse the room and space you are all working in.
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