Oils & emoTions
This page is just a small glimpse into the world of essential oils and our emotions. This is truly just scratching the surface, there is so much information on how oils can benefit your emotional health. These are the very basics!
Essential oils can penetrate cell membranes and cross the brain-blood barrier within SECONDS. This allows them to reach the emotional center of our brain, this is where all of our emotions are stored. Essential oils support the body to come back into balance without harmful side effects or chemical based products. They can have a powerful influence over how we think, how we feel and how we behave. Because of oils bringing balance to emotions, we can do that simply through smelling them, through scents.
If you think of even just a warm day at the beach, one of the first things that comes to mind for me is the smell of the salty air. It makes me feel uplifted just thinking about it. Or remembering the smell of your favorite foods and the fresh tree at Christmas time, memories bring me positive emotions just remembering the smells.
The smells of nature leave me feeling uplifted and energized, even just taking a quick walk and getting a breath of fresh air. And nature is essentially what oils ARE so we are going to harness those feelings!
The
science
THE SCIENCE
We’re going to start with some basic science. This is only the tip of the iceberg but when we heard this info for the first time it blew our minds. It sheds so much light on how our emotions affect us and how oils can help.
Everyone has some level of emotional toxicity that has built up over their life through traumas, both big and small. For our purposes, trauma can be defined as “any situation where you got less than you needed and were not equipped to process it.” These traumas actually get stored deep within our cellular memory.
+The limbic system of the brain is primarily responsible for our emotional life and also controls functions including adrenaline flow, behavior, motivation, long-term memory, and olfaction.
+Our olfactory (smell) sense is almost directly connected to the limbic system, meaning simply inhaling essential oils can have an immediate and profound effect.
A New York University study found the only way to release fear from the amygdala (part of the limbic system) is through smell.
Essential oil compounds can actually work to repair and reprogram cellular memory!
Getting to
the root
The first step in releasing negative emotions is awareness. Often we are aware of the “things” that stress us out, overwhelm us or make us angry. But what we need to focus on is the “why” – the root issues behind our emotions.
If you’re not sure where to start with your own emotions, start by looking at the people you’re always around. Often we are most irritated by the problems we subconsciously recognize in ourselves but we recognize externally in other people. Also, fear is often an underlying cause of instinctual emotional reactions.
It’s best to work through one emotion, one situation, one memory at a time.
Take your chosen oil and apply it to your wrists and the back of your neck. Then cup your hands over your nose and breathe deeply.
Focus on your emotion and your “why.”
Then begin to let go of the negative emotion and start focusing on the opposite side of that emotion, or how you want to feel about the situation or memory.
If you are working through a deep seated memory, this process will take time.
For example, it’s the holiday season, the kids have cabin fever, your in-laws are coming in town in a few days, the house looks like a disaster zone, the presents you ordered online are delayed and you have a to-do list that’s so long you don’t even know where to start. Sound familiar?!
Chances are you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, chaotic and anxious. Grounding or Bergamot would be a good choice.
Looking deeper at these emotions you realise they are driven by a fear of failure. Now that you understand the root of your emotions, apply your oil and inhale it deeply. Begin to shift your focus to the positive. Remember, everyone’s body and emotional responses are different. So try a few different oils to see which one’s resonate best with you!
You might think that it’s strange to talk about your digestive system in this class. But the truth is, your gut and your brain are tightly connected and they communicate back and forth all day long!
The impact of poor gut health on the functioning of the brain has been scientifically linked to a range of illnesses including ADHD, autism, chronic fatigue, OCD, anxiety and depression.
Good or “friendly” bacteria help keep our gut healthy, aid in digestion, control metabolism, reduce toxins, absorb nutrients and keep our immune system running.
The hormones secreted during a stress response contribute to the overgrowth of bad bacteria.
So poor gut health can actually contribute to increased negative emotions!
The first steps in getting your gut healthy are eating whole, nutrient rich foods, drinking plenty of water and taking a probiotic like Life 9.
Hormone
baLancing
Our first two oils address hormonal balance.
For men, we have Shutran oil and for women we have Progessence Plus.
Unbalanced hormones can lead us to feel constantly on edge or moody (controlled by our emotions). Not to mention they can also lead to fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, memory loss and other health issue.
Progessence Plus is sure to become one of new favorite oils if it isn’t already! It contains super-micronized progesterone from wild yams and combines it with vitamin E and an essential oil serum to easily penetrate the skin. It has a warm, slightly floral scent and is best used on a consistent daily basis.
Apply 2-4 drops on the wrists or neck daily.
Shutran can be used by men or women but men often like to wear it as cologne. It inspires self-confidence and empowerment.
Apply 2-4 drops on heart, wrists or feet.
Oils
to support emotions
This smells just like slicing into a ripe, juicy orange! It has inherent antidepressant properties and also helps normalize gastrointestinal functions. It also helps stimulate the right side (the creative side) of our brain.
Helps Release Feelings Of:
Anxiety
Tension
Frustration
Insomnia
Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Happiness
Calmness
Ways To Use:
Great to add to diffuser combos.
Add a few drops to a tissue and inhale directly.
Add a drop to your water for a citrus twist.
Possible sun sensitivity – always cover skin with clothing if going outside.
The earthy and slightly spicy scent of frankincense immediately brings a feeling of grounding. This precious oil has been renowned in civilizations throughout history for it’s powerful healing properties, both physical and emotional. At points, it was even valued more than gold and only those with great wealth possessed it. How incredibly lucky are we???!!
Helps Release Feelings Of:
Depression
Anxiety
Melancholy
Dwelling in the past
Worthlessness
Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Freedom
Focus
Calm
Support
Ways To Use:
Apply to the forehead, temples and back of neck before relaxing.
Diffuse during prayer, meditation and yoga.
This is a blend created by Young Living and the rich and slightly fruity scent of Valor makes it a favorite for many. The oils are based on the combination the Roman officers are said to have bathed in before they went to battle; to give them courage and keep them calm. Their natural properties help align the body both emotionally and physically.
Helps Release Feelings Of:
Fear
Self doubt – “Im not good enough”
Defensiveness
Aggression
Persecution
Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Courage
Confidence
Self esteem and empowerment.
Ways To Use:
Apply to chest, neck and shoulders.
Diffuse throughout the day.
Add a drop or two to your chosen carrier oil for massage.
You may be familiar with it’s warm and citrusy scent if you’ve every enjoyed Earl Grey tea. This is a truly special oil when working through the fatigue and appetite struggles that can accompany feelings of depression. It can stimulate hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin, which create feelings of sedation and relaxation. It can also improve the circulation of your blood and help regulate your appetite.
Helps Release Feelings Of:
Depression and fatigue.
Stress and anxiety.
Nervous tension.
Helps Promote Feelings Of:
Sedation and relaxation.
Joy
Freshness
Energy
Ways To Use:
Place a few drops on a washcloth and place it over your chest while taking a hot shower.
Massage over the abdomen. (Possible sun sensitivity).
Diffuse in the mornings for an energetic start or simply put a drop in your hands, cup over nose and mouth, and breathe slowly.
It can be both grounding and stimulating, depending on your need.
Helps Release Feelings Of:
Nervousness and hyperactivity
Lethargy and melancholy
Helps promote Feelings Of:
Harmony and goodwill
Relaxation and restoration
Add a drop or two to a hot bath.
Add a drop or two to your chosen carrier oil for massage.
Diffuse during prayer time, yoga and meditation.
So now you know! Emotions and scEnt is so interlinked!
Now Getting your hands on some of these natural ways to help with your emotions is simple. Click on the link below and purchase any of the oils you fancy. If you want to split the cost why not sign up to our monthly subscription (which you can cancel at any time) – it gives you reduced shipping rates, points back AND a free oil in the post from me!
