It happens to all of us, often or not: we are walking in the street, in a park, on the beach, and suddenly there is a scent in the air that brings us to a happy place or evokes good memory: the perfume of a person passed by in the street, the smell of cooking sneaking through an open window, a flower in a park, the fragrance of a body cream, etc. Instantly, we breathe in deeply, slow down or even take the time to stop and take a few seconds to enjoy the moment.
The olfactory system is directly connected to our emotions. The circuit is quite simple: via the olfactory bulb, the aroma is sent directly to the limbic system: it activates neurotransmitters and the production of hormones. This is our emotional response to the inhalation of a smell.
Recent studies have discovered some evidences about the ability of essential oils and their chemical components to influence our different systems (sensory, endocrinal, nervous, immune). I will link some articles at the bottom of this post for your reference.
Single oils
Now that you know how it works, here is a list of essential oils that could help you to manage your emotions on a daily basis. For every emotions, I have set more than one oil, for 2 reasons:
- It is important to choose a smell that you like;
- some essential oils are linked with a parent: if you have a conflicted relationship with your mum for example, don’t choose lavender to release your stress, it will have the opposite effect on your mood. Take this matching in consideration when choosing an oil.
Helichrysum: heals the soul, treats anger, shock, frustration. It helps to fix an anchor point, self assertion and adaptation. It represents a kindly guide who reminds true values.
Lavender: this oil is calming, sweet and enveloping (a maternal influence). It releases tension, calms anxiety, depression and helps with sleep (it can also reduce nightmares). In general, lavender will balance emotions.
Wild orange: represents a happy child. Orange will treat insomnia and gently relieve anxiety and provide self assurance.
Petitgrain: It represents a warm and welcoming paternal figure. It helps to relax, to calm anxiety and stress. It brings back self-confidence and balance after a period of stress or worries.
Rosemary : It represents the figure of a dynamic and casual parent. It helps with anxiety, nervousness and stress. It promotes psychological tonus, self assertion, confidence and emotional control. Rosemary is also very famous for its properties to help focus and concentration.
Laurel: it’s a famous oil used by artists before going on stage! Laurel is like a supportive friend, one that pushes you forward after calming you down. It reduces stage fright and the paralysing anxiety of failure. Laurel helps to overcome yourself and the others.
Peppermint: it represents a joyful child. This oil will bring you casualness and freshness. It calms down nervous individuals and helps with self confidence.
Scotch Pine: represents a well-grounded paternal figure. It brings energy, pushes us upward with our feet firmly on the ground.
Rose: it represents the figure of a person in love. It makes you smile instantly and brings you joy. It helps with depression and love sorrows. It brings you boldness and self confidence.
How to use them?
- If you need an immediate effect: apply 1 or 2 drops in your palms, rub hands together, cup in front of your nose, and inhale deeply (do not touch eyes).
- You can also dilute in a carrier oil of your choice and apply topically to points such as the back of your neck, your wrists and over your heart.
- If you need a long lasting effect, or in prevention: use aromatically in an essential oil diffuser.
Homemade oil blends
Here are some ideas: mix together the suggested oils, same amount each (for example 2/2/2) in a diffuser or in a carrier oil of your choice and apply topically).
If you are sad, ashamed, angry, bored, discouraged: bergamot, frankincense, wild orange, and clary sage
If you are worried, scared, insecure, nervous: sandalwood, lavender, roman chamomile, wild orange
If you are worried, anxious, stressed, overwhelmed: lavender, lemon, ylang-ylang
If you are angry, bored, distracted, frustrated: ylang-ylang, vetiver, cedarwood, bergamot
If you are not focused, lost, distracted: peppermint, lime, ylang-ylang, rosemary
If you don’t have enough essential oils at home to make a blend yourself, don’t worry: there are plenty of ready-to-use oil blends! To choose an efficient one, use the same rules as when choosing an essential oil. (click if you don’t know what is important when choosing an oil)
Dōterra has a good selection of blends to manage emotions, here is the wheel and the names for your information. I really like this presentation as it gives you an idea of the main fragrance (floral, tree, citrus, etc.) so you can choose according to your personal tastes:
⚠️Essential oils need to be taken with care. Please read the contraindications and safety rules before to use them! ?? Click on the button Essential oils to have more informations and on the online boutique to get your products!