Aromatherapy for Emotional Well-Being
Essential oils should not be considered a miracle cure for emotional issues. However, when realistically and carefully used as a complement to appropriate medical care by qualified medical practitioners, particular essential oils have the potential to greatly assist in supporting emotional wellness.
Essential oils are comprised of aromatic molecules that typically work in synergy with one another. Because essential oils evaporate quickly (known as being "volatile"), their molecules are easily inhaled. Without providing an intimidating lesson in olfaction (the science of the sense of smell), the inhalation of these naturally occurring synergistic molecules provide triggers to our brain. These triggers effect our emotions. Inhalation of these wondrous molecules also provides physical benefit which may also work together to aid in our emotional state.
For example, linalyl acetate is an ester that is present in Lavender, Clary Sage and a few other essential oils. It has been shown to be calming and can be helpful when feeling stressed or anxious.
Below is a list of essential oils oils that have the potential to help support or soothe particular emotions. When using any oil, it's important to follow all safety guidelines and safety issues that pertain to the particular oil.
Not all essential oils provide the same level of benefit for all persons. Past memories associated with particular aromas can have a positive or negative effect. Rose Essential Oil, for instance, is known for aiding during times of grief. Your past experiences with the aroma of Rose Oil, however, may impact its effectiveness for use during times of grief. If you had a loving grandmother who often smelled of rose, for instance, your reaction when smelling rose may differ than if you had an abusive grandmother who typically smelled of rose. If your rose-smelling grandma died, your reaction to the aroma of rose will be impacted by your past associations with the aroma. Do not force yourself to use an oil that elicits negative feelings or that you don't like the aroma of, even if it is one that is listed below.
It is important, therefore, that you treat any list of essential oils used for emotional well-being as a starting point.
Essential Oils for Anger Management
- Bergamot
- Jasmine
- Neroli
- Orange
- Patchouli
- Petitgrain
- Palo Santo
- Roman Chamomile
- Rose
- Sandalwood, Australian
- Sandalwood, East Indian
- Vetiver
- Ylang Ylang
Essential Oils for Anxiety
- Bergamot
- Cedarwood
- Clary Sage
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Mandarin
- Neroli
- Palo Santo
- Patchouli
- Roman Chamomile
- Rose
- Sandalwood, Australian
- Sandalwood, East Indian
- Vetiver
Essential Oils for Confidence
Essential Oils for Minor Feelings of Depression
- Bergamot
- Clary Sage
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Grapefruit
- Helichrysum
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Mandarin
- Neroli
- Palo Santo
- Orange
- Roman Chamomile
- Rose
- Sandalwood, Australian
- Sandalwood, East Indian
- Ylang Ylang
Essential Oils for Fatigue, Exhaustion and Burnout
- Bergamot
- Black Pepper
- Clary Sage
- Cypress
- Frankincense
- Ginger
- Grapefruit
- Helichrysum
- Jasmine
- Lemon
- Patchouli
- Peppermint
- Sandalwood
- Vetiver
Essential Oils for Fear
- Bergamot
- Cedarwood
- Clary Sage
- Frankincense
- Grapefruit
- Jasmine
- Lemon
- Neroli
- Palo Santo
- Orange
- Roman Chamomile
- Sandalwood, Australian
- Sandalwood, East Indian
- Vetiver
Essential Oils for Grief
- Cypress
- Frankincense
- Helichrysum
- Neroli
- Palo Santo
- Rose
- Sandalwood, Australian
- Sandalwood, East Indian
- Vetiver
Essential Oils for Happiness and Peace
- Bergamot
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Grapefruit
- Lemon
- Neroli
- Orange
- Palo Santo
- Rose
- Sandalwood, Australian
- Sandalwood, East Indian
- Ylang Ylang
Essential Oils for Insecurity
Essential Oils for Irritability
Essential Oils for Loneliness
Essential Oils for Memory and Concentration
Essential Oils for Stress Reduction
- Bergamot
- Clary Sage
- Frankincense
- Geranium
- Grapefruit
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Mandarin
- Neroli
- Palo Santo
- Patchouli
- Roman Chamomile
- Rose
- Sandalwood, Australian
- Sandalwood, East Indian
- Vetiver
- Ylang Ylang
Essential Oil Recipes for Emotional Wellness
AromaWeb's Aromatherapy Recipes area contains a variety of recipes for emotional wellness.