Aromatherapists are well aware that essential oils can influence our mood. For centuries, these plant-based remedies have been used for physical and mental health problems.
There are various recipes for relaxation. Many of these are now bottled and marketed as stress formulas.
Healing for a Broken Heart
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Or, if you need to stay focused, and more alert, there are recipes for that too. But what about essential oils for a broken heart?
If you’re not familiar with aromatherapy, all of this might sound pretty far fetched. But for those of us who use our oils every day, we know how much they help us. When I’m tired, for instance, I rub a little myrrh oil on my inner wrists. It seems to give me more energy.
If I’m trying to concentrate, I put a few drops of a special germ-fighter blend onto a small towel, and place it near my computer. Even though this was designed for a different purpose, it’s very useful when I’m working. Tasks are easier and I seem to get more done. Maybe this is because it contains rosemary. According to one study, this essential oil was found to increase cognitive function, at least temporarily.
Essential Oils for Disappointment
But can aromatic oils also help, if you’re highly distressed? Perhaps a romantic relationship has ended abruptly. Or, you’ve been laid off, from a job you love. Maybe someone you considered a good friend has betrayed you. Or, possibly, a family member has done something disappointing.
This is a hard question to answer, definitively. That’s because scientific studies are lacking. So neither I nor anyone else can make any claims or promises. But the little body of research we do have is encouraging.
Essential Oils for Emotional Tension
The University of Maryland Medical Center is one of the few mainstream outlets that takes essential oils seriously. On its website, it noted that various studies have found that lavender oil appears to reduce stress.
Another aromatic oil was found to decrease anxiety in a group of people about to undergo a surgical procedure, according to the UMMC.
Of course, I don’t need studies to tell me that sweet-smelling oils are good tension busters. When I’m wound up, and want to get some sleep, I often sprinkle lavender essential oil on my pillowcase.
Essential Oils for a Broken Heart
So, can essential oils ease that deep, miserable pain you feel when you’ve lost someone (or something) you love?
To see if I could get more information, I contacted one of my favorite essential oil companies. A nice customer service rep from Plant Therapy told me that they make a special Blues Busters Synergy blend. This recipe contains uplifting citrus oils (tangerine and grapefruit), as well as geranium oil. The latter is one of the best for depression. Grapefruit seems to have very similar actions. The two of them together is believed to be a powerful combination.
Essential Oils for Disappointment
Aromatherapists generally favor blends for specific conditions. That’s because of a belief that multiple oils work in synergy. This makes them more effective.
Anyway, while no one can guarantee Blues Busters Synergy will make you feel better, it might be worth a try. It also doesn’t have the side effects associated with pharmaceutical antidepressants. (However, if you’re severely depressed, please seek medical help.)
Plant Therapy Blues Buster Blend
Essential Oils for Sadness
How does Plant Therapy recommend you use this sadness formula? It suggests diffusing it (if you own a cold air diffuser), or massaging it into your body, on your inner wrists or on the bottom of your feet. However, if you do this, make sure to dilute the aromatic oil in a carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil.
One pretty standard dilution ratio is two or three drops of oil to one teaspoon of carrier, such as olive or grapeseed oil. Although this doesn’t seem like much, trust me, these oils are strong. Geranium, in particular, is very potent.
Essential Oils for Heartbreak
One time, before I married my husband, we went through a rocky stretch. The relationship ended and I was heartbroken. My next door neighbor at the time was a therapist. She knew about my situation. And she assured me that after six weeks, the sadness would become much less intense.
So, if it’s any consolation, better days are ahead.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless under the direction of a healthcare professional.
I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice.
For Additional Reading
Relaxing Essential Oils Blends Recipes
I think if you’re depressed or brokenhearted that you should reach for natural remedies before popping pills that can be very harmful to your overall health and mental well being.
Hi Lesley, I totally agree. People definitely need to check out the potential side effects of all drugs. It’s not a rare incident if it happens to you.
Nice to hear about the metaphysical properties of essential oils.
Hi Clara, thanks for reading.
Natural remedies certainly are the way to go to mend the broken heart. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Aysha, thanks so much for reading.