I noticed recently that this week commemorates National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. No doubt, parents who have experienced this type of loss do not need a special day to remind them to remember. In truth, many families live with the trauma and despair of their losses on a daily basis. Overcoming grief from any kind of loss can be difficult. Learn how aromatherapy and essential oils can assist with overcoming grief.

What is Grief?

Grief is a person’s response to loss, particularly to the loss of a loved one. Although most people think of grief as an emotional response to loss, it also has physical, cognitive, behavioral, social, cultural, spiritual and philosophical dimensions. In short, grief can be utterly debilitating.

Most psychologists agree that there are 5-7 stages of the grieving process similar to those listed below:

  • Shock or disbelief
  • Denial
  • Bargaining
  • Guilt
  • Anger
  • Depression
  • Acceptance/hope

Moving through these stages is a natural progression of healing both emotionally and physically after a loss. But some people tend to “get stuck” in one or more of these stages and have difficulty getting to acceptance. In these cases, professional counseling may be in order to help you process and move forward. You can also try some essential oils to help you overcome your grief and ease the process.

Essential Oils for Overcoming Grief

When using oils to overcome grief and other emotions, inhalation is important. When we inhale essential oils, the molecules go directly to the limbic center of the brain to facilitate release. Click here to learn more. Apply the blends listed below somewhere on your body where you will be able to inhale the aroma. Many people choose to apply to neck, wrists, head, and even under the nose. Each recipe also guides you to apply the blend over a specific chakra for the given emotion.

For each recipe below, follow these instructions:

Combine all essential oils in a 5 mL roller bottle. Add crystals, if desired. Top off with fractionated coconut oil, leaving enough space to attach the roller. Apply liberally as needed. Alternatively, you can use the oils listed in each blend in your diffuser. When diffusing, aim for a total of 8-12 drops of essential oil at one time.

I absolutely love the Rainbow Rollers from Whimsy and Wellness. Whimsy and Wellness will donate $1 per bottle sold to the Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support nonprofit, which supports families that have lost a little one.

Trauma

In the beginning stages of the initial shock of losing a loved one, certain essential oils can help you deal with trauma.

Chakra: Solar Plexus

  • 3 drops bergamot
  • 3 drops sandalwood
  • 2 drops valerian
  • 2 drops black spruce
  • 1 drop davana
  • 1 drop lavender
  • Rose quartz or calcite crystals

Guilt

Guilt is common when overcoming trauma. Often these feelings even come when we start to feel a little better. People feel guilty for moving on as if they have a responsibility to mourn. Overcoming this guilt is essential to truly healing from the trauma.

Chakra: Solar Plexus

  • 3 drops jasmine
  • 3 drops bergamot
  • 2 drops lemon
  • 2 drops myrrh
  • 1 drops melissa (or geranium if you have it)
  • Rose quartz or jasper crystals

Anger

Chakra: Root

  • 3 drops grapefruit
  • 3 drops ylang ylang
  • 2 drops vetiver
  • 2 drops frankincense
  • Carnelian or amethyst crystals

Acceptance

The Acceptance essential oil blend is great for this phase of your grief recovery. Learn more about this blend and how it works here. If you prefer to make your own blend, try the recipe below instead.

Chakra: Heart

  • 4 drops bergamot
  • 3 drops cedarwood
  • 3 drops frankincense
  • 2 drops vetiver
  • 2 drops lavender
  • 1 drop juniper
  • 1 drop sandalwood
  • Azurite or lapis lazuli crystals

Still struggling with emotions? Check out this post about Natural Solutions for Anger.

Wild Alabaster