Tag Archives: essential oils

Essential Oils and Crystals for the Crown Chakra

Essential oils and crystals for the crown chakra header

The crown chakra is located on the crown of the head and is associated with divine wisdom, spiritual awareness, connection to your Higher Self and enlightenment.

When in balance you have faith in a Higher Power, believe that you are divinely guided and protected and can put things into perspective. You feel happy and are comfortable expressing your own form of spirituality. You may also experience claircognizance knowing, without knowing how you know.

When out of balance you may have difficulty with finishing things, constantly seek validation from others, feel that your life is without meaning or sense of purpose, spacey, ungrounded, indecisive, alienated, confused, cut off from spirituality, fear opening up to your Higher Self or a Higher Power. You may feel disassociated from or unattached to your physical body.

On a physical level you may have chronic exhaustion, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression, learning disabilities or problems with perception.

Some questions to consider and perhaps journal about
Do you feel disconnected from your higher Self?
Do you feel or know you have a purpose in life and are fulfilling it?
Do you live by your spiritual truths?
Are you rigid in your thoughts and beliefs?
Do you meditate? When?
Do you feel that you have to give up money to be true to your spiritual path?
Do you often neglect others in favour of connecting to a Higher Power, angels, ascended masters or guides?

15 essential oils that can help with crown chakra issues
Crown chakra issues that relate to intuition and spirituality can be addressed with the help of essential oils.

The oils can be used in various ways including inhalation, bathing, anointing, massage and as perfumes.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) helps you connect with the angelic realm and your spiritual purpose.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) raises your vibration and helps you change your reality by accepting new thoughts and concepts.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) shines the light of hope when you visit your shadow side and experience a dark night of the soul.

Black spruce (Picea mariana) clears energetic blockages and renews your sense of purpose, motivation and inspiration. She encourages forgiveness, self-acceptance and setting healthy boundaries.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) brings a sense of spiritual certainty and gives you the strength and courage to express your truth.

Chamomile German (Matricaria recutita) allows you to let go of old ideas and beliefs so you can be open to your intuitive guidance and inner wisdom.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) stimulates your intuition and dream world without disconnecting you from your body.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) helps to unearth the fears that block change and your spiritual growth while giving you the inner strength to continue on your chosen path.

Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) calms, centres and stills your mind and helps awaken your soul’s purpose.

Juniper berry (Juniperus communis) helps break up blockages and strengthens your spiritual will encouraging you to speak your truth.

Lavender (Lavendula officinalis) helps open, align and expand the heart and crown chakras simultaneously promoting spiritual growth.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) strengthens the link between your crown and base chakras helping to keep you grounded while being inspired.

Myrtle (Myrtus communis) reminds you that we are all connected and embraced by Divine love. She also strengthens your deep inner wisdom.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) renews enthusiasm and improves self-confidence helping you to remember your own true path.

Sandalwood (Santalum album) calms your mental chatter allowing you to access your Higher Self, gain clarity and a sense of inner peace.

Make your own crown chakra anointing blend
Choose 1-3 essential oils for a total of 3 drops and add to 10 mls of cold pressed vegetable oil.

Either sit or lie down. Take a couple of deep even breaths. Anoint your crown with a few drops of the blend in a clockwise direction with your fingertips. Use your intention to open, balance, heal and then close the chakra. Continue your slow deep breathing allowing the oils to do their work and when you feel ready open your eyes. Note down anything you felt or any thoughts that came to you.

15 crystals that may be used to balance the crown chakra
Choose one or two to work with. These may be used directly on the crown chakra, carried in the pocket, worn as jewellery or used as an essence or spray.

Alexandrite helps you learn to trust your intuition and guidance while opening your heart to Divine love.

Amegreen is a combination of purple and green amethyst and white quartz that brings all the chakras into alignment while enhancing psychic ability and keeping you heart centred.

Ametrine assists in connecting you with your Divine guidance and taking action based on that guidance.

Celestite enhances your inner vision and intuition as well as your ability to connect with the angelic realm.

Charoite stimulates your intuitive and psychic abilities and helps you recognize and overcome resistance to your sacred path.

Clear calcite helps you release energetic blockages that are impeding your connection with the Divine and releasing the past.

Elestial quartz helps you uncover the deeper aspects of yourself and strengthens your connection with Divine wisdom and knowledge.

Herkimer diamonds help you communicate with the angelic realm, are useful for dream work and can increase your psychic ability.

Moonstone increases psychic awareness and intuition helping you to become attuned to your guides and their guidance. It is also a useful stone for past life work.

Prasiolite also known as green amethyst opens the crown and third eye chakras and helps you express your spiritual ideals in your everyday life.

Purple chalcedony helps protect you from the negative psychic impressions you may pick up from people or your environment.

Selenite clears etheric blockages, opens and activates the third eye, stimulates your intuition and ability to communicate with your spirit guides and the angelic realm.

Seraphinite assists you in communicating with the angelic realm and brings healing to your body, mind and spirit.

Suglite activates your inner vision, heart and mind so you can find or remember your spiritual passion.

Tanzanite aligns your heart and mind allowing you to share spiritual information from a heart centred perspective.

Accessing Your Inner Guidance Aromatic Affirmation: I am able to access and trust my inner guidance.

Aromatic Affirmation For Accessing Your Inner Guidance

Essential Oils and Crystals for the Third Eye Chakra

Essential oils and crystals for the third eye header

The third eye is located above the eyebrows in the middle of forehead.

The 3rd eye or brow chakra is the place where you connect with and develop trust in your intuition, perceptions, psychic talents, wisdom and inner vision. It is the centre of both your conscious and unconscious beliefs, the place where you interpret your thoughts, pains and losses to reach a greater understanding of your true self.

You connect to a higher power to receive insightful visions of the past, present and future so you can separate truth from illusion. You use your imagination and power to visualize, envision and imagine a new way of being.

When out of balance you may have headaches, migraines, acute sinusitis, vision and eye problems. You may not believe in your intuition or clairvoyance and dismiss others as fakes who develop and use their intuition or psychic talents to help themselves and others. You may be unable to access or assess your intuition, be disconnected from your spiritual truths, confused about your life purpose or scared to be who you truly are.

Some questions to consider and perhaps journal about
Do you consider yourself an intuitive person?
Do you feel disconnected from your intuition?
Do you resist or ignore your intuition?
Do you have an active imagination?
Are you limited or expanded by your imagination?
Do you believe you are a human being having a spiritual experience or a spiritual being having a human experience?
Do you believe you are responsible for your life?
Do you believe your life has meaning?

16 essential oils that can help with third eye chakra issues
Third eye chakra issues that relate to intuition and rigid thinking can all be addressed with the help of essential oils.

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) helps overcome the fear of claiming your personal power and awakens your desire to create allowing imaginative ideas and intuition to flourish. Releases outdated beliefs and thoughts that now longer serve you allowing space for new perspectives and ideas.

Black spruce (Picea mariana) clears energetic blockages and renews your sense of purpose, motivation and inspiration. She also strengthens and expands your intuition.

Carrot seed (Daucus carota) stimulates your ability to understand another person’s point of view and have compassion. She opens your 3rd eye to bring greater clarity and wisdom on the journey to your true self.

Chamomile German (Matricaria recutita) allows you to let go of old ideas and beliefs so you can be open to your intuitive guidance and inner wisdom.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) promotes a willingness to act on your own inner guidance.

Cistus (Cistus landiferus), strengthens and expands your intuition allowing you to connect to your inner wisdom.

Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) stimulates your intuition and dream world without disconnecting you from your body.

Elemi (Canarium luzonicum) helps you understand that you are a co-creator of your destiny and offers support and strength when you need to reconnect with yourself and others.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) calms, centres and stills your mind when there is worry and ceaseless negative mental chatter giving you the space to communicate with a Higher power.

Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) heightens clairaudience by calming your mind chatter.

Marjoram (Marjorama hortensis) opens your third eye and aligns with the spiritual body heightening your intuition.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium) helps you to access and trust your inner guidance.

Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) helps you gain clarity around your life’s purpose.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) expands your third eye and heightens intuition helping to calm the mind and clear confusion

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara) helps you open up to your intuition.

sandalwood chips Sandalwood (Santalum album) calms your mental chatter allowing you to access your Higher Self, gain clarity and a sense of inner peace.

Make your own solar plexus chakra anointing blend
Choose 1-3 essential oils for a total of 3 drops and add to 10 mls of cold pressed vegetable oil.

Either sit or lie down. Take a couple of deep even breaths. Anoint your third eye with a few drops of the blend in a clockwise direction with your fingertips. Be careful not to let any oil drip into your eyes. Use your intention to open, balance, heal and then close the chakra. Continue your slow deep breathing allowing the oils to do their work and when you feel ready open your eyes.

16 crystals that may be used to balance the third eye chakra
Indigo, blue and purple crystals are used to balance the third eye chakra. Choose one or two to work with. These may be used directly on the third eye chakra, carried in the pocket, worn as jewellery or used as an essence or spray.

Amethyst opens and clears the third eye accelerating the development of your intuitive and psychic abilities.

Angelite helps you connect in a clear, concise and compassionate manner leading to deeper understanding. Helps connect you to the angels.

Apophyllite helps you connect to and communicate with your Higher Self and soul.

Blue calcite helps clear blockages in the third eye helping you to access your inner vision and clairvoyance.

Celestite enhances your inner vision and intuition as well as your ability to connect with the angelic realm.

Charoite stimulates the third eye and helps you recognize and overcome resistance to your sacred path.

Iolite awakens your psychic gifts, helps you to take action based on your higher wisdom and to express that wisdom creatively.

Kyanite initiates psychic ability and promotes communication with higher beings. It clears your energetic field and creates a protective shield in which to do psychic work.

Lapis lazuli enhances clairvoyance, facilitates past life work and gives you a clearer perspective on your life and opportunities for growth.

Moonstone increases psychic awareness and intuition helping you to become attuned to your guides and their guidance. It is also a useful stone for past life work.

Pietersite stimulates your psychic vision helping you find a new direction and move forward when you are unable to see your path.

Satyaloka quartz enhances spiritual vision assisting clear communication with your spirit guides.

Selenite clears etheric blockages, opens and activates the third eye, stimulates your intuition and ability to communicate with your spirit guides and the angelic realm.

Shattuckite is a stone of truth helping you to express the wisdom and information you have received from higher realms.

Smokey quartz is a very powerful clearing and grounding stone and can provide protection from the negative energies in your environment.

Suglite activates your inner vision, heart and mind so you can find or remember your spiritual passion.

Insight Aromatic Affirmation: I have the wisdom, spiritual understanding, compassion and insight to deal with this situation.

Insight aromatic affirmation

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata var genuina)

Ylang-Ylang-header

Family: Annonaceae

Synonyms: Perfume tree, flower of flowers

Aroma: Warm, sweet, floral, exotic

Colour: Pale yellow.

Plant: Fast growing tree that can reach 20 metres in height. The leaves are oval and pointy with wavy margins around 15 to 20 cms in length and evergreen with a smooth glossy appearance. The flowers are green when they first appear changing to yellow, pink and mauve but the essential oil is only extracted from the yellow flowers.

Main Growing Areas: Philippines, Java, Sumatra, Reunion, Madagascar, the Comores

Major Constituents: para-cresyl methyl ether – contributes to strong euphoric odour and possibly antispasmodic effects.

Linalool – sedative, geranyl acetate and benzyl benzoate – relaxing and calming, caryophyllene – possible anti-inflammatory.

Interesting snippets: Cananga oil (Cananga odorata var macrophylla) is often used to adulterate ylang ylang oil and is also used in soaps and cheap perfumes.

In Japan Ylang Ylang was associated with the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu-o-mi-Kami, ancestor of the Imperial family.

Dr Tim Betts of Birmingham University’s Neuropsychiatry Clinic, UK , stated that Ylang Ylang oil can also be effective for controlling epilepsy, especially when smelt before the onset of a seizure.

Used to treat typhus, malaria and other fevers at the beginning of the century.

Part of Plant used / Extraction: Yellow flowers soon after picking. Steam fractionation as various grades are taken off at various stages of the approx. 20 hour distillation process. Extra (up to 1 hour), first (up to 3 hours), second (up to 6 hours), third (up to 10 hours). A complete oil is continuously distilled for 15 hours without any fraction being taken out or by combining the extra, first and second grades.

Therapeutic actions: Rapid breathing, tachycardia, reduces high blood pressure, PMS

Emotional and Spiritual: Antidepressant, aphrodisiac and sedative that soothes the nerves and softens anger. Anxiety, panic, anger and fear, shock, integrates the emotions and soothes the nervous system

Gabriel Mojay writes that Ylang Ylang may be used by people in whom fear, anxiety and the urge to withdraw have subconsciously blocked their feelings of sexuality.

Suzanne Catty writes that ylang ylang is a top choice for anyone with control issues. The scent being both floral and animal at the same time reconnects the mind and body, something that control often seeks to separate. Ylang Ylang also dispels aggressiveness. She also notes that Ylang Ylang hydrosol is more truly like the crazy, messy, emotional beings that humans really are in physical form.

Robbie Zeck writes that this exotic, sweet ‘flower of flowers’ softens attitudes, breaks old patterns and evokes flexibility. Explore and transform your anger and be mindful of how you are affecting others. Consider where knots of anger may be located in your body. Mindfully apply Ylang Ylang over those parts to nourish and relax your body and mind.

Susanne Fischer-Rizzi states that ylang ylang is helpful in reducing pain and is calming and antispasmodic. She helps reconcile feelings of anger, rage and frustration, replacing them with joy, sensuality, euphoria, inner trust and peacefulness.

Aromatherapy Insight Card: Ylang Ylang Insight Card

PEACE
It is the oil for people of all ages who have too much angry energy. Ylang Ylang has a feminine aroma that brings a sense of peace, love and tenderness.
Ylang Ylang invokes feelings of peace and tranquility, reuniting us with our emotional, caring, nurturing, intuitive side. Balancing left and right brain, Ylang Ylang is the “warm fuzzy” nurturing essential oil that softens us and relieves life’s frustrations that often lead to anger. When locked in that logical, analytical mode, use Ylang Ylang to reveal your inner strength, more resilient and able to conquer any negative emotions you may show. “Be in touch with your feminine side.”

Contemplations for the Soul Card: Ylang Ylang CFTS card Are you feeling frustrated, angry, fearful or unhappy?
Look for the underlying cause of your fear and anger and deal with it.
Your anger doesn’t only affect you but others in your circle.
What do you need to feel a sense of peace and wellbeing?
How will you attain it?
Spend time in relaxation practices and learn to deal with your anger more constructively.
You can express your anger in a relatively calm manner without blowing your top.
Is it necessary to get angry and frustrated by the person or situation or can you let it go? If you can, let it go.
If not, express your opinion or feelings in a calm manner and move on.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-toxic excessive use may lead to headaches and nausea. Moderate risk of skin sensitisation so use with care on people with hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin and children under 2 years of age.

Sources: Atterby D, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.51 (2011)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. Third Edition. Black pepper Creative Pty Ltd, Australia (2018)
Bowles E.J, The A to Z of Essential Oils. New Burlington Books (2003)
Catty S, Cananga odorata. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.51 (2011)
Eidson D, Vibrational Healing, Frog Books (2000)
Fischer-Rizzi, S, Complete Aromatherapy Handbook. Essential Oils for Radiant Health Sterling Publishing Company (1990)
Hodges C, Contemplations for the Soul Cards (2016)
Jefferies J, Osborn K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Kerr J, Ylang Ylang Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.4 (1997)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Tisserand R and Young R, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

Essential Oils and Crystals For The Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is located approximately 5mm (2 inches) below the navel. It is associated with family, sexuality, passion, creativity, the exploration of your feelings, emotions and deservedness.

When balanced you are creative, calm, relaxed, nurturing, have good boundaries, a strong immune system and are able to give and receive freely. You know deep within that you deserve all the abundance and goodness that comes your way. You have a sense of your own sexuality and your ability to connect with and care for others as well as yourself.

When out of balance you may fear change or feel stuck and unable to change. You may have negative beliefs around your ability to create, parent your children, your sexual ability or your ability to form or maintain relationships. You may either try to control everyone and everything in your life or give away your power to another and end up feeling disempowered and fearful. You may have an eating disorder (compulsive eating, anorexia and comfort eating) and/or food, drug and sexual addictions because of the emptiness you feel inside.

Some questions to consider and perhaps journal about
Do you feel guilty about something?
Do you embrace change easily?
Are you in touch with your own sexuality?
Are you living or creating your passion?
Are you unable to express your emotions?
Do you make sure everyone else’s needs are met before your own?
Do you nurture and cherish yourself?
Are you honest with yourself and others about how you feel?
Do you believe you deserve to achieve your greatest desires?
Do you feel the need to control everyone and everything in your life?

20 essential oils that can help with sacral chakra issues
Sacral chakra issues related to family, sexuality, passion, creativity, the exploration of your feelings, emotions and deservedness that result in anxiety, worry and feelings of worthlessness can all be addressed with the help of essential oils.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is helpful if your feelings of despondency and dejection lead you to seek constant reassurance and emotional support. She is also useful where there are issues with control and can help you express yourself through creativity.

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) helps overcome the fear of claiming your personal power and awakens your desire to create allowing imaginative ideas and intuition to flourish.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) allows you to explore your deepest, darkest, innermost feelings so you can heal and release repressed emotions.

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) helps unblock stagnant energy and restore a sense of direction and determination. Reminds you to take responsibility for your actions and their consequences.

Chamomile German (Matricaria recutita) allows you to let go of old ideas, beliefs and the need to control every aspect of your life.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is useful if you have isolated yourself emotionally from others. She helps you regain your passion for life.

Elemi (Canarium luzonicum) helps you access your innermost feelings so that you can release suppressed emotions. She offers support and strength when you need to reconnect with yourself and others.

Fennel Sweet (Foeniculum vulgare dulce) can help get to the root cause of eating disorders due to feelings of being unloved, insecurity, self-rejection or needing approval.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) helps to overcome feelings of abandonment and rejection. She is an aphrodisiac and helps reconnect you to your sensual self.

Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) promotes love, sensuality, sexuality, creativity and living in the moment.

Lavender (Lavendula officinalis) helps to ease frustration and irritability, nurtures you and allows you to forgive yourself for neglecting yourself and others in the past.

Marjoram Sweet (Marjorama hortensis) calms obsessive thinking and anxiety and helps to ease feelings of being lonely, unsupported, denied warmth and affection.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium) helps to release suppressed emotions especially those of anger, resentment and despair. She helps you to choose differently allowing you to accept and trust yourself.

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is helpful if you are feeling out of touch with your body and sensuality due to overwork, anxiety and worry.

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara) gives you gentle strength and stability when you are feeling emotionally vulnerable.

Pine (Pinus sylvestris) encourages you to believe in your self-worth and set boundaries especially if you feel a need to take responsibility and blame for the actions of others.

Rose (Rosa damascena) restores a sense of security and well-being especially if you have suffered rejection, loss or abuse.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) renews enthusiasm and improves self-confidence helping you to remember your own true path. She helps you direct creative energy into action.

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanoides) brings calm, reassuring strength and a sense of belonging.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata var. genuina) is useful for impotence and frigidity due to fear and anxiety. She helps to reunite your emotional and sensual nature allowing you to express and experience both pleasure and joy.

Make your own sacral chakra anointing blend
Choose 1-3 essential oils for a total of 3 drops. Add to 10 mls of cold pressed vegetable oil. Label your blend noting the oils and date.

You may either sit or lie down. Take a couple of deep even breaths. Anoint your abdomen approximately 5mm (2 inches) below your navel with a few drops of the blend in a clockwise direction with your fingertips. Use your intention to open, balance, heal and then close the chakra. Continue your slow deep breathing allowing the oils to do their work and when you feel ready open your eyes.

15 crystals that may be used to balance the throat chakra
Orange and peach crystals are used to balance the sacral chakra. Blue and green crystals can help to balance an overstimulated sacral chakra. Choose one or two to work with. These may be used directly on the sacral chakra, carried in the pocket, worn as jewellery or used as an essence or spray.

Amber puts you in touch with your own inner strength and security. Amber is helpful if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder as well as stimulating your metabolism and physical energy.

Apophyllite allows you to explore your deepest, innermost feelings and release suppressed emotions. This crystal would work well with bergamot essential oil.

Bloodstone grounds you fully in your body offering support and courage in difficult times.

Carnelian helps to overcome the fear of taking action or doing the wrong thing and to embrace change.

Citrine stimulates the imagination and enhances creativity. She also helps you overcome feelings of not deserving abundance in your life.

Clear quartz can be used to clear and balance all the chakras.

Lapis lazuli helps to release deep stress, release repressed anger bringing inner peace.

Orange calcite stimulates your physical body, sexual and creative energy. She can be used to help heal emotional wounds related to your sexuality, creativity and sexual abuse.

Rhodochrosite is helpful for healing deep emotional trauma that has left you unable to feel joy or express your creativity.

Rhodonite helps you value yourself and the skills you bring to your community.

Rose quartz helps release, worry, fear, anxiety and past emotional trauma.

Sunstone stimulates your sexual and creative energy and can increase your physical stamina.

Tangerine quartz helps to overcome the fear of not being good enough. She also encourages playfulness and creative problem solving.

Tiger’s eye supports physical vitality and energy. She heals issues surrounding self-worth, self-criticism, blocked creativity and internal conflict.

Golden topaz is helpful if you have difficulty maintaining and honouring boundaries – yours and others.

Respect Aromatic Affirmation
I value and respect myself, my body, emotions, creativity, family and friends. I maintain healthy boundaries and know I am worthy of love and respect.

Respect Aromatic Affirmation

Therapeutic Effects of Essential Oils in the Rutaceae Family

Most of the essential oils in this family come from citrus fruits but not all. Others include amyris, boronia, Cape May, and the zanthoxylums (spices).

Species of the family generally have flowers that divide into four or five parts and are white, yellow, purple, pink or red in colour, usually with strong scents. They range in form and size from herbs to shrubs and large trees.

Essential oils from the Rutaceae family include Amyris (Amyris balsamifera), Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Boronia (Boronia megastigma), Cape May (Coleonema album), Clementine (Citrus Clementina), Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), Lemon (Citrus limonum), Lime (Citrus aurantifolia), Mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Neroli (Citrus aurantium var.amara), Orange Blood (Citrus sinensis), Orange Sweet (Citrus sinensis), Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var. amara), Rue (Ruta graveolens), Tangerine (Citrus reticulata), Tosa Konatsu (Citrus tamurana), Xanthoxylum (Zanthoxylum armatum), Yuzu (Citrus junos) and Zanthoxylum (Zanthoxylum odorum).

This plant family has cooling, refreshing, calming, sedative, uplifting, antibacterial, antidepressant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, sedative, tonic, astringent, cicatrisant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in common.

Rutaceae plant family members are good digestive oils and are usually beneficial for the skin but be aware the following cold pressed essential oils are phototoxic; lemon, lime, bergamot, bitter orange, petitgrain made from mandarin leaf and rue.

Amyris (Amyris balsamifera) Amyris

Amyris is a small bushy tree, 3 to 6 metres in height, with compound leaves and white flowers that produce edible black-bluish fruit.

Therapeutic Effects
Antiseptic, balsamic, decongestant, eases sore, tired muscles, soothes dry, irritated skin.

Emotional and Subtle Effects
Useful in meditation, relaxes, calms, focuses and uplifts the mind, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Precautions
Non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-toxic. Amyris is often fractionated; some sections are cut with Virginian cedarwood. Amyris is also used to adulterate vetiver oil produced in Haiti.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

bergamot tree and fruit

The bergamot tree grows up to 12 metres high and has deep green leaves and small white fragrant flowers. The fruit ripens from green to a lemon yellow colour and is slightly spherical in shape with a sour bitter taste.

Therapeutic Effects
Skin problems including acne, cold sores, chicken pox, shingles and eczema. Also helpful for respiratory and digestive issues including flu, sore throat, laryngitis and bronchitis, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, indigestion and loss of appetite.

Emotional and Subtle Effects
She is helpful for irritability, frustration, depression, grief and sadness. Provides a light at the end of the tunnel during times of deep introspection.

Precautions
Due to the furocoumarins, bergamot is photosensitive and can cause serious skin burns or a condition known as berloque dermatitis. (An irregular darkening of the skin which can last several years). Avoid direct exposure to sunlight or sunbed rays for 12 hours after applying the diluted oil to the skin. This rule doesn’t apply to soaps and shampoos or any products that are immediately washed off the skin. You can also buy Bergaptene free essential oil which has no photosensitivity issues.

Boronia (Boronia megastigma)

An evergreen shrub with an abundance of fragrant flowers whose petals are brown on the outside and yellow on the inside.
Boronia is an absolute and is used in perfumery and food flavouring but not much in aromatherapy. This is a very expensive and strong smelling oil. Best used diluted in 1-2% jojoba.

Therapeutic Effects
Not used in aromatherapy for physical symptoms

Emotional and Subtle Effects
Maybe useful for relieving stress and sleeplessness caused by worry or circular thoughts.

Precautions
None known. Can be adulterated with ionones, eugenol, methyl eugenol and sesquiterpene fractions of ylang ylang.

Cape May (Coleonema album)

Cape May is also known as Confetti Bush because the small white star-like flowers cover the ground like confetti after a wedding during the flowering season. It is a medium to large woody shrub with small heath-like leaves.

Therapeutic Effects
Colds, flu, sore throat, skin tonic, insect repellent, mild diuretic, eases nervous tension, helps remove stale, unpleasant smells from the skin and helps reduce fevers relieve the aches and pains.

Emotional and Subtle Effects
Mentally and emotionally uplifting. Helps clear the mind of unwanted negative and fearful thinking, while simultaneously offering protection from the negativity of others, encourages positive communication.

Precautions
None known. Cape May oil polymerizes on aging. To help prevent this Tisserand suggests storing the oil in a dark, airtight container in the fridge with the addition of an antioxidant to preparations containing it.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) Grapefruit tree and fruit

A large tree growing to 30 metres with glossy dark green leaves and large fragrant flowers. The fruit is usually yellow but may vary in colour depending on the cultivar.

Therapeutic Effects
Anti-infectious, circulatory, anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulant and neuro-tonic. Constipation, nausea, fluid retention, cellulite, appetite stimulant, colds and flu, eases muscle stiffness, acne, oily skin and cellulitis. May help control sweet cravings.

Emotional and Subtle Effects
Mentally refreshing and energising, stress, nervous exhaustion, depression, mental and spiritual clarity, helps to achieve harmony and balance calms mind chatter

Precautions
Non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-toxic. Possibly mildly photosensitive. Grapefruit essential oil deteriorates quickly on exposure to air, daylight or moisture. Keep in the refrigerator to prolong her shelf life to a maximum of 12 months.

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) lime tree and fruit

Bushy tree that grows up to 4 metres or more and has small, round, greenish yellow fruit.

Therapeutic Effects
Coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis, poor digestion, insect bites and minor cuts.

Emotional and Subtle Effects
Stimulates and refreshes a tired mind. Apathy, anxiety, depression. Settles calms and refreshes the emotions, allowing feelings to be explored and released constructively.

Precautions
Non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-toxic. Lime essential oil is available as both a steam distilled and cold pressed essential oil. Please note that the cold pressed oil is photosensitive while the distilled is not.

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) Mandarins

An evergreen tree which is smaller than an orange tree and bears fruit which is slightly flattened at both ends.

Therapeutic Effects
In France mandarin is considered a safe children’s remedy for indigestion and hiccups. Antispasmodic, useful for PMS and cramped muscles. Helps prevents stretchmarks in pregnancy.

Emotional and Subtle Effects
Uplifting, depression, anxiety, irritable over-tired children.

Precautions
Non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-toxic. Keep in the fridge to prolong her shelf life (around a year). If she smells pinelike don’t use her on the skin as she may cause skin sensitization. Can still be used in a vaporiser or for cleaning without problems.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var.amara) Neroli flower

An evergreen tree up to 10 metres high with glossy leaves and fragrant white flowers.

Therapeutic Effects
Relieves muscle spasms of the smooth muscles especially the small intestines and so may be useful in cases of chronic diarrhoea due to nervous tension.

Emotional and Subtle Effects
Depression, stress, anxiety, and shock. Instils a sense of peace and aids in spiritual work. Promotes self-confidence and assists in reconnecting with one’s higher self. Useful for deep emotional pain that robs us of hope and joy.

Precautions
None known. Subject to frequent adulteration and reconstituted oils maybe added.

Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium var.amara) Petitgrain tree

An evergreen tree up to 10 metres tall with dark green, glossy, oval leaves and white flowers producing green fruit ripening to yellow. Essential oils obtained from the leaves of other species of citrus for example, lemon, bergamot and mandarin may also be labelled petitgrain.

Therapeutic Effects
Muscular spasms, insomnia, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain.

Emotional and Subtle Effects
Mental clarity stimulates the mind, uplifting, refreshing, calms anger and panic. Nervous tension and frustration, irritability and excessive anger, and mental fatigue with feelings of depression.

Precautions
None known. Often adulterated with synthetic chemicals such as nerone. May also be adulterated with limonene and rectified orange terpenes. Petitgrain is used to adulterate neroli essential oil.

Xanthoxylum (Zanthoxylum armatum)

This small tree has dense foliage with red fruit and grows to a height of 6 metres or more.

Therapeutic Effects
Colds and flu, PMS, menstrual cramps, muscle spasms and pain, insect repellent, digestive issues, stimulates the appetite, swollen joints and arthritis.

Emotional and Subtle Effects
Antidepressant, calming, meditative, uplifting, stress.

Precautions
None known

Yuzu (Citrus junos) Yuzu fruit

Yuzu is an expensive Japanese oil but one that brings sunshine on a cold winter’s day.
The small tree produces orange-yellow fruit with a hint of green and a bumpy peel.

Therapeutic Effects
Colds and flu, muscle aches and pains, digestive stimulant, arthritis and rheumatism.

Emotional and Subtle Effects
Anxiety, stress, nervous tension, frustration, depression, grief. Gives the spiritual purification and strength needed to move forward and focus on new thoughts and feelings.

Precautions
Skin sensitization if oxidized and is best stored in a dark airtight container in the fridge.

References
Atterby D, Mandarin Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.44 (2009)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. 3rd edition Volume 1.The Perfect Potion, Australia (2018)
Lawless J, Complete Essential Oils. Element Books (1995)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Tisserand R and Young R, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014
Worwood, V.A, The Fragrant Heavens. Doubleday Publishing UK (1999)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutaceae
https://nbodyshop.com/essential-oil-by-plant-family/
https://shop.chozen.co.za/cape-may-coleonema-album
Boronia jpeg by Murray Fagg https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boronia_megastigma_flowers.jpg

Essential Oils and Crystals for the Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus is located in the area between the sternum (breastbone) and the navel.

It is the centre of your personal power and will where issues concerning willpower, vitality, self-identity, personal power, self-love, desire, healthy self-esteem, self-responsibility, self-control, creativity, standing up for your personal values, doing what’s right for you and freedom of choice reside. It’s the area responsible for the digestion and absorption of food, life and ideas.

When out of balance you may give up your power or hand it over to someone else because you lack confidence in yourself and your decisions. You may ignore your emotional and creative side in favour of overthinking and over analysing. You may also blame others for all that happens in your life.

Some questions to consider and perhaps journal about
When do you feel powerful or powerless?
When do you give your power away? To whom and why?
Do you trust your gut instinct?
Do you overanalyse problems and decisions until you are exhausted?
Are you able to overcome any obstacles that arise in your life?
What are you most proud of yourself for accomplishing?
Do you suffer from digestive issues?

16 essential oils that can help with solar plexus chakra issues
Because there is often a connection between the solar plexus and the digestive system, oils that aid the digestion on both a physical and emotional level can be useful.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is helpful if your feelings of despondency and dejection lead you to seek constant reassurance and emotional support. She is also useful where there are issues with control and can help you express yourself through creativity.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) encourages the release of pent-up feelings including unexpressed anger and frustration that can lead to sudden mood swings and depression.

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) releases feelings and energetic blockages associated with anger and frustration and restores a sense of direction and determination.

Chamomile German (Matricaria recutita) allows you to let go of old ideas, beliefs and the need to control every aspect of your life.

Fennel Sweet (Foeniculum vulgare dulce) reduces the tendency to over think and overanalyze and can help get to the root cause of eating disorders due to feelings of being unloved, insecurity, self-rejection or needing approval.

Frankincense (Boswellia carteri) helps you take responsibility for your actions and their consequences. She also calms, centres and stills your mind when there is worry and ceaseless negative mental chatter.

Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) eases feelings of tension, frustration, irritability, self-doubt, depression and perfectionism. She promotes a lightness of Spirit.

Lavender (Lavendula officinalis) helps to ease frustration and irritability, nurtures you and allows you to forgive yourself for neglecting yourself and others in the past.

Marjoram Sweet (Marjorama hortensis) calms obsessive thinking and anxiety and helps to ease feelings of being lonely, unsupported, denied warmth and affection.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium) helps to release suppressed emotions especially those of anger, resentment and despair. She helps you to choose differently allowing you to accept and trust yourself.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps you connect with your purpose in life, digesting new ideas and impressions while staying true to yourself.

Pine (Pinus sylvestris) encourages you to believe in your self-worth and set boundaries especially if you feel a need to take responsibility and blame for the actions of others.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) renews enthusiasm and improves self-confidence helping you to remember your own true path.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) helps in overcoming feelings of victimization and hopelessness by developing patience and appreciating other points of view without feeling threatened.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris – ct linalool) dispels despondency and negativity, giving you the self-confidence and belief to overcome negative patterns, habits and obstacles to your feeling fulfilled and worthy.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata var. genuina) clears anger and frustration due to fear and anxiety. She helps to reunite your emotional and sensual nature allowing you to express and experience both pleasure and joy.

Make your own solar plexus chakra anointing blend
Choose 1-3 essential oils for a total of 3 drops and add to 10 mls of cold pressed vegetable oil.

Either sit or lie down. Take a couple of deep even breaths. Anoint the area between the sternum (breastbone) and the navel with a few drops of the blend in a clockwise direction with your fingertips. Use your intention to open, balance, heal and then close the chakra. Continue your slow deep breathing allowing the oils to do their work and when you feel ready open your eyes.

16 crystals that may be used to balance the solar plexus chakra
Choose one or two to work with. These may be used directly on the solar plexus chakra, carried in the pocket, worn as jewellery or used as an essence or spray.

Amber puts you in touch with your own inner strength and security helping you to set boundaries. Amber stimulates your metabolism and physical energy.

Amethyst relieves physical, mental and psychological pain, dispels anger, fear and anxiety.

Ametrine helps you overcome self-sabotage and procrastination and assists in developing a sense of your personal power and potential.

Citrine helps you overcome feelings of not deserving abundance in your life and for letting go of things that don’t serve you anymore.

Clear Quartz can be used to clear and balance all the chakras.

Emerald can assist in overcoming feelings of unworthiness and abandonment by clearing your emotional body of victimization patterns and the rejection of your own personal power.

Golden apatite can help you overcome a fear of success, self-imposed limitations, self-sabotage, increase your self-confidence and sense of worth.

Golden labradorite embodies inner strength, courage, endurance, clear thinking, self-confidence and the right use of power.

Honey calcite enhances self-confidence, courage, self-responsibility and the right use of power. She overcomes the fear of taking action and procrastination.

Moss agate helps when you are feeling ungrounded and gives you the persistence and endurance to complete your goals.

Prehnite stabilises your energy flow helping you to feel less anxious, restlessness and drained.

Peridot helps to clear blockages to receiving on all levels.

Smokey quartz is a very powerful clearing and grounding stone and can provide protection from the negative energies in your environment.

Sunstone is a stone of personal power and freedom helping to clear the fears, self-doubt and unworthiness that may be holding you back from being your true self.

Tiger’s eye supports physical vitality and energy. She heals issues surrounding self-worth, self-criticism, blocked creativity and internal conflict.

Golden topaz is helpful if you have difficulty maintaining and honouring boundaries – yours and others.

Stand Tall Aromatic Affirmation: I have the self-confidence to be myself. I can stand tall and allow the world to see the unique person I am.

Stand Tall affirmation

The Health Benefits of a Walk in the Bush

We ought to take outdoor walks, to refresh and raise our spirits by deep breathing in the open air.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

There has been a lot written about shinrin-yoku a Japanese term meaning “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing.” In Australia we’d probably call it “bush bathing.’

The idea is to take a slow walk through the forest, bush or any natural area stopping to admire anything that takes your fancy. This could be a leaf, tree, flower or rock. It doesn’t have to be a long walk, 15 or 20 minutes is often enough to benefit from the calming and restorative effects a walk in the bush can bring.

Rock formation at Salt Pan Creek

There are many reasons why a walk in the bush or forest can be beneficial for your health but the main reason given by researchers is that many trees give off compounds that support our immune system. Although this fact wasn’t known at the time, there were doctors in the past that set up sanatoriums in European pine forests to treat tuberculosis with great success.

Another reason to try shinrin-yoku is its stress relieving benefits that include lowering blood pressure, lower cortisol levels, headache relief, improved sleep, greater creativity, improved mood and increased energy. Simply breathing in deeply during your walk can help you experience these benefits.

symptoms of stress

You don’t need to find a long bush track to experience these effects. You could get the same benefits in a small park by sitting under a tree and taking the time to admire its leaves, flowers or bark while inhaling deeply. On one of my walks to the next suburb there is a small grove of eucalypts that I could walk through in 2 minutes or less but I take the time to slow down and admire the way each is different. It only takes a few minutes but is very uplifting. I’m also very lucky to have a bush track and river minutes from where I live.

Park bench

As shinrin-yoku is at its core taking the time to admire nature and slow down you could also spend time in your garden admiring the trees, flowers, herbs or whatever else you maybe growing there. Taking this time to slow down helps to relieve your stress and the symptoms that accompany it.

But what if you don’t live near any nature and don’t have a garden you can retreat to? Essential oils can come to your aid. You can bring the scents of the bush or forest into your home and enjoy the benefits these little power houses bring.

Essential oils

Choose 2 or 3 essential oils from those below and place 6-8 drops in total in a diffuser to bring the bush or forest to you. You can also add them to a personal inhaler that you can take with you whereever you go. In addition to the benefits above these oils are very beneficial for the respiratory system.

Buddha wood – Eremophila mitchellii – uplifting, muscular aches and pains

Cajeput – Melaleuca cajeputi – lethargy, focus, respiratory issues

Cedarwood – Cedrus atlantica – grounding, courage, respiratory issues

Cypress – Cupressus sempervirens – emotional and physical transition, respiratory issues

Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus radiata – hemmed in, overwhelm, respiratory issues

Eucalyptus Staigeriana – Eucalyptus staigeriana – uplifting, anxiety, respiratory issues

Fragonia – Agonis fragrans – anxiety, stress, focus, muscular aches and pains, respiratory issues

Juniper – Juniperus communis – cleansing, worry, arthritis, mental fatigue

Kunzea – Kunzea ambigua – nervous tension, emotional and physical pain, muscular aches

Lemon Myrtle – Backhousia citriodora – stress, focus, uplifting, respiratory issues

Lemon scented tea tree – Leptospermum petersonii – concentration, air purifier, respiratory issues

Niaouli – Melaleuca quinquenervia – stress, mental fatigue, respiratory issues, muscular aches and pains

Pine – Pinus sylvestris – self-worth, self-confidence, respiratory issues

Australian Sandalwood – Santalum spicatum – contemplation, stress, respiratory issues

Silver Fir – Abies alba – clarity, anxiety, stress, respiratory issues

Spruce – Picea mariana – mental fatigue, clarity, centring, burnout, respiratory issues

Tea Tree – Melaleuca alternifolia – tolerance, positive outlook, respiratory issues

Source:
Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. Third Edition, Vol.1The Perfect Potion, Australia (2018)

Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Pine header

To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug.
Helen Keller

Family: Pinaceae

Synonyms: Forest pine, Scotch pine, Scots pine, Norway pine, pine needle

Aroma: Strong, fresh, resinous

Colour: Clear

Plant: Tall evergreen tree with reddish brown deeply fissured bark and a flat crown. The needles are 2.5 to 5cm long and 1-2mm broad, a glaucous blue-green turning darker green to dark yellow green in winter.

Main Growing Areas: Northern Europe, North America

Major Constituents: Borneol, borynl acetate, a- and β-pinene, limonene, delta-3-carene

Interesting snippets: Hippocrates recommended pine for pulmonary problems and throat infections.

The city of Venice in Italy has been sitting on a bed of pine since 810.

Pine trees typically live for 150 years but may live as long as 300 years.

In Japanese myths, ‘The Tree of Life’ is sometimes associated with the pine.

Spirit lovers are said to inhabit pine trees and live to a very old age.

In classical Kyogen theatre the image of a large pine tree always provides the stage backdrop.

Part of Plant used /Extraction: Fresh, young needles, pine cones, tips of the bough / steam distillation

Therapeutic actions: Pine eases colds, flu, coughs, laryngitis, bronchitis, catarrh and sinus congestion. Helpful for rheumatic, neuralgic and muscular aches and pains

Emotional and Spiritual: Feeling helpless and unworthy. Mental fatigue, promotes feelings of energy and well-being. Instils feelings of confidence, courage and clarity. Clear a healing or meditation space when feeling depleted on all levels, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Robbi Zeck writes that pine validates and strengthens your own unique gifts and talents encouraging a simple knowing and belief of your self-worth.

Gabriel Mojay writes that pine is indicated where there is a weakness of ‘boundary’ and of self-identity – where one cannot distinguish others’ responsibilities from one’s own. Pine works to dissipate both a negative self-image and feelings of remorse, replacing undue guilt with forgiveness and self-acceptance.

Valerie Ann Worwood writes that pine teaches that it is love and generosity of spirit that endures – in the hearts of those we have loved and known and in our children.

Aromatherapy Insight Card:

Pine aromatherapy insight card SELF WORTH
It is time to stop rescuing others and rescue yourself. Be strong but flexible, managing the knocks in life, living your own life and letting others live their own journey. Protect your boundaries; be true to you, treating yourself with honour and respect. Let go of negative experiences and move forward to a place where you feel fantastic about yourself. Remember you cannot rescue others; they need to do it for themselves. Allowing them to grow their way allows you to grow.

Fragrant Change Healing Card: I have the self-confidence to stand tall and allow the world to see the unique person I am.

Pine FCHC

Contemplations for the Soul Card:

Pine CFTS Card Do you feel worthless or not worthy of having all you wish for?
Do you put everyone’s wishes and wants before your own?
Why are you denying or hiding your unique gifts and talents?
Do you feel the need to take responsibility for other people’s mistakes?
Stop hiding! Stand tall and accept that your opinions matter and that you are good enough to reach your goals.
Value and have confidence in yourself and others will too.
Ignore everyone or thought that tells you you are not good enough to attain your dreams.
Don’t allow others to overstep your boundaries and stop feeling responsible for the mistakes or choices other people make.

Safety: Non-irritating, non-toxic, skin sensitising when oxidised. May be adulterated with turpentine oil or mixtures of pinene, camphene and bornyl acetate.

Sources: Battaglia S, The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion, Australia (1995)
Davis, P, Aromatherapy An A-Z. The C.W.Daniel Company Ltd. (1996)
Hodges C, Fragrant change Healing Cards (2015)
Hodges C. Contemplations for the Soul (2016)
Jefferies J, Pine Essential Oil Profile. Aromatherapy Today, Vol.42 (2008)
Jefferies J, Osborn. K, Aromatherapy Insight Cards. Living Energy, Aust. (2nd Ed. 2005)
Keim Loughran J, Bull R, Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, Frog Books (2001)
Mojay G, Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton (1996)
Tisserand R and Young R, Essential Oil Safety Second Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014 Pages 398 – 399
Worwood, V.A, The Fragrant Heavens. Doubleday Publishing UK (1999)
Zeck R, The Blossoming Heart. Aroma Tours (2004)

When Family and Friends Let You Down

When family and friends let you down

I have been reading posts and articles on Facebook and elsewhere recently where people felt letdown, betrayed or rejected by those they trusted. These people were family, friends or people in positions of authority. In one case I read the betrayal lead to the death of comrades. These events can lead to deep emotional scarring which is still evident many years or decades later.

You may experience the emotions of betrayal, rejection, grief, compassion, forgiveness, despair and renewal in your life. Consider using essential oils to help you process your feelings when you do.

BETRAYAL
Betrayal can bring up feelings of loss of trust in yourself and others, anger at letting yourself be betrayed and not allowing yourself to feel vulnerable again.

Essential Oils
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) can ease feelings of betrayal and allow you to forgive the betrayer and yourself for being betrayed.

Rose (Rosa damascena) can help you forgive yourself and the betrayer and open your heart so you can learn to trust again.

Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) relieves the emotional pain of betrayal and promotes trust in yourself and others.

REJECTION
We have all felt the sting of rejection whether this is a rejection of us personally or our ideas, art, the people we associate with or the way we live our lives it hurts.

Essential Oils
Pine (Pinus sylvestris) can be used to restore self-confidence and increase low self-esteem that you may feel when rejected.

Rose (Rosa damascena) restores a sense of security and well-being especially if you have suffered rejection, loss or abuse.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata var. genuina) helps ease and deal with the pain of rejection and the fear of it happening again.

GRIEF
We all grieve whether for the loss of a person, pet, job, home or something important to us. This sense of loss can bring up feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness, guilt, anger, blame, regret, worthlessness, stress and depression.

Essential oils
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) gives you the courage and strength to hold firm in the midst of crisis and know that you will get through this.

Chamomile Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) helps you to feel at peace with the way you are feeling and soothes your feelings of being abandoned by the one you loved.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is calming at times of transition and when difficult changes need to be made. She helps you to move on in your life.

Lavender (Lavandula angustafolia) reminds you to take time to nurture yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually during this time. She allows you to forgive yourself for things left unsaid or undone.

Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) brings a sense of inner stillness and peace that helps to ease your sorrow and grief and any feelings of loss and rejection.

COMPASSION
There are many ways you can share compassion in our lives both for yourself and others. You may notice someone struggling to do something and offer to help or you may make a wrong decision or trust the wrong person and instead of beating yourself up, you feel compassion for yourself by realising you have learnt from the experience and will do better next time.

Essential oils
Benzoin (Styrax benzoin) helps you have compassion and love for yourself both present and past.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) eases feelings of loss particularly of a person and enhances feelings of compassion.

Rose (Rosa damascena) is the ultimate oil of compassion. She helps you to forgive and trust others as well as yourself and opens your heart to feel love again.

Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) allows you to show compassion and love to others without becoming overwhelmed by their suffering or loss.

DESPAIR
You may have moments of despair when you feel abandoned or misunderstood. These feelings can cause you pain both physical and emotional. They may also cause you to doubt yourself and your place in the world along with your self-worth.

Essential oils
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) helps to soothe your feelings of anger, frustration and blame. She helps you see the light at the end of the tunnel and bring a sense of joy back into your life. Don’t apply to skin that will be exposed to sunlight within 24 hours as bergamot is phototoxic.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) helps dispel the anger, frustration and blame while bringing a sense of optimism that you will get through this time of despair.

Kunzea (Kunzea ambigua) helps to release the pain that lead to your despair and instils a feeling of safety.

Lemon (Citrus limonum) helps clear your mind so that you can think clearly while uplifting you mentally and emotionally. Don’t apply to skin that will be exposed to sunlight within 24 hours as lemon is phototoxic.

Pine (Pinus sylvestris) can be used to restore self-confidence and increase low self-esteem that feelings of despair can induce.

RENEWAL
We go through many beginnings and endings in our lifetime. Starting and ending projects, bringing up children and letting them go to begin their own lives as adults, changing life circumstances, careers, etc. Sometimes it is easy to let go and begin again and sometimes it is difficult to accept change and move on.

Essential oils
Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) gives you the courage to move forward and start again.

German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) helps you let go of old ideas, beliefs, emotions, and habits that you no longer need.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) brings a sense of renewal and is the perfect oil for bringing balance to all aspects of your life, physical, mental, spiritual and emotional.

Sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare dulce) is helpful if you feel that there are aspects of the situation that you need to bring to a close so that you can begin afresh.

USING THE OILS
If you are going through any of these emotional experiences at the moment and would like to use essential oils to help you through it, choose one to three oils that seem to resonate with how you are feeling and either use the oils singly or in a blend as follows.

Use 4 to 5 drops in 10mls of vegetable oil in a roll-on or massage blend. 4 to 5 drops in a diffuser or add 4 to 6 drops to some full fat milk and add to your bath. The milk allows the oils to disperse in the water rather than sit on top.

Essential Oils for Endings and Beginnings

“You only grow by coming to the end of something and by beginning something else.”
John Irving, The World According to Garp

The end of an old year and the start of a new one is just one of the many endings and beginnings that are occurring throughout your life.

In a few months summer will end and autumn will begin. As with many endings and beginnings the change maybe so gradual that we may not notice that we are in a new phase or time of life.

In your own life you have been through many endings and beginnings, You may have gone to preschool and then primary school, high school and possibly university, TAFE or college and then into the workforce. Each stage an ending and a beginning at the end of which you were no longer the same person you were at the beginning. You were a child with a child’s beliefs and ideas in preschool and primary and now you are an adult with adult responsibilities.

During your life you may lose parents, children, siblings and close friends. You mourn their loss and must find a new way to go on, a new beginning without them. Your parent may not physically die but may be lost to you through Alzheimer’s and so your way of relating to them and them to you is ended and you have to find a new way to continue the relationship.

Endings and beginnings happen every day for example, finishing one project and beginning another or coming to the end of one journey and beginning another.

Changing your way of thinking can also signal an ending and beginning. Deciding to stop eating unhealthily, that you will no longer accept being treated with disrespect, changing your beliefs about yourself and what you are capable of will all lead to new beginnings.

Remember that sometimes what can seem like a terrible ending opens the door to something more wonderful. For example you lose your job only to get another that is higher paying and gives you the chance to excel.

Some Essential Oils to Help With Endings and Beginnings
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) can help when you feel you have lost your way. She is the light at the end of the tunnel.

Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) helps you to stand firm when there seems nothing but chaos around you.

Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) is ideal when going through emotional and physical change. She helps you to grieve losing the old while accepting the new.

Fennel Sweet (Foeniculum vulgare dulce) helps remind you that as one door closes another opens.

Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) helps you to rebalance and relax especially when going through stressful endings.

Juniper (Juniperus communis) is psychologically cleansing and purifying helping to support you when going through challenging endings and beginnings.

Kunzea (Kunzea ambigua) helps to ease the emotional pain you may feel during this period.

Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) will nurture and nourish you emotionally during this period.

Marjoram (Marjorama hortensis) helps ease any anxiety you may be feeling.

Rose (Rosa damascena) provides compassion for yourself and others who may be going through these times with you.

Ways to Use the Oils
Use a single oil or a blend of 2 or 3 oils in a diffuser, vaporiser, shower, bath, spray mist, massage or perfume. See https://www.thefragrantbridge.com/guidelines-for-diluting-essential-oils/

Not Just A Pretty Smell - Explore new Ways of Using Essential Oils