Essential Oils for the Mind

How do essential oils heal our minds? you ask?

Through the system in our bodies known as the "Limbic" system.

The limbic system is a complex set of structures found on the central underside of the cerebrum, comprising inner sections of the temporal lobes and the bottom of the frontal lobe.

It combines higher mental functions and primitive emotion into a single system often referred to as the emotional nervous system.

It is not only responsible for our emotional lives but also our higher mental functions, such as learning and formation of memories.

The limbic system is the reason that some physical things such as eating seem so pleasurable to us, and the reason why some medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, are caused by mental stress.

It is directly where "smells" are processed in the brain and why certain smells can bring us back to memories and certain emotions.

Such as....The memory of walking in the door after school to the amazing and uplifting smell of apple pie baking when we were kids!

This usually left us feeling so happy and we couldn't wait to eat it at dinner time, right?

So, now as adults, whenever we smell apple pie or cinnamon… it takes us back to that happy memory!

In fact....All aromas have a potential emotional impact that can reach deep into the psyche, both relaxing the mind and uplifting the Spirit.

When we inhale the fragrance of an essential oil, the odor molecules travel up the nose where they’re registered by the nerves of the olfactory membranes in the nose lining.

The odor molecules stimulate this lining of nerve cells and trigger electrical impulses to the olfactory bulb in the brain. The olfactory bulb then transmits the impulses to the amygdala - where emotional memories are stored - and to other parts of the limbic system of the brain.

Because the limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, essential oils can have profound physiological and psychological effects!

Olfactory responses to odors induce the brain to stimulate the release of hormones and neuro-chemicals that in turn alter the body’s physiology and behavior.

Essential oils enable us to access stored or forgotten memories and suppressed emotions so that we can acknowledge and integrate or release them.

Exactly why I use them in all of my "Healing" sessions as I am guided.

The word “emotions” can translate as “energy-in-motion.” E-motion is the experience of energy moving though our bodies.

This emotional energy actually works at higher speed than thought. Thought and images can take seconds or minutes to evoke a memory while an aroma can evoke a memory in milliseconds.

Forgotten memories and suppressed emotions can wreak havoc in our lives; often being the unsourced causes of depression, anxiety and fears.

Essential oils can help us surface and release these emotions wherever they are stored in the body or energy field.

This is now known as "Aromatherapy”

So...

What are some good essential oils to sniff for a higher and better emotional well being?

That create healing of the mind?

Here are a few of my favorites

Basil

Basil essential oil is helpful in dealing with feelings of anxiety, panic, or apprehension, and has been said to be the oil of “renewal”, both emotionally and spiritually. It provides strength and tranquility to the heart and mind, making it perfect for overwhelm, stress, fatigue, and may even assist a person in their efforts to overcome addiction–which makes it a great choice for overcoming ruminating thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors that often result from toxic relationships.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood oil is a great oil for times of crisis or sudden change, such as when there is an adjustment in households, jobs, and/or relationships. These events often lead to feeling isolated or knocked off balance. Cedarwood provides feelings of stability and grounding when external circumstances threaten your feelings of stability. It also helps lessen fears that deter your ability to realize your potential. On an everyday basis, diffusing Cedarwood can increase your stamina and help you stay more focused, lively and hopeful.

Lavender

Lavender essential oil is useful for a variety of emotional conditions. It has been proven beneficial for anxiety, depression, irritability, panic attacks, and stress reduction. Researchers at the University of Miami found that inhalation of lavender oil enhanced beta waves in the brain, suggesting improved relaxation! On a spiritual level, lavender essential oil lifts the weight of depression and sadness, bringing an emotional balance to the soul.

Roman Chamomile

Coming to acceptance allows peace to grow within. When we can release feelings of rejection, transformation is more likely occur. This oil releases stress from our mental, emotional and physical bodies, soothing our wounds. Roman Chamomile has a virtuous quality and is also helpful for Inner Child work, particularly when addressing feelings of abandonment, which can be triggered during the course of and aftermath of toxic relationships.

Spiritually, Roman Chamomile brings peace, love and acceptance to the self. It can also relieve feelings of shock and grief, while opening intuition and receptivity.

Bergamot (or any citrus oil)

Bergamot helps us transfer love back to ourselves. We can be so fixated on wanting other people to make us happy that we forget we can do that for ourselves. Bergamot is uplifting, has natural anti-depressant properties, and helps us to relax and regain self-confidence again.

Bergamot oil helps us in the areas of self-love, self-worth, self-acceptance, self-judgment, and self-loathing. This oil helps do the work necessary to step out of one’s fears of not being good enough, and habits of holding back for fear of rejection. It instills validation within, allowing us to accept our own authenticity, and not spend so much time worrying about the opinions of others.

It also helps us in processing and releasing fear, blame, the need for approval, toxic shame, and emotional anguish. It may also relieve feelings of incompetence, inadequacy, or worthlessness by helping us step into our own confidence and empowerment.

Frankincense

In addition to alleviating and eliminating depression, Frankincense is known as the “Oil of Truth”, revealing deceptiveness and false truths. It invites the individual to let go of lower vibrations, insults, and negativity. This oil helps create new perspectives based on integrity and enlightenment.

Frankincense is a powerful cleanser of the spirit. It assists in removing malevolent energies attached to a person, allowing them to open to enlightenment. Addresses emotions of abandonment and spiritual disconnectedness.

Hyssop

Hyssop is a holy herb that awakens the heart, bringing acceptance while encouraging unconditional love towards the self. Hyssop enables a clarity of spirit, encouraging emotional connection and well-being.

Hyssop essential oil is used for elimination of emotional uncleanliness, assisting in the removal of the legacy of guilt and fear of a generational nature. It is purifying for those who believe they have sins that need to be forgiven. It releases judgment of self and others, as well as old, limiting beliefs that no longer serve one’s spiritual path.

Melissa (a.k.a. Lemon Balm)

Melissa is the ultimate oil for emotional detox and combating stress and overwhelm. On a spiritual and emotional realm, Lemon Balm has been used for centuries to harmonize the mind and body. It will help those who are Highly Sensitive (HSPs) and are prone to emotionally shutting down.

Using Lemon balm will restore clarity and generate support and balance to the spirit so one may have a positive outlook on their life and well-being.

XOXO, Becky Jo Certified Master Aromatherapist (Teacher), Healer, and Author