The pandemic has served up an opportunity to grieve - grieve the way of life as we once knew it and grieve the loss of family, friends, partners, mates, and other important figures in our life from whom we are removed or whom have been felled by the Covid-19 virus.
Although a strongly uncomfortable emotion, grief is a necessary and vital component of human life. Being rational, however, about the necessity of an emotion as unwieldy as grief seems more than difficult. There are essential oils and herbs we can use to support us during the grieving process - to comfort, strengthen, and, might I add, allow us to learn and understand the importance of grief as an ally with whom, throughout life, we must occasionally walk.
Gabriel Mojay, in his book Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit, addresses several essential oils for grief. He writes that "the root emotion of the lungs . . . is that of grief." So, we are supporting the health of the lungs by supporting our grieving process.
Cypress Essential Oil may help the individual who is so overwhelmed by loss that she can't move, all the while mourning her circumstances. Cypress helps us through unavoidable changes.
Eucalyptus Globulus Essential Oil, by opening our airways, expanding our chest, may lift us from feelings of entrapment and bring us closer to spirit.
Clary Sage Essential Oil assists us when we are oppressed by confusion and finding it difficult to balance our conflicting desires. It clarifies our instincts.
Hyssop and Pine Essential Oils help us move beyond limitations and let go of what no longer applies or serves us. They are exceptional at allaying feelings of negativity.
Tea Tree Essential Oil supports us when we suffer depression based upon a weakened immune system and poor health.
Remembering that the purpose of the lungs is to take in and let go freely and healthfully, then supporting them stirs us not only on a physical level, but on emotional, psychological, and spiritual levels, as well - something that essential oils, by their very nature, help us to accomplish.
I can imagine that a protracted period of grief might result in feelings of nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, mood swings, melancholy, and sleeplessness. Herbs to consider using for these secondary conditions are:
California Poppy Herb, Chamomile Flower, Damiana Leaf, Holy Basil Leaf, Linden Leaf & Flower, Hawthorn Leaf & Flower, Rosemary Leaf, and St. John's Wort Herb & Flower.
Addressing the central nervous system, these herbs are refreshing, relaxing, and uplifting.
Sources: Gabriel Mojay's Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit; David Winston's Adaptogens, Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, and Peter Holmes' The Energetics of Western Herbs.