Bergamot, eucalyptus… oh, how we adore essential oils! Discover the naturally healing properties of five of our favorites—perfect for the aching heart.
Separating from someone you love is certainly one of the most difficult rites of passage in one’s life. Though the reasons for making the tumultuous decision to call it quits can vary, every broken heart wrenches in a similar way.
But nature renders us with endless blessings—even when you are dealing with heartbreak, nature has a cure.
Heartbreak can make us feel turned inside out. Rejection can trigger a grief response and leave us with symptoms as drastic as sadness, apathy, hopelessness, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, and in some cases, even loss of the will to live.
During this time, we must venture inward. You must remember the most beautiful and important relationship you have in this life is with yourself.
When you’re ready to start the healing process, there are many ways to slowly recover from a broken heart, actions you can take. Out of these, aromatherapy is one that can do wonders. For centuries, a number of plant-based remedies have been used to treat physical and mental health problems and aromatherapists believe essential oils can influence your mood significantly.
Here is a list of essential oils you can use to support you through heartbreak:
Oil #1: Frankincense frees your feeling!
After a breakup, a person experiences intense emotions—these can be some of the lowest lows we experience in a lifetime. That’s where Frankincense steps in.
Historically, this oil has been known to play a part in religious traditions and rituals of ancient civilizations. It was believed that using Frankincense stills the mind and supports the respiratory system. When you’re ready to release stored emotion, this is the oil for you.
What to do?
Add 6 drops of Frankincense to 2 teaspoons of any base oil—like coconut, jojoba, or almond. Apply the oil over your heart and chest area. Breathe deeply and free yourself.
Oil #2: Immortelle inoculates immunity!
When our spirits are low, our immunity can dip with them; luckily, nature has an answer to that, too. Immortelle is one of the rarest essential oils, but it’s regenerative powers are truly magical.
What to do?
You can prepare a blend of immortelle and a carrier oil or you can seek a massage appointment with a therapist certified in aromatherapy. Nurturing for the nervous system, this oil heals like no other.
Oil #3: Eucalyptus oil eases emotions!
If you are dealing with a big sense of loss—a typical symptom when a relationship ends—we tend to go through an overwhelming range of emotions. In such a case, the expansive and refreshing energy of Eucalyptus assists in releasing all that has been held onto for so long.
What to do?
Add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a bowl of hot water. Placing a towel over your head, drape half of the towel over a bowl, inhaling the eucalyptus steam. This miraculous vapor aids in releasing stored pain and sadness. After the steam bath, settle into the couch with comfortable clothes, a feel-good movie, and your favorite tea.
Oil #4: Chamomile for overall care!
Remember, when you let go, transformation occurs. Roman Chamomile, a high quality oil with an apple-like scent, releases stress from mental, emotional, and physical bodies.
What to do?
One of the most luxurious rituals you can incorporate into your healing regimen is taking a bath with Roman Chamomile. To get the benefits of this oil, add between 6-8 drops. Or, if you’d prefer to take this treatment on the go, add one tablespoon of this oil to warm milk and enjoy.
Oil #5: Bergamot boosts self-love!
Get focused on you and rekindle your sense of self love. This might seem like an impossible task in the midst of your heartbreak, but with bergamot, you’ll receive all the benefits of its anti-depressant properties. Relax into a good mood and regain your self-confidence.
What to do?
You can use Bergamot as a natural perfume each morning or after bathing. Mix 6-8 drops of Bergamot essential oil with 2 teaspoons of a base oil to craft a self-care tool worthy of you.
While recovering from heartache is a personal, subjective process, opening yourself to the help that’s available can make a significant difference in the amount of time that’s required to heal. Consider these oils a small but mighty addition to your self-care toolset.
About the Author
Alinn Smith is a dermatologist by profession who is currently associated with DrNumb & DrScabies. Over the past few years, she has been a contributing writer to many websites about many topics, including health, skin care, food, love, and relationship advice.
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