Struggling to find the light
Gentle support for depression
This is not an attempt to eradicate depression or to bring the promise of remedies that will alleviate it forever.
Rather, this is intended as a guide to the oils that might lighten the load or bring support during dark times.
Botanical oils for depression support
The following oils can prove helpful in any support kit for depression:
- Jasmine
- Sandalwood
- Lavender
- Coriander
- Vetiver
- Atlas Cedarwood
- Rock Rose
They can be used in a variety of ways, from roll-ons, body oils or lotions, bath oils, salves, in diffusers or added to a bath, pillow, candle or handkerchief.
Embrace & let go
Regardless of where we are in the recovery from depression, essential oils can provide excellent grounding and support. Jasmine elevates the spirit, Lavender calms and soothes, and Coriander dissipates stagnation, grounding and fostering creativity and positivity. Circulating, warming, and nourishing these oils soothe guilt, grief, pessimism, and despair.
Allowing Emotions To Surface
Jasmine gently elevates the spirit and can support the process of diminishing fear.
Sandalwood fosters inner unity and emotional equilibrium, and Coriander helps to raise positive emotions and harmonize, combating discouragement and pessimism.
These oils stabilize and nourish and address the worry, scattered thinking, and insecurity often associated with nervous fatigue.
They allow emotions to come up. These oils support us when we need the courage to confront and clear out old emotions we have been holding onto. They help us to release negative thoughts and experiences that we have hidden away.
These oils can provide gentle support as we endeavour to:
- Bring light to hidden shame
- Address issues causing shame.
- Let go and make peace with ourselves and/or others
- Release burdens and replace them with positive actions.
- Heal the scars of distress and trauma.
Emotional Steadiness
Vetiver contributes calming effects, aiding in stress reduction and emotional steadiness, while Lavender and Atlas Cedarwood offer additional soothing and grounding properties. Jasmine gently elevates the spirit, Sandalwood fosters inner unity and emotional equilibrium.
Comforting loss
Jasmine gently elevates the spirit, Sandalwood fosters inner unity and emotional equilibrium, and Vetiver provides grounding and stability. Providing emotional support for loss.
Uplifting the spirit
Essential oils like Jasmine and Lavender can uplift the spirit and reduce anxiety.
Stress reduction
Oils such as Sandalwood and Coriander have calming properties that help alleviate stress, which can be a major contributor to depression.
Inner peace & emotional stability
Vetiver, Rock Rose and Sandalwood can promote inner peace and emotional stability, helping to manage the ups and downs associated with depression.
Sandalwood, derived from the tree's heartwood can take 15-20 years to mature, symbolizing patience and resilience. It embodies the essence of inner strength and protection, calming the mind and easing irritation.
Other oils to consider for support
- Rose absolute or Rose otto
- Ylang Ylang
- Spikenard
- Cypress
Citrus oils for gentle uplifting
Once we feel grounded, supported and stable we use citrus oils to help support the movement into a more joyous and positive space.
- Sweet Orange
- Mandarin
- Blood Orange
If you would rather have the oils prepared for you than obtain and prepare them yourself, you can try the Depression Support Kit: