New Beginnings with Spring
By Maria Fiordalisisi, CAHP®
Welcome to spring 2022! Have you felt the energy? Spring is about shedding. Shedding old habits, shedding metaphorical weight and heavy things on our hearts. This shedding can be positive or negative, depending on where you're at in your emotional landscape.
Spring is also the time of the year when plants are growing to their full potential! It's a time for new plants and a time for new life. Spring brings about all these good things, but it also has challenging moments. Spring can bring significant changes in our lives as we face up to what we want and what we no longer want.
No matter where you find yourself emotionally, there is an essential oil to help!
Release and Relaxation
You need a few essential oils for release and relaxation.
The first is scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) essential oil. This will help you have a clear mind as you go through your day. It will also help you feel good about who you are and what you are doing and replaces feelings of guilt with forgiveness and self-acceptance. (Mojay).
You should also use cajeput (Melaleuca leucadendron) essential oil, which is an essential oil that comes from the melaleuca tree. This essential oil helps calm you down and get rid of tension in the body. You can use this one when you feel like things are getting too hard, and you might need support when old habits seem tempting.
You can also use lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil to help stimulate your mind and make it easier to think at a higher level. Use this one when you want to stay focussed on what you are doing and not let yourself get distracted by things that aren't important. This will make it easier for you to focus on the things that matter the most to you in life so that nothing gets in your way of success.
Movement and Energy
Need help moving energy?
Black pepper (Piper nigrum) essential oil is extracted from the dried peppercorns found inside the fruit of the Piper nigrum plant by steam distillation technique. If feeling “stuck,” this essential oil will help get energy moving! (Battaglia)
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) essential oil is obtained from the fruit's peel by expression method, after the fruit has ripened on the tree. It can be used as a home remedy to treat anxiety, depression, stress, and other emotional problems. It is also used in aromatherapy to uplift mood and relieve tension and anxiety. Caution, this essential oil is phototoxic and should be used with caution when using topically on skin.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus globulus tree by steam distillation method. Not only will this essential oil help move energy blockages it will also support a new perspective on situations. (Battaglia)
Empowerment
Essential oils for empowerment include sweet basil, bergamot, and lime.
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum ct linalool) is a great essential oil to promote feelings of empowerment, confidence, and self-assurance. (Zeck) It is also effective for opening the heart, especially for those who take care of others before themselves.
Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is an uplifting essential oil with a sweet, citrus-like aroma. It's helpful in aromatherapy to aid embracing our inner unique beauty.
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) essential oil is an uplifting, cheerful scent that is wonderful to use during the day. It promotes feelings of empowerment, strength, and confidence.
Confidence
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum ct linalool) is the first essential oil that comes to mind when seeking to increase confidence, and the information is provided above.
Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is another essential oil to try. It is well known for its ability to help you gain confidence and overcome shyness. Bay laurel is also a staple for increasing creativity. (Worwood)
Calm or Clear Mind
The essential oil of the herb myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) has a rich floral aroma with hints of citrus that's pleasant to smell and is excellent for clearing the mind, easing anxiety, and promoting a restful night's sleep.
The aroma of scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) essential oil is said to be energizing and uplifting, great for those suffering from fatigue or low energy and is known to clear the mind.
Rosalina (Melaleuca ericifolia) essential oil is used to calm or clear the mind, and it is also uplifting and soothing, making it a valuable essential oil to use in times of stress or crisis. It is said that this essential oil can be used to relieve grief and help those who are feeling sad or depressed
Uplifting
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) essential oil has a fresh and herbaceous aroma, like the forest after a gentle rain. It is uplifting to the mind and body and is often used in massage therapy.
Balsam fir (Abies balsamia) essential oil is uplifting and energizing, and this essential oil can be used to help treat depression and mental exhaustion. Balsam Fir is emotionally calming and soothing during stress, anxiety, and worry.
However you are seeking renewal and shedding what no longer serves you, aromatherapy’s gifts of essential oils will support you and carry you through the season.
References:
Battaglia, S. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Volume III—Psyche & Subtle. Australia: Black Pepper Creative Pty Ltd, 2021.
Mojay, G. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 1999.
Worwood, V. Aromatherapy for the Soul. Novato: New World Library, 1999.
Zeck, R. The Blossoming Heart—Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation. East Ivanhoe: Aroma Tours, 2004.
About the author: Maria Fiordalisi, CAHP®, has been certified in aromatherapy since 2017. She offers an array of alternative holistic therapies including reflexology, reiki, aromatherapy massage, culinary nutrition consultations, and holistic health and wellness coaching. She also formulates custom aromatherapy health and wellness products. Maria founded Helianthus Holistic Arts in 2020, a multidisciplinary school teaching aromatherapy certification courses and general health and wellness workshops.
Image by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay