The world is in trauma. (source) Adverse events have the potential to leave an imprint on the brain that changes how one reacts and interacts with the world and people. Various responses and mechanisms to traumatic events are common. These include nightmares, anxiety, sadness, guilt, avoidance, and being self-critical. Depending on resiliency factors, long-term the nervous system can become hyperactive and the brain “hypervigilant” as a result.  (source, source, source, source, source)

To prevent these negative ramifications, we need to pay close attention to our mental and emotional health. It is also important to know when to reach out if you are in need of additional support for your mental state.*

Previously, I discussed the best way to move through struggles with a better mindset is through using a combination of self-kindness, purpose, and perseverance. Essential oils are easily accessible and perfect companions to assist us with changing our perception for the better and to move forward more courageously. They are also supportive for mental health, brain support, and cognition. It is why they are my favorite tool to use as mind-body medicine for my naturopathic clients.

In this post, I will highlight essential oil blends that are grounding, enhance vision, and promote the mind-body-spirit connection. All support brain and nervous system health.

Three Essential Oils for Brain Health, Courage, Vision, and Mind-Body-Spirit

Before I discuss the three blends, there are two important points to consider with using essential oil blends that are worth repeating:

1. Due to the fact that blending can be complex, I suggest you use your favorite manufacturer who have similar combinations in which the ratios and blending is already done for you.
2. Be aware that with the summer sun also comes photosensitivity for oils’ lovers! Therefore, be mindful of avoiding using blends and oils with citrus oils before heading out to the beach. These can all be used for diffusing and inhaling, but should not be applied to the skin just before heading out in the heat. Learn more here.

A Blend for Grounding and Courage

My favorite oils combination for grounding includes a dominance of the fir oils and/or camphor essential oils. These stability-enhancing scents promote a sense of well-being and strength. Other spiritual, ancient oils such as frankincense and cedarwood are welcome additions to this combination, as they further benefit neurological function, brain health, and overall body wellness. Finally, a nice floral scent, such as rose geranium oil, founds out the mixture for an additional scent of upliftment.

A Bright Future Blend

This blend is intended to promote resiliency, aid the stress response, and balance hormones. These are important aspects to bring into harmony so that one can focus on our vision for the future without distraction of physical ailments.

Look for a blend with the presence of the phytoncides, which are found in fir oils. Black spruce is an example that has a nice aroma. These compounds modulate stress via cortisol levels. The “universal” oil of lavender would be a beneficial addition for calming and to stabilize the nervous system.  Geranium, sage, and a citrus oil, respectively, should be included to enhance hormonal health, memory, and mood.

Mind-Body-Spirit Blend

Essential oils have been used to enhance spiritual connection and promote a sense of connectedness since ancient times. This is very important during upheaval. I like to use a blend that combines the sacred oils with other oils to support the mind and body.

First, there is the most sacred oil, frankincense, which basically has a positive action on all body systems. I already discussed this oil in nitty-gritty detail here.

Myrrh is another sacred oil full of nerve-supporting sesquiterpenes and neuro-inflammatory modulating compounds.

Other additions to this blend can include:

• Balsam fir for grounding.
• Cedarwood oil for promoting focus and additional nervous system alignment.
• Lavender oil for calming and balancing the whole body.
• Ancient oils to promote overall health, such as cinnamon oil.
• Vetiver oil, which has been shown to be calming in vitro and promote a “refreshing, alert” state in a human study.
• Any additional fir and tree oils for grounding, such as black spruce.

Application Tips

These essential oil blends are best used aromatically. Diffuse them regularly when you are needing courage, focus for your vision, and greater spiritual connection.

A few drops of the grounding and courage blend can also be applied with a carrier oil to the wrists. After placing a few drops, rub together, and inhale.

Conclusion

Staying in the moment and responding, rather than reacting, to stress is hard to do with all that is swirling around us. Thankfully, essential oils can help us by providing our minds and bodies with beneficial molecules and aromatic compounds that balance our physiology, psychology, and biochemistry.

*Currently, there are hotlines and free services available. Not everyone has the same advantages and privileges, so resources and support will look different for each individual. Please use what you need.

For additional tools to support resiliency in trying times, please see this post and my naturopathic blog page.