Essential oil to manage five emotions during and post-COVID

Even after having lived in the COVID pandemic for 2+ years, we still face many uncertainties. Social distancing rules, work-from-home regimes, isolations, etc., have kept residents indoors most of the time. Medical experts are concerned about this leading to not only physical health issues but also psychological problems.

We summarize below five common emotional states during this specific period and recommend some essential oils for application in different situations.

#1: We are stressed and nervous

Life in the COVID pandemic has not been easy – hygiene, scarce resources including daily necessities, unexpected isolation, different COVID tests for travel, etc. All these make us tense and stressed.

Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara – flower oil of bitter orange) and Sandalwood (Santalum album) help reduce the level of cortisol, a stress hormone. Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) can help calm the nervous system. All oils help with sleep.

#2: We are anxious and fearful

When we are anxious or fearful, having something to protect us often helps ease our feelings. The oils that provide such self-assurance are the Fir oils, most particularly Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica), Giant Fir (Abies grandis), and Silver Fir (Abies alba) oils. These oils have a warm, cozy aroma and are an excellent addition to oils for treating respiratory infections.

#3: We are angry and furious

Sometimes, our stress may turn into anger, and the resulting negative emotions can often soar to unhealthy levels. The oils that help calm our minds will be beneficial in such situations.

Clary sage (Salvia sclarea) and Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) are sedative. The grassy aroma promotes serenity and relaxation and helps us obtain the tranquility of the mind.

#4: We are depressed

A bright and refreshing aroma of citrus oils immediately boosts our moods. Among different citrus oils, we highly recommend Bergamot (Citrus bergamia). The study here[1] shows that inhalation of Bergamot helps cultivate positive feelings. Orange Sweet (Citrus aurantium) also helps bring energy and motivation.

#5: We are facing mood swings

Although it is common to have days of feeling highs and lows, wild mood swings can be a lot more intense. Some people describe them as roller-coaster of feeling from happiness and contentedness to anger, irritation, and in the extreme, even depression. Balancing oils, such as Lavender (Lavendula augustifolia), Frankincense (Boswellia carterii), and Geranium Bourbon (Pelargonium graveolens), can help reduce mood swings. Frankincense helps create a calm mind, while Geranium is well-known for hormonal balancing.

Maintaining good psychological health is as important as staying physically fit, and studies have shown that a healthy mental state improves our immune systems. It is, therefore, recommended to keep some of these multi-function essential oils https://www.janshk.com/aromatic at home for our well-being and a healthy lifestyle.

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28337799/