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I’ve shared about how I use essential oils in my home and with my family (if you missed my original post explaining how I was a former skeptic-turned-believer and how I use oils in conjunction with other holistic approaches to health as well as Western medicine, then read this one first) but I think the biggest use I have for essential oils is for my own mental health and that of my family. From uplifting our moods to calming our minds, from helping with focus and grounding to helping with relaxation — essential oils have been a huge help to me. I’ve had requests to see a post on what oils I use in this capacity, as well as how I blend them and use them. So today this post is for those readers and anyone else that would like some help.
In an effort to be transparent and share as much as I can so it can help you understand where I am coming from, I feel I should include some backstory. I have struggled with postpartum depression and quite a lot of anxiety (with several anxiety attacks) since becoming a mother. I’ve tried talk therapy, medication, exercise, rest, and essential oils, among other things, and found those to be the most helpful. I do believe in medication for severe anxiety and postpartum depression (and am still taking medication myself) but when I feel my anxiety increasing or a dip in my mood, or when I find that my oldest seems anxious (he is showing signs of inheriting yet another trait from his mother) then I’ll add essential oils in to our routine. I love to diffuse Tranquility or Happy Joy. Or if I want to go with single oils and blend myself in a roller or diffuser I sometimes choose Lavender, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Chamomile, Frankincense, or a combination. Or sometimes I’ll put a few drops of some of them into epsom salt and put them in a nice bath.
I also struggle from autoimmune and thyroid issues, which negatively impact my mental health as well. This year I also discovered I was dealing with hormonal imbalance and adrenal fatigue which were causing my fatigue, mood swings, inability to lose weight, and irregular and heavy periods. That realization changed a lot for me — my diet, the products I use in our home, and the skincare and makeup I use myself. Stay tuned for a post focused on how I’m healing my hormones (it is a work in progress) but the three big things were switching any dairy and beef we consume to grass-fed exclusively, using all natural products to clean our home, and changing out my skincare to Beautycounter. You can eat all the right things and take all of the supplements you need but if you are still surrounded by toxins and carcinogens that negatively affect your endocrine and adrenal system, you aren’t going to see and feel the progress you want. And you could even get worse or end up with long term illnesses, including cancer. I believe in this so much and loved what Beautycounter stands for that I decided to become a consultant. I’d love to answer any questions you might have and share my favorite products (maybe even send you a sample if I have any available!) If you are at all interested, please reach out via email. And look around their site and do your own research as well.
Diffusing oils is a great way to both start and end the day. I like to diffuse Happy Joy in the morning to get everyone in good moods. If I’m working from home I sometimes need Energy Boost instead of that afternoon cup of coffee. And Peace and Quiet or Tranquility (or both!) in the evening during dinner gets everyone calmed down. I also like to diffuse Sleepy in our bedrooms to help with, well, sleep. I also sometimes use a Sleepy roller (made the same way as I linked to above but with relaxing oils) and roll on the bottoms of feet before bed.
We’ve also been using oils to help our son who has struggled with anxiety and ADHD this year. I made a roller that I use on him before school and I think I see an improvement, and his teacher has as well. This is the roller I made if you are interested: 10 drops of lavender, 5 drops of peppermint, and 5 drops of vetiver, then fill the rest of the roller bottle with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. Always do your research on specific oils to make sure they are ok for use on or around children.
My Essential Oil “Essentials”
If you are interested in trying to incorporate essential oils into your home here are some good things to have on hand to start:
- A good diffuser: my favorite two are this one (I have it on my bedside table) and this one for a smaller space or shorter diffusing periods.
- A bottle of carrier oil with a pump (you can get these cheap at the dollar store or on amazon if your bottle doesn’t come with a pump)
- Roller bottles for making your own rollers.
- Some basic essential oils. For a newbie I would recommend having these on hand:
- lavender
- peppermint
- lemon
- tea tree
- frankencense
- an immunity blend ( I use this from Simply Earth and am also a fan of Young LIving’s Theives oil)
Why I buy the brand of oils that I do.
Without getting into a bunch of rumor or negative claims about any essential oil companies (it exists and can be found with a simple google search if you are interested) let me just say that there are a few things about a couple of essential oil brands that give me pause. I have tried and used some of their oils, however. But then I discovered Simply Earth, and I gave them a try and haven’t looked back. I love that their oils are 100% pure, farmed ethically and responsibly, distilled properly, 3rd party tested to ensure purity, and packaged and stored properly. Also, their oils are reasonably priced for the quality. The oils work great, smell great, and are packaged beautifully. And the company donates 13% of profits to fight human trafficking, which I think is fantastic and I am always happy to support with a purchase. I’m saying this only because I know I’m going to be asked what oils I use or why I choose these over other popular brands. I think you need to try oils out and do your research and choose what works best for you and what you feel good about. This is a company I feel good about.
So, are you an essential oils user already or are you interested and want to know more? I’m happy to answer any questions, although I’m certainly not an expert. I’m just a mom who is willing to try natural solutions to things and finds oils helpful.
This post does contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support.
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Thanks for this! How did you determine you had a hormonal imbalance? I’ve struggling with anxiety, headaches, joint pain, and insomnia. After lots of testing and no answers, I’ve started considering that things are hormone related… thanks for your posts and being so relatable.
I saw a naturopath who was the most helpful doctor I’ve seen since I was diagnosed. She suspected hormonal imbalance (high estrogen) and we did some labs to confirm. Have you checked your thyroid? Also, gluten intolerance? You could try eliminating some things from your diet and see if it improves too (like gluten and sugar). My insomnia and joint pain especially get worse when I start eating gluten again (more than a little).
Would love any sample you have! Trying to get into oils but not sure if I see the difference. Does the diffuser need to be in a smaller room? I have mine on our main floor. Thanks!
Shoot me an email with your skin type and address and I’ll send you what I have left that would work well for you! The diffuser doesn’t have to be in a smaller room — as long as you can smell the oils then it should be fine. Which ones have you tried? Might be that the one particular type doesn’t necessarily work for you as well as another one might… Or could be the quality of the brand you are using.
I am so glad you brought up this aspect. Depression and anxiety affect millions of adults in USA each year. Traditionally, essential oils have been used to treat ailments and small aches and pains, but research has shown that they can be effective for mental health as well. Their use can promote feelings of joy, energy and freshness by enhancing blood circulation. They help the mind relax and sleep. Bergamot Oil, Lavender Oil, Chamomile, Ylang Ylang and Sage Oil are some of the best oils for stress relief and mental health.