Oils that uplift the Spirit

A fantastic and mysterious relationship occurs between plants and their environment. The plants bodies absorb and alchemically transform the soil, water, sunlight, moonlight, and air. The bodies of the plants convert the elements of the Universe into elegant art forms, foods, medicines, and fragrances. The plants create their aromatic fragrance from the nutrients of the soil and its symbiotic relationship with its environment. The rhythm of the celestial heavens is cultivated by the plant as it develops under the radiant sun, the luminous moon and the sparkling stars. The natural flow of rain, underground rivers and streams, as well as mountainous snowmelt brings the living water into the plant. The winds and breezes blow the air and ether around the plant as she continues to refine her beauty and gifts. Aromatic plants and flowers are arguably some of nature’s most incredible creations. The earth’s garden of plants and flowers is glorious and vast containing highly effective medicines for every nature of physical and non-physical ailment.

In humans, the olfactory (sense of smell) region is an area of about 2 and a half square centimeters and is located in each of the two nasal cavities between and below the eyes. Containing approximately fifty million primary sensory receptor cells, this region is highly intricate. Incredibly, the olfactory sense is 10,000 times more perceptive than the sense of taste and is able to distinguish a nearly infinite number of element compounds at very low concentrations. When compared to sight, we find that olfaction is more complex. In order to span the visible spectrum humans’ use only three types of photoreceptors; in contrast, the sense of smell relies on hundreds of distinct classes of receptors.

Depression is one of the most common reasons for using complementary and alternative therapies. There is a wide and varied range of psychological, physical, and energetic issues and challenges that can lead to feelings of depression and feelings of negativity.

Research has shown that fragrances stimulate multiple areas and a variety of systems in the brain including those that influence the endocrine system, the immune system, and the limbic system (the emotional body). Essential oils have a direct and profound effect on the deepest levels of the body, emotions, and psyche. Through inhalation as their primary route of absorption, essential oils have a strong and immediate influence on the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Passing through the capillary beds of the sinuses and activating the olfactory nerves, the fragrances of the oils enter the brain, producing powerful systemic effects on the neurological, immunological, and hormonal functions. A Korean study on the effect of aromatherapy on pain and depression in patients with arthritis found that receiving massage with lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint oils significantly decreased both the pain and the depression levels.

In both Naturopathy and Ayurvedic Medicine (The Science of Life), essential oils are considered to enhance the flow of prana (essential life force), enhance and nourish ojas (nourishing and immunological essence), and brighten tejas (clarity and mental luminosity). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, essential oils in general are medicines for the Shen, the spiritual essence that resides in the heart and guides and governs consciousness. Used consciously, essential oils powerfully enhance positive mental and emotional states.

Following are some oils that have a reputation for up-lifting Shen, enhancing prana, nourishing ojas, and brightening tejas (luminosity):

Bergamot has a wide reputation for a capacity to gently uplift. This is a direct result of its action of smoothing the flow of Liver-Qi. Bergamot combines the ability to both relax the nerves and refresh the Spirit; it is suitable for depressive states that depression. Neroli, like Sweet Orange and Bergamot regulates the Qi and like Jasmine oil, comforts the Mind and Heart.

Neroli is called for at a core level, for the type of depression that comes from nervous and emotional exhaustion. Neroli uplifts the Mind and Spirit with its potential to nourish and unify. Neroli assists in retrieving and releasing repressed emotions. Neroli is specifically indicated for individuals who, in order to escape from emotional pain and suffering cut themselves off from their feelings and senses.

The Chamomiles (German and Roman) are wonderful oils to use when the depression manifests in a moody and irritable and dissatisfied outward expression that is associated with stagnant Liver-Qi.

When depression is of a Fire nature it most often involves an imbalance of Joy and Love-the root emotions of the heart and the Mind. Joy is an extension of Shen’s innate sense of harmony and perfection, an experience of emotional and spiritual well-being. The depression that afflicts the Heart and Shen involves a loss of one’s natural sense of Joy. There is often an accompanied lack of enthusiasm and interest as well as an inability to become inspired.

Wonderful recipes to release depression and uplift the Spirit:

Heart opening:
1 part Rose
3 parts Sandalwood
3parts Sweet Orange or Bergamot
3 parts Jasmine
1 part Ylang Ylang
1 part Sandalwood

Brightening, refreshing and uplifting:

a) Uplifting
3 parts Bergamot
1 part Ylang Ylang
1 part Grapefruit

b) Bright and refreshing

2 parts Bergamot
2 parts Clary Sage
1 part Frankincense

c) Bright and clear
3 parts Bergamot or Sweet Orange
2 parts Clary Sage

d) Refreshing and floral
2 parts Frankincense
1 part Lemon
1 part either Jasmine or Neroli

Nourishing:
1 part (Roman) Chamomile
1 part Vanilla
10 parts Carrier oil of choice

Floral and earthy (uplifting and softening to Spirit):
1 part Neroli
1 part Vanilla
1 part Orange
1 part Sandalwood

When feeling bitter and brooding
1 part Bergamot
1 part Helichrysum