Grief and Sorrow

The events of the last few weeks have been intense and difficult to process. In America, and many other countries, we are seeing very troubling things happen both among the citizens and the government, as if we are barreling towards something horrendous. Setting aside political differences, I think we can all agree that things are ugly and unsettling out there. So, what is the answer?

God. God is the answer.

There is no herb or essential oil that can truly heal what is going on, but God can. Truly, the end is fast approaching, and we all need to repent from our sins, turn to God, and believe in the good news: that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

This does not mean everything in this life will be easy, but it does mean that you will have eternal life with Him, and the peace of knowing He has already won the victory over sin and death.

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. -John 16:33

But what about right now? What about the feelings you are struggling with right now?

Prayer.

Take it to God in prayer; give it all to Him and leave it at His feet.

Herbs and essential oils cannot heal the soul; only Christ can do that, but they can help ease the physical toll that grief takes on the body. Grief often brings tension, fatigue, digestive upset, restlessness, or sleepless nights. When used wisely, herbs and oils can bring a sense of comfort, giving us the ability to focus on what is truly important.

Herbs for a Grieving Heart

• Rose (Rosa spp.) - rose has a long history of easing heartache, lifting mood, and calming emotional agitation to bring a sense of gentle comfort

• Linden (Tilia spp.) - linden blossoms can reduce restlessness, ease tension, and support sleep, which can be much needed in times of grief

• Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) - hawthorn is a wonderful option for supporting cardiovascular health, but it is also useful in helping you feel like you have the resilience to carry on through difficult times

• Calendula (Calendula officinalis) - calendula is a cheerful, resinous flower that is soothing in a variety of ways through its anti-inflammatory properties and calming effects for those dealing with loss

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - lavender has been shown to lower anxiety, promote restful sleep, settle nervous tension, and ease racing thoughts

• Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) - rosemary has been shown to support circulation, clear mental fog, and support focus, which is helpful during times of overwhelming emotions

• Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum/tenuiflorum) - tulsi is an adaptogen that helps balance stress hormones and support digestion, which is helpful when grief has led to physical symptoms

• Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis) - wood betony is a calming herb that helps you release the tension that tends to come with grief

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - lemon balm is an all-around cheerful, soothing herb that can calm the nervous system, support digestion, and promote restful sleep

• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) - chamomile can reduce muscle tension, support digestion, and encourage restful sleep

Essential Oils for a Grieving Heart

• Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) - clary sage can reduce stress and nervous tension, soothe mood swings, and support restful sleep

• Frankincense (Boswellia spp.) - frankincense encourages deep breathing, slows racing thoughts, calms stress and anxiety, and supports sleep

• Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) - cypress has been shown to be helpful during times of mourning and grief, helpful for dealing with overwhelming feelings and thoughts

• Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis) - juniper berry can be helpful when processing difficult emotions, while also helping relieve physical pain

• Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana) - sweet marjoram helps to relax tight muscles, quiet a racing mind, promote sleep, and eases feelings of anxiety and sadness

• Melissa/Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) - melissa can help reduce nervousness and is comforting during times of loss

• Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) - sweet orange offers a cheerful, uplifting aroma that is encouraging and optimistic

• Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) - mandarin's sweet citrus scent is calming, comforting, and especially supportive

• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) - bergamot can help reduce stress and anxiety, and support restful sleep

• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) - patchouli can help ease anxiety, soothe nervous tension, and promote feelings of calm

Ways to Work with These Herbs & Oils

• Teas: Sip simple teas of linden, lemon balm, or chamomile, or create your own soothing blends

• Tinctures: Tinctures of tulsi, rose, or linden can be supportive for steady daily needs

• Infused Honey: Stir dried herbs such as rose petals, rosehips, or lavender into raw honey and let it infuse for 1–2 weeks, then use a spoonful in tea or on toast for a little comfort and nourishment

• Aromatic Baths: Add a handful of dried aromatic herbs such as lavender, calendula, and rose petals to a warm bath for gentle, soothing relaxation

• Aromatherapy: Diffuse oils, blend them into a carrier oil for massage, use in roller bottles, or make a personal inhaler for on-the-go comfort

  
  

Recipes for Grief Support

Comfort in a Cup

• 2 parts dried tulsi (leaves)

• 1 part dried wood betony (leaves and flowers)

• 1 part dried linden (leaves and flowers)

• 1 part dried hawthorn (leaves, flowers, and/or berries)

• 1 part dried chamomile (flowers)

Steep, covered for 10 minutes in just-boiling water. Add honey and lemon to taste as desired. Adjust the recipe to fit what you have on hand, and your taste preferences; this recipe is just a loose suggestion

Aromatic Soak

• 1 Tbsp dried aromatic herbs (lavender, rose petals, calendula, rosemary, chamomile)

• 1/2 cup salt (Dead Sea, Epsom, Himalayan)

Pick and choose which ingredients you prefer, and mix it all together. Put directly into the bathwater, or add to a muslin bag and toss the bag into the water for less mess

Supportive Diffuser Blend

• 4 drops sweet orange

• 2 drops cypress

Diffuse for up to 30 minutes in a well-ventilated room to bring a little comfort during difficult times

Calming Massage Oil (2% dilution)

• 8 drops lavender

• 8 drops clary sage

• 6 drops frankincense

• 2 oz carrier oil (jojoba or almond, optionally infused with lavender)

Add the carrier oil and drops of essential oil to a 2-oz flip-top bottle, and shake well. Use as a massage oil for the neck, back, legs, and feet as needed for a soothing massage when emotions are heavy

Inhaler for Difficult Emotions

• 7 drops mandarin

• 6 drops juniper berry

• 2 drops patchouli

Add to a blank aromatherapy inhaler for on-the-go support

Final Thoughts

Herbs and essential oils are simply tools; while these natural remedies can provide comfort for our physical symptoms, let's never forget that true peace comes from the Lord. Take everything to Him in prayer; He sees every tear, knows every sorrow, and is with the brokenhearted.

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. -Psalm 55:22