FRANKINCENSE

My number one essential oil for grief is frankincense. Frankincense is highly regarded for supporting grief due to its calming, grounding, and spiritually uplifting properties, which help stabilize emotions and deepen breathing during times of loss.

Frankincense (specifically Boswellia species) is considered beneficial for managing emotional distress, such as grief-induced anxiety, due to its potent anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic properties. It helps regulate stress hormones, promotes brain health, and can improve mood by modulating serotonin and norepinephrine levels. Learn more here:

The Effects of Frankincense Essential Oil on Stress in Rats >

Frankincense: Therapeutic Properties >

LAVENDER

The other essential oil that comes to mind for grief is lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). It is considered a beneficial, evidence-based complementary therapy for managing the emotional and physical symptoms associated with grief—such as acute anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress—through its calming effect on the nervous system. They have started using lavender in hospice and the hospital setting where its use has correlated with less pain medication required! Learn more here:

Inhalation Aromatherapy >

Aromotherapy for the Brain >

A Comprehensive Review >

There are definitely more essential oils that can be used for grief like citrus oils… but these two are my go-to for grief, anxiety and stress.