FEAR

FEAR! It is the most basic of emotions fueled by the fight or flight principle we already heard about in the amygdala hijack video. Fear can be a powerful driver for both good as well as bad. However, today we are going to focus on the negative effects that fear can have and how to use oils to support us overcoming fear. 

The fight or flight response to a situation is our natural defense against trouble. When faced with fear, the adrenal glands produce adrenalin, which stimulates the sympathetic system to close down peripheral functioning and concentrate energy into the core functions. Digestion shuts down, heart rate increases, blood is pumped to the muscles for quick response and the nervous system is on hyper-alert. This reaction to fear is what keeps us alive, if we had to use it. It is only when our body forgets to shut off the reaction that fear becomes toxic to our body. 

Normal threats produce normal fear and when the threat is over, the body calms and begins to detoxify the built up adrenalin that is no longer required. But when the perceived threat doesn’t go away, then the body continues to produce hormones, the sympathetic response never has a chance to rest and the body becomes over-stimulated and toxic. Long-term disease conditions, such as ulcers, hypertension, and chronic fatigue can occur with a prolonged response to fear. Worrying and ruminating over the fear can cause the response to go on indefinitely. Essential oils can help with the fear factor to reduce the toxicity levels in the body and ease the mental anguish around the fear. Again, remember these are not a replacement for professional care, but a resource to aid in the journey. 

General oils that are useful in helping to reduce or alleviate fear are chamomile, lavender, geranium, marjoram, bergamot, frankincense, neroli, and sandalwood. ​

Did you know Young Living has blends with some of these oils and more in them? T.R. Care, AromaEase, AromaSleep, Freedom, Hope, Inner Child, Harmony just to name a few. They can be helpful for children as well as adults, although with children age appropriate use and proper dilution are imperative. There is even a technique to utilize along with these oils called Aroma Freedom Technique or AFT.

Oils that can support in detoxing the body after a sudden trauma or threat are lemon, juniper, sandalwood, clary sage and geranium. These are best massaged onto the body, especially around the kidney area (where the Chinese believe fear is stored). Bathing in a combination of these oils is very useful in clearing the system of adrenalin build-up, as well as tonifying the kidneys. (add a few drops to a mixture of epsom salt & baking soda, then soak in a hot bath for 30 minutes.)

When fear is a constant in one’s life, because of job insecurity, financial issues, family, or other exterior circumstance, then oils such as fennel, ylang-ylang, frankincense, elemi, lavender and cypress may help calm the nervous system and relax the weary mind to bring back equilibrium and balance. 

As stated, fear in itself is necessary when there is a threat to one’s life, it is only when the perceived threat is so prolonged that it becomes a challenge to the health. We can do many things to alleviate the physical reaction to fear; things like massage, biofeedback, hands-on healing and counseling. And when essential oils are added to the equation these modalities become far more effective. Essential oils have a place in our daily lives combating the response to fear. So, don’t be afraid to try these little helpers!​

Personal Testimony: 
I am analytical by nature, unfortunately at times this logical realist mindset leaves me less than calm. I forget who is actually in control and let my circumstances rule my thoughts. When this fear, anxiety, and worry take over. My go to is a roller blend we created in our house called Squash Satan+. It is a blend of Bergamot, Orange, Joy, Roman Chamomile, Frankincense, and Lemon. This blend helps me relax my mind, focus on the one who really controls my future, and bring on the feelings I want Stability, Groundedness, and Joy rather than Fear. 

Currently, we are working on releasing the emotional trauma that came from my youngest sons surgery to remove his adenoids to help with sleep apnea. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to be with him as he went to sleep with the anesthesia or when he woke up in the recovery room, I was brought back just after his waking. In the nights and days that have followed he screamed when it was time to go to sleep. He had to be with me, and even then sleep was restless and filled with nightmares. To be honest, if I were that little and had to go through all that I would probably be scared to go to sleep too. We are currently using a blend of gentle baby, lemon, frankincense, roman chamomile and bergamot to help alleviate those fears. We diffuse orange with frankincense and use a modified raindrop technique to apply the highly diluted oils along his spine before bed and before his afternoon naps. He went down for his afternoon nap peacefully without me in the room about a week after starting, which is a huge improvement from what we had been experiencing. Now he can go to sleep and sleep through the night most nights without issue. I know our oils have helped because as soon as I bring them out he lays down and puts up his feet.  That's little people speak for they make me feel better. 

STARY YOUR JOURNEY

References: 
Essential Oils Desk Reference 7th Edition
​http://www.suzannebovenizer.com/aromatherapy-essential…/fear