I feel so saddened as I continue to hear of so many people dying or being very well. Here are some suggestions of some essential oils that may support people in this emotional and incredibly difficult time.
When a loved one goes into palliative care, it can be so difficult to know what we can do to help them. Prayers are often spoken, and some people also like to apply essential oils to the person’s body.
Anointing with essential oils was most familiar in the Bible. Here are some familiar passages referring to using essential oils around the time of death or sickness.
- King David cleansed himself with essential oils after he heard about the death of his infant child (2 Samuel 12:20).
- A woman, who may be Mary Magdalene, anointed Jesus’ feet with a fragrant oil (believed to be a mixture of Myrrh and Spikenard, which helps with a feeling a being calm), one week before his death (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8). The cost of this oil was about a year’s wages. After anointing His feet, she wiped His feet dry with her hair. But Judas complained about the cost of the oil as he wanted it sold and put in the poor box, which he would steal from. Others in the home also started complaining however, Jesus told them, “Let her alone;… She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial.” (Mark 14:6,8 KJV) This woman’s action was an expression of her deep love and appreciation for Jesus. We may feel an incredible sense of gratitude and devotion as she says thank you to Jesus.
- “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.” (Psalm 23:4-5 NKJV)
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.” (Psalm 23:4-5 NKJV)
This shows that in the Old Testament someone in danger of being hunted down and killed would be encouraged to use essential oils to prepare for potential death.
4. “And they… anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” (Mark 6:13)
5. ”Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14)
In my opinion, anointing with oils and prayer together are the most powerful. Praying and anointing with oil for each other is God’s provision for us to live the abundant and healthy life He intends for us. Essential oils were applied to Jesus’ body to prepare him for his impending death; most notably was Spikenard. Although we do not have Spikenard available today as we await the plants of Spikenard trees to grow in abundance, I have created a list of my top ten oils to support a person as they near the end of their physical life.
- Frankincense can elevate spiritual connection with God, and is useful for transitioning. It may promote feelings of being loved and protected. I like to apply it on the top of my head.
- Myrrh is an oil that promotes spiritual awareness and is uplifting. It may provide feelings of safety and security.
- Rubbing Hyssop oil on the person’s chest can support breathing. It may offer hope as it can address deep emotional pain. Remember to dilute in a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil.
- Cypress oil is wonderful for promoting circulation. Diluted Cypress may be rubbed on tired muscles. It can facilitate trust in God and casting aside worries.
We have four Cypress oils to choose from:- Cypress
- Blue Cypress – From our partner farm in Darwin, Australia.
- Hong Kuai
- Hinoki
- Rose oil, applied to the heart, may allow one to receive divine love, as it may provide feelings of warmth and compassion.
- White Angelica is a blend that promotes feelings of protection and security when diffused, and can be used to guard against negative energy. This wonderful essential oil blend is comforting, strengthening, grounding, balancing, and stabilising.
- Roman Chamomile can calm insecurities, and allow one to feel more at peace and calm.
- Surrender is a comforting blend, created to help balance and calm the emotions, and clear the mind.
- Angelica is helpful for those who have a lack of faith and trust, or are fearful of God. It has soothing qualities that help relax nerves and muscles. In Germany, Angelica was historically referred to as the “oil of angels,” because of its ability to calm anxiety, restore happy memories, and bring peaceful sleep.
- Palo Santo comes from the same botanical family as Frankincense. It was traditionally used as a spiritual oil to ward off negative energies and protect against harmful spiritual influences. Palo Santo has an inspiring fragrance and can be diffused for a cleansing and refreshing atmosphere. It can also be used for massage.
These times in our lives are difficult, but we have to remember to look after ourselves too. Anointing oneself during and after the death of a loved one can be emotionally supportive. My favourite oil for this is Trauma Life, which is designed to offer support during difficult emotional times. This wonderful blend is calming, grounding, and balancing, and promotes relaxation during times of restlessness. Use Trauma Life to help overcome occasional stress and release buried emotions.
The essential oils suggested here are for emotional support. I like to pray about which oils to use and be guided spiritually. These oils may be applied topically to the body or diffused in the air. These are my suggestions of where to apply oils, but please apply the oils to the body where you feel is best suited.
Overall, there are many oils that can be applied to a loved one nearing death. Prayer and oils together can bring great comfort to all. May peace and blessings support you.
Which prayers and/or oils have helped you through difficult times? Do you have any preferred oils to suggest for end of physical life?
DISCLAIMER: These products are NOT intended to diagnose, prescribe or treat any condition of the body. It is not intended as a replacement for a diagnosis by a licensed medical professional. It is for educational purposes only. Before applying oils to another person, obtain their consent and confirm with a doctor that there are no contraindications with medications that the person is on.
If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration or Food and Drug Administration, and are only in reference to Young Living Essential Oils.
These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
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