For my aromatherapy training, I needed to do 10-12 case studies. I finished them, but I had a lot of friends (and friends of friends!) who wanted to participate, so I ended up coming up with about twice as many blends as required. This blend is for a friend who is going through a major change, who wanted help feeling grounded and motivated, help with feelings of anxiety and depression, and also sleep support. I decided to tackle all of these concerns, but with three different blends. I didn't want to tackle them all in one blend. I figured my friend could alternate diffusing each blend, or perhaps dilute any or all of the blends with carrier oil... I wanted to offer a few options (who doesn't love a few options?).
The first blend is with Litsea (Litsea cubeba), also known as May Chang, Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii), and Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens). Litsea is simultaneously uplifting and calming, and supports sleep. Palmarosa too is uplifting and calming, but addresses change specifically, and anxiety associated with change, by encouraging adaptability and flexibility. Palo Santo is grounding and helps with anxiety, from a spiritual slant.
Palo Santo, also known as Holy Wood or Sacred Tree, has been used for centuries in ceremonies to connect with the spiritual realm. The tree itself bridges this life and the afterlife: when the Palo Santo tree dies, the wood continues to mature. The essential oil is steam distilled from this wood - bringing in new life after death. I thought this oil was especially appropriate since my friend was starting a new adventure. As we have all experienced, new adventures usually come with endings. In order to make space to begin something new, we need to find closure with something we've held onto. Even when new beginnings are welcome, it can still be stressful. I think this blend will help with all those emotions.