Using Essential Oils for Addiction Recovery
Essential oils can be a fantastic addition to a daily routine and are a key component in Ayurveda and yoga. From overcoming addiction to helping you fall asleep, there’s an essential oil for nearly every use—and a way to use them. Some oils are more powerful than others, and it can be dangerous to go into essential oil usage blindly. However, some oils are generally considered “safe” and can be easily adopted by anyone looking for a clearer, healthier path.
Here are some of the safest oils and how they can help recovering addicts:
- Made from a citrus fruit (also called bitter orange), this oil is technically an extract. It’s commonly used in tea flavoring, but the floral, orange, and herbal aromas also help with balancing moods. Other uses for it include pain relief, help with digestion, and aiding in chest congestion. For addicts, the pain relief and mood balancing properties are especially helpful.
- This essential oil is a common cooking ingredient. It’s warm, spicy, and smells of forest with a touch of fruit. Medicinally, it can help with nausea and acne—both common side effects of addiction recovery. It’s also an excellent aid for inflammation and digestive problems.
- Different species offer different health benefits. However, the common Eucalyptus globulus is known for its minty and fresh scent. It is essential for boosting immune systems and offers mental clarity and a small energy boost. Eucalyptus is a popular addition to any addiction recovery regimen.
- Known for being the oldest essential oil, it’s created from a type of Boswellia tree. It’s mellow and has aromas of wood, citrus, and earth. Frankincense can be used as a complement to other essential oils and is known for enhancing moods and reducing stress. It can also be used as a digestive aid.
- One of the safest essential oils is lavender, famous for being a sleep aid and its calming properties. However, it’s also an anti-inflammatory and can soothe sore muscles and ligaments. Insomnia and trouble sleeping are common side effects of addiction recovery, and lavender can quickly replace dangerous vices that addicts may have depended upon for rest.
- Lemon is extremely powerful and famed for being a pain reliever and an aid in weight loss—both common needs when going through addiction recovery. As an essential oil, it also minimizes anxiety and stress while increasing concentration and improving your mood. For addicts who cling to caffeine during their journey, warm lemon water can be a replacement for a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. It provides natural energy along with kickstarting the metabolism.
- Known for being a kitchen spice, this earthy essential oil can help boost the immune system. It’s also a great aid in bettering your skin, which can suffer quite a bit from detoxing.
Essential oils have long found a place in the home of recovering addicts because of their natural healing properties. However, it’s best to work with a skilled practitioner to understand proper usage of each oil.
