From the Guidelines
There is limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of natural remedies or essential oils specifically for grief, and thus, they should not be relied upon as the primary treatment for managing grief. When considering complementary approaches to support emotional well-being during grief, some individuals may find subjective benefits from aromatherapy using oils like lavender, as suggested by a 2023 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology 1. This study examined the effectiveness of lavender essential oil aromatherapy inhalation in reducing anxiety in adults with cancer, finding that reduction in anxiety was reported in five out of six trials, with three recording statistically significant differences. While the evidence from this study is not directly related to grief, it suggests that lavender oil may have a positive effect on anxiety, which is often a component of the grieving process. Key points to consider when using aromatherapy for relaxation and emotional support include:
- Diffusing lavender oil (3-5 drops in a diffuser) before bedtime may potentially improve sleep quality.
- Using bergamot oil during the day may potentially lift mood, although this is based on general knowledge and not directly supported by the provided evidence.
- Herbal supplements like St. John's Wort have evidence for depression but not specifically for grief and can interact with medications, thus they should be used with caution and under professional guidance. For significant grief that interferes with daily functioning, professional mental health support remains the most evidence-based approach, as grief is a complex emotional process that often requires more than natural remedies alone.
From the Research
Evidence for Natural Remedies and Essential Oils in Grief
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to support the use of natural remedies or essential oils in helping with feelings of grief 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and complicated grief therapy as treatments for prolonged grief disorder and complicated grief.
Alternative Therapies for Grief
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of prolonged grief disorder and complicated grief 2, 3, 5.
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy has also been explored as a treatment for prolonged grief disorder, although it may not be as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy 2.
- Complicated grief therapy is a relatively new psychotherapy model that has been demonstrated to be effective in addressing symptoms of complicated grief 4, 6.
Limitations of Current Research
- The provided studies do not investigate the use of natural remedies or essential oils in treating grief, and therefore, no conclusions can be drawn about their effectiveness 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Further research is needed to explore the potential benefits and limitations of alternative therapies, including natural remedies and essential oils, in helping individuals cope with grief.