Essential Oil Therapy As Medicine
The Power of Essential Oil Therapy in Holistic Healing
Essential oil therapy is a powerful, natural tool that supports a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological healing. Whether used as single-origin oils or as part of synergistic blends, essential oils work at the cellular level to influence mood, energy, and wellbeing. Many integrative psychotherapists, EMDR practitioners, somatic therapists, and wellness professionals incorporate essential oils to deepen therapeutic outcomes—especially in trauma release sessions, yoga therapy, Reiki, and mindfulness-based practices.
Essential oils can be administered in three primary ways: aromatically through diffusion or direct inhalation, topically via the skin (often diluted in a carrier oil), or taken internally when guided by a knowledgeable provider. Personally, I use essential oils daily—in my own wellness rituals and to enhance yoga, meditation, and emotional regulation. I always recommend using only pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils sourced with integrity to ensure safety and efficacy.
What Are Essential Oils and How Do They Work?
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts obtained through careful distillation or cold-pressing techniques. These potent oils contain complex chemical compounds that hold the therapeutic essence of the plant—its scent, flavor, and healing potential. In fact, it often takes pounds of plant material to produce a single drop of essential oil, which is why quality matters so deeply.
When inhaled, essential oil molecules travel through the olfactory system, directly stimulating the limbic brain—the seat of emotion, memory, and the stress response. The olfactory nerves transport scent molecules into the nasal cavity, where they are picked up by neurons and carried within milliseconds to areas like the amygdala, pineal gland, and pituitary gland. Research shows that this process can prompt the brain to release immune-boosting antibodies, endorphins, and neurotransmitters—creating a cascade of physiological and psychological effects.
This makes essential oil therapy particularly effective for addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, pain, and digestive issues often triggered by trauma or chronic stress.
My Experience with Essential Oil Therapy in Clinical and Hospital Settings
Over the years, I’ve witnessed the remarkable healing capacity of essential oils while volunteering in hospital environments, including oncology and cancer care. Patients consistently reported a deep sense of relaxation, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and relief from treatment-related nausea and discomfort following integrative sessions that incorporated aromatherapy. These experiences confirmed what I already knew intuitively—essential oil therapy is a powerful ally in trauma-informed and holistic mental health care.
Most essential oil practitioners have their own oil alchemy and go-to favorite oils. These are mine:
Vetiver & Sandalwood (sleep & insomnia), Lavender & Jasmine (mood & relaxation), Cyprus (skin brushing), Rose & Frankincense (connection & energy flow ), Geranium (skin & bath)
Some ways that I use essential oils in my daily life…
Enhanced immunity
Clarity of my skin and reduction of fine lines
Psychological & emotional Wellness
Mental Clarity
Minor skin abrasions
essential oil use to support your yoga practice and meditation Sessions:
Grounding – Vetiver, ginger, patchouli, sandalwood and cedarwood
Energy flow and expression - Myrrh, frankincense, eucalyptus and rosemary
Calming and relaxing - Lavender, geranium and chamomile
Nourishing – Bergamot, orange and lemon
Spiritual – Jasmine, neroli, frankincense, ylang ylang, rose
What follows are conditions that are supported by essential oil use:
Anxiety and stress relief
Lemon balm, orange, rose, ylang ylang, geranium, lavender, clary sage, cedarwood
Insomnia
Valarian, rutavala, lavender, orange, cardamom, geranium, marjoram, chamomile, ylang ylang, basil, neroli, bergamot, clary sage, sandalwood
Mild depression
Jasmine, ylang ylang, orange, grapefruit, citrus fresh, bergamot, frankincense, lemon, neroli, sandalwood, rose, bergamot
Trauma and PTSD
Bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang
ADHD
Peppermint, lemon
PMS and hormonal problems
lavender, peppermint, bergamot, clary sage (check with your doctor)
Single Origin Oils and their healing properties
Essential Oils and Their Benefits
Basil: Anti-inflammatory; helps with intestinal issues, muscle spasms, headaches, and mental fatigue. Dilute with a carrier oil.
Bergamot: Analgesic, antidepressant; supports anxiety relief and female hormone balance. Also antifungal, anti-inflammatory, allergy-relieving, and mildly sedative.
Birch: Analgesic and antispasmodic; natural cortisone-like properties may relieve arthritis, joint, and muscle pain, including back pain.
Cardamom: Diuretic and antibacterial; supports appetite regulation, relieves colic, coughs, heartburn, nausea, and menstrual discomfort.
Cedar (Canadian Red): Antibacterial and antiseptic; stimulates hair follicles, supports the respiratory system, and helps with dandruff and hair loss.
Cedarwood: Purifies odors, helps with cellulite, bronchitis, and oily hair; supports lymphatic drainage and hair health.
Chamomile (Roman): Excellent for skin care—treats acne, boils, rashes—and soothes migraines and joint inflammation.
Cinnamon Bark: Always dilute with carrier oil. Helps combat strep and viral conditions; strengthens circulation.
Cistus: Antimicrobial; prevents virus mutation and directly boosts the immune system.
Clary Sage: Balances hormones, alleviates PMS and hot flashes, and relieves menstrual cramps. Safe during labor.
Clove: Antiviral; strengthens respiratory function, improves memory, and relieves toothaches and gum pain. Supports immune function.
Coriander: Research from Cairo University shows it may lower glucose by supporting insulin and pancreas function.
Cypress: Antibacterial, antimicrobial, and lymphatic decongestant. Used for arthritis, circulation issues, bronchitis, cramps, and parasites.
Davana: Anti-infectious; moisturizes dry, chapped skin and supports endocrine health. Eases PMS.
Dill: Supports glucose regulation, respiratory function, and liver health.
Eucalyptus: A respiratory aid; relieves sinus congestion, allergies, flu, and supports blood sugar balance and Candida relief.
Fennel: Supports adrenal health, breaks down toxins, and balances endocrine glands.
Fir: Fights airborne pathogens; may reduce arthritis, rheumatism, and fever symptoms.
Frankincense: Immune booster; may reduce tumors, heal ulcers, and support cancer care protocols.
Galbanum: Wound healer; soothes abscesses and enhances meditation.
Geranium: Antidepressant; helps with shingles, kidney stones, and skin ulcers. Natural deodorant and insect repellent.
Ginger: Anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory; useful for colic, indigestion, motion sickness, and chest congestion.
Grapefruit: Supports skin clarity, reduces water retention and cellulite.
Helichrysum: Powerful antibacterial; stops bleeding, regenerates skin, and supports nerve repair.
Hyssop: Mucus thinner and immune booster; not recommended for children.
Jasmine: Supports childbirth and hormonal health; anti-spasmodic and helpful for uterine disorders.
Juniper: Diuretic and nerve stimulator; used for acne, eczema, and dermatitis.
Lavender: Versatile oil for burns, rashes, insomnia, allergies, and emotional regulation. Can be applied undiluted.
Lemon: Germicidal and detoxifying; purifies air and water, supports digestion, and stimulates blood cell production.
Lemongrass: Mosquito repellant; aids tissue repair and varicose vein reduction. Naturally calming.
Marjoram: Muscle relaxant; relieves spasms and improves sleep.
Melaleuca (Tea Tree): Antimicrobial; used historically for wound care and in modern cancer support protocols.
Melissa: Antiviral and antidepressant; balances mood and relieves eczema and menstrual issues.
Mountain Savory: Antibacterial and antiviral; best used in a diffuser to cleanse the air.
Myrrh: Heals skin issues, including rashes and wrinkles; soothes gum infections and promotes vaginal health.
Myrtle: Thyroid and respiratory support; treats coughs, colds, and flu.
Nutmeg: Supports bowel health, circulation, digestion, and neuralgia.
Orange: Elevates mood, aids digestion, and relieves fluid retention.
Oregano: A potent immune stimulant; antiviral and antifungal.
Patchouli: Calming and grounding; supports anxiety relief, skin health, and sexual energy.
Peppermint: Mental stimulant; relieves nausea, headaches, and digestive discomfort.
Petitgrain: Antiseptic and calming; promotes mood balance and sleep.
Pine: Hormone-balancing, antifungal, and supports muscle and joint health.
Ravensara: Known as “the oil that heals”; supports flu, allergies, and respiratory recovery.
Rose: Anti-aging and emotionally uplifting; wonderful for skin care.
Rosemary: Boosts memory, supports scalp health, and helps reduce cholesterol and Candida.
Rosewood: Anti-aging and skin-supportive; good for eczema, acne, and vaginal care.
Sage: Supports oral and respiratory health; regulates menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
Sandalwood: Deeply calming; supports urinary tract health and meditation.
Spearmint: Metabolism support; helps with nausea, digestion, and gallbladder function.
Spikenard: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory; a skin tonic and natural deodorant.
Spruce: Relieves muscle and joint pain; supports prostate and weight management.
Tangerine: Stimulates lymphatic flow; supports circulation and digestion.
Tansy (Blue): Anti-inflammatory and antihistamine; relieves nerve pain and itching.
Tarragon: Supports digestion and gut balance; antimicrobial and calming.
Thyme: Respiratory and digestive aid; antibacterial and antifungal.
Valerian: Sedative; calms the central nervous system and improves sleep quality.
Vetiver: Anti-inflammatory; relieves arthritis, soothes nerves, and helps with hypothermia.
Ylang Ylang: Calms the nervous system; helps with hypertension, mood swings, and emotional overwhelm.
About Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan
Kimberly Seelbrede, LCSW is a New York State licensed Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner and Couple Therapist with a private practice in New York City, Montana and virtually. As a wellness psychotherapist and holistic consultant, she has received advanced, extensive training in Trauma Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health. She is passionate about honoring the exquisite interplay of the mind-body connection. Kimberly Seelbrede specializes in anxiety & mood disorders, trauma and women’s mental health. She brings over 20 years of counseling, coaching, and healing experience to her holistic practice and transformational work.
In addition to online therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship struggles, Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness offers a wide variety of online services to fit the needs of busy professionals. New Yorkers often lead fast-paced and complex lives, which makes work-life balance and managing career, family and social obligations a challenge. Psychotherapy and wellness practice provide the support to help clients cultivate resources, resilience and enhanced emotional health, as well as uncover conflicts and obstacles that may interfere with having the life they desire.
Women’s Mental Health Perimenopause & Menopause
Curated Lifestyle Interventions Protocols