Aromatics for PTSD & Grief

with Florian Birkmayer

Grief, Trauma and PTSD are reaching epidemic proportions in the modern world. Yet, they have been with humanity since the earliest days, eons ago, as expressed in the oldest preserved writings. We need holistic ways to heal through these emotions that are central to the human condition. Aromatics, or aromatic allies, in the form of alive essential oils, offer a uniquely powerful way to help us grow through the experiences of grief, trauma and PTSD. They can help by bypassing the intellect, disrupting the Default Mode Network, where trauma patterns can get hardwired. They can help us bring unconscious patterns into consciousness. We will introduce criteria and terms for grief, trauma and PTSD, so we can recognize their myriad manifestations. We will review the evidence for the mechanisms of how aromatics can help. We will discuss practical applications of specific aromatic allies, including case reports.

More about Florian:

Through my commitment to my own Wounded Healer’s journey, I help our clients and students find their own personal myth or soul’s purpose. Alive aromatic allies, in the form of high quality essential oils, powerfully help our ego, our conscious story of ourselves, partner with our soul, Shadow or unconscious by bypassing the intellect and weakening the Default Mode Network. In response to the recent groundswell of interest in psychedelic therapies, I have pioneered the use of essential oils to enhance the benefits of psychedelic therapies in a variety of ways. Essential oils synergize with psychedelic therapies on multiple levels and ultimately my hope is to remind everyone that aromatic allies can be powerful by themselves to help us live in alignment with our soul's purpose. Selected Publications: Birkmayer F. with Cathy Skipper (2024) “Essential Oils for Psychedelic Therapy Support” Birkmayer F. (2022). Essential Oils for the Wounded Healer: PTSD, Post-Traumatic Resilience and the Wounded Healer’s Journey. International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy. 11(3), p. 37-41. Birkmayer F. (2021). Using Essential Oils to Enhance the Effects of Ketamine Psychedelic Therapy in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Substance-Induced Psychosis (Two Case Reports). International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy. 9(4), p.15-22. Birkmayer F. (2020). The Molecules of Connectedness. International Journal of Professional Holistic Aromatherapy. 8(4), p. 51-57. Birkmayer F., Skipper C. (2018). “The Role of Aromatherapy in the Treatment of Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders”, chapter in Modir S. & Munuz G. (eds.) Integrative Addiction and Recovery, Weil Integrative Medicine Library, Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780190275334.