Across cultures and centuries, death has been honored with ritual, prayer, touch and scent. Aromatic plants have long been used to sanctify the space between worlds, helping to soften fear, calm the nervous system and invite peace. In the presence of death, time slows, the senses heighten, and the subtle becomes meaningful. Aromatherapy offers a gentle language for this moment, one that speaks directly to the limbic system and the soul, bypassing words when words are no longer needed.

The following are the other three articles in our series on Death, Dying and Grief.

The Other Side of Grief

What if grief isn’t something to “get over”? This powerful piece reframes loss as a lifelong relationship—one that can deepen meaning, connection, and even joy. Read More » 

Sadhguru: On Death and Dying

Sadhguru is an Indian yogi/mystic who founded the Isha Foundation, which is dedicated to human well-being through yoga, education and environmental initiatives. Read More »  

Finding Peace at the End of Life with Doulas and Coaches

This is the second in our three-part series on matters of conscious death and dying. Read the first article at bit.ly/sadhguru-1125. Read More » 

Aromatherapy: A Companion at Life’s End

Creating Sacred Space Through Scent

Supporting the Living Through the Dying Process

Aromatherapy also serves those who walk alongside the dying. Grief often begins long before the final breath, and essential oils can support emotional release, grounding and resilience. Oils such as neroli and sandalwood may help caregivers and loved ones remain present without becoming overwhelmed. In this way, aromatherapy becomes a bridge—connecting the living and the dying, the seen and the unseen—offering comfort to all who are touched by the journey.

Honoring Death as a Sacred Return

When approached with reverence, death can be a teacher, inviting surrender, humility and deep love. Aromatherapy allows that even in one’s final moments, beauty, comfort and sacred ritual matter. Through scent, one can honor the body that carried the soul, the life that was lived and the mystery that lies beyond. In the quiet breath scented with gentle botanicals, one might remember that death is not something to fear, but something to be held with compassion, grace and spirituality.

Blends for Times of Transition

Oils that have properties that support an easier and more comforted transition include:

• Amyris. A very calming oil that is often loved for its scent.
• Frankincense. Frankincense calms the mind and reduces inflammation, and many find it helpful for releasing negativity and connecting to the divine and angelic realms. It can be helpful to ground one’s soul and create balance, especially in those who have a hard time letting go.
• Juniper Berry C02.  A strong kidney/bladder oil also known to clear negative or fearful energy
• Lavender. Lavender is a comforting, sedating, antidepressant oil as well as soothing for the nervous system. In this case, it helps with comforting the soul and all of those around them. Be aware that, in some people, lavender can become a little stimulating.
• Myrrh. Myrrh is healing. It helps clear the lungs and is a very connecting spiritual oil. It is also known for healing the skin and as a bronchodilator.
• Neroli. Neroli is known for replacing heaviness with unconditional love.
• Rose Absolute or Rose Otto. Rose is called the Queen of Flowers, having a very high energetic vibration. It is the oil of love and passion and can be helpful with certain heart issues.

This blend can help soothe the patient in their time of transition and allow their soul to move on once it has discarded the body. Place a drop or two on the person's pulse points, over the heart or on the forehead in the area of the third eye chakra.

In a one-third-ounce roll-on bottle, add either fractionated coconut oil or jojoba oil as a carrier, stopping at the wide point of the bottle. Don’t fill to the top. Then add:

This blend can be used to help the patient as well as the family and caregivers.

Into a one-ounce spray bottle, place a Solubol emulsifier or a few drops of liquid Castile soap and then add the oils. Fill the bottle with filtered water to the widest point. Don’t overfill. Spray lightly around the room or spray on pulse points on the wrist or the chest.  ❧

Roz Zollinger is the director and co-owner of Atlanta’s Heal Center and is recognized internationally for her contributions in the fields of reflexology, aromatherapy and energy healing. She pioneered Aromatic Reflexology and developed the Zollinger BodySystems Method of Reflexology/Aromatherapy.

Robin Kessler is a certified clinical aromatherapist and hospice consultant and has published several articles on frankincense in hospice care in aromatherapy magazines. Kessler is a clinical member of NAHA and a business member of Herbalists Without Borders.