Emotional bonding, relationship healing, phenols, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, cell memory, receptor sites, oxytocin, the amygdala…how might all these things be related? We are truly fearfully and wonderfully made! The limbic system in the brain supports many brain functions we take for granted: adrenaline stimulation, behavior, motivation, olfaction (sense of smell), and long term memory.

This intricate system, which also influences our autonomic nervous system (heartbeat, breathing, digestive process etc.) and endocrine system (sexual function, hormones, sleep, etc.) is a complex and powerful part of our overall creation!

If you get nothing else from this article, I pray you get this: Emotions affect us physically; so, if you want to be truly healthy, don’t minimize the importance of healthy relationships and emotions!

The first person a child bonds with is ideally his/her mother. Even our experiences in the womb uniquely bond us to the woman who conceived us.

I am enjoying my study on human bonding and how essential oils can be an amazing tool for those searching for answers! Did you know that sesquiterpenes are thought to “delete” garbled information in cellular memory, and that monoterpenes are thought to “reprogram” it? Fascinating stuff!

Be sure to check out the handy chart below that lists a few good “bonding oils” that are high in sesquiterpenes, as well as those high in monoterpenes.

Scents play a powerful role in memories, especially emotional memories. Olfactory input is routed through your amygdala and hippocampus (which process emotion)…” – Dr. Mercola

The first person a child bonds with is ideally his/her mother. Even our experiences in the womb uniquely bond us to the woman who conceived us. The bonding experience continues when a mother nurses, cuddles, and nurtures her little one.

All the senses are engaged. The eye-contact, sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and especially touch involved during this period are all tools God uses to grow a connected child. And because of the way the limbic systems works, the sense of smell can lock it all into the cellular memory.

Healthy bonding with those who God places closest to us is a huge part of what makes us whole. But did you know there are actually physiological changes that take place in the brain? And since essential oils pass through the blood brain barrier, this could be huge in the quest to enhance healthy relationships!

Maybe you didn’t bond well as a child. It’s not too late! God talked about the importance of human connection way back in Genesis. In fact, the very first time God said something was “not good,” was when He referred to a man being alone (Genesis 2:18)! So, human bonding was established as crucial at Creation!

And, since oxytocin, the bonding hormone that scientists agree is the “super glue” of relationship bonding, is released in major amounts during sexual climax (marriage) and childbirth and breast feeding (babies), itwould seem that God had a very specific goal of binding families together in a special way.

“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave [cling, fasten, stick, bond] unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Genesis 2:24

While I’m still in the midst of my study, I thought I’d share a few thoughts (and oil suggestions) to get you started. I’ve  listed below my favorite (so far), tried and true “bonding oils”, but keep a look out for my future workbook where I’ll share some practical bonding exercises that may help you and your family to develop stronger, healthier, bonded relationships!

Human Bonding and Essential Oils from James and Stacy McDonald on Vimeo.

Suggested Bonding Oils*

Try blending these together:

*Be sure to remember that spicy oils should be diluted, and most any essential oil should be diluted when used on young children