Grief, loss and emotions: How plants can support your emotional wellbeing

If you have experienced grief in the past or are grieving at the moment, you will know that grief expresses itself both emotionally and physically in the body.

It can show up as tightness in the chest, a heaviness in the limbs or a fog that seems to sit behind the eyes. It might feel raw, express itself as anger or impact on our sleep.

In this blog, we explore how plants can support us through the grieving process, not by pushing it away but by respecting it and acknowledging it whilst giving us the strength and resilience that we need during the difficult days.

Plants for support

Different plants have different properties and this is why they can be used in so many different ways in our diet , in medicine, in skincare and in our gardens and other natural areas.

The unique properties or characteristics of each plant means that some are particularly helpful in supporting us through grief and loss and have been used in this way for centuries Plants that can support us include Rose, Lemon balm, Chamomile, Jasmine, Hawthorn, Lavender, Valerian and Borage and they can help in different ways.

Lets take a look at three plants and their unique characteristics

Rose Acts as an anchor and provides strength, peace and serenity

Chamomile Soothes our nerves, supports rest, calming for the mind and body

Lavender Balances our nervous system, calms the mind, promotes sleep

Can you see how they might support the grieving process, the emotional release and the all important self care, which is often the first thing that stops during the grieving process. Even just having a night of sleep that is deeper and less restless can make a big difference to how we feel the following day

Support through the different senses

So how can we use our different senses to bring some relief to the physical and emotional impact of grief?

Scent Scent travels directly to the part of the brain linked to memory, emotion, and safety. This is why a familiar fragrance can soften tension or bring a quiet sigh of release. This could be through aromatherapy oils in a natural room fragrance or beautifully scented skincare or bath oils.

Touch The sense that is often forgotten in modern society. Touch grounds us. When we massage a balm into our feet or hold a warm tea between our hands, we are reminding our body that it is safe to soften, even if only for a moment.

Taste Sipping a chamomile tea or eating a sweet treat of ginger and dark chocolate can slow the breath, ground you and bring warmth back into your body. The simple act of drinking or eating something soothing can feel like being gently held.

Sight Just being in nature and seeing a plant, a flower or a tree can bring steadiness. The gentle symmetry of petals or the stillness of leaves can offer a sense of order when everything inside feels chaotic. A bunch of flowers can uplift, lighten and bring some joy.

Are you grieving or do you know someone who is?

Join me Amy Woodcock, Nutritional Therapist and Natural Skincare Creator and Clare Spiers, grief specialist for a special grief pamper session on 3rd December 2025 at 7:30PM.

As part of this nurturing session, we will explore small, meaningful practices that can bring comfort and calm and share some tools that you can use during the difficult days.

Clare will be sharing some of the tools that she uses with her clients and i will be sharing how certain plants can act as emotional allies and support us through grief, loss and emotional overwhelm, along with practical ways to use them in our every day life.

You will receive a carefully created pamper box sent to your door in advance with items that we will use during the guided pamper part of the session, including plant based, hand crafted products from the Naturally Grown Health range.

Spaces are limited and booking closes on 27th November 2025. Book via Eventbrite at https://shorturl.at/fwXFP