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You’re looking to take your trauma-informed meditation practice to the next level with essential oils, but you don’t know which ones to try.
I welcome you to join me in this post to learn the five best essential oils for meditation that will create more focus, relaxation, and leave your space smelling amazing!
Why Use Essential Oils For Meditation?
It’s important to understand why essential oils make a difference in your meditation practice.
Essential oils may have recently gained popularity in Western culture, but its roots date back much further. The use of essential oils dates back to ancient Egypt, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, and Greek and Roman civilizations.
While the cultures are different, their intended purpose is the same: provide therapeutic effects.
Even modern day research explores how essential oils provide benefits:
- This review discovered essential oils like eucalyptus and ginger enhance your immune system.
- This review explores how essential oils have a positive impact on your nervous system and improve symptoms related to depression, anxiety, stress and trouble sleeping.
- This study discovered the essential oils chamomile and lavender were effective at easing anxiety and depression when inhaled for 30 nights.
Meditation is a calming, mind clearing practice that can be taken to the next level by stress relieving or focusing essential oils. They’re a simple way to create a more profound practice.
Synthetic or Pure? Which Essential Oils To Use
If you wish to only use essential oils for the scent (and no aromatherapy benefits like the ones listed above), you can use synthetic oils. These are similar to perfume and don’t use natural ingredients. I recommend exploring synthetic oils if you want to test the scents without investing in pure oil (although I feel natural smells better.)
Pure oils are made from the concentrated oils of plants, flowers, and trees. You can use them as their own scent or combine several to create unique combinations. I welcome you to experiment as much as you like.
How To Use Essential Oils For Meditation Practices
There are several ways to use oils in your practice. Let’s explore them below.
Rub a diluted mixture on your arms or palms
Many essential oil brands do not recommend placing undiluted oil on your skin. You can mix your favorite oil with another carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. The scent will surround your during your practice while moisturizing your skin. You’ll also smell wonderful after your practice is over.
Use a diffuser
A diffuser is a container that mixes water and oil, sending it into a mist into the air. This is a perfect alternative if you don’t like candles or incense during your practices. You control how subtle or powerful the scent is, and there are no flames involved. I recommend you start your diffuser a few minutes before your practice so you have a strong enough scent before beginning.
Mix with water and soak a towel
If you don’t have a diffuser, this is a quick way to dilute the scent and use for a short period. You can place the towel near you or even on you, just make sure your skin isn’t allergic to the oil.
Inhale from the bottle
To extend the life of your oil, you can inhale the bottle before your practice. If you use this method, just make sure you replace the cap before you begin your practice because essential oils evaporate quickly.
5 Best Essential Oils For Meditation
Each essential oil I recommend follows the guidelines listed above for being natural, organic, 100% pure, and therapeutic grade.
1. Lavender
Scent:
- Floral
- Sweet
Use For:
- Calming
- Easing stress and anxiety
Recommended Oil: Plant Therapy Organic Lavender Essential Oil, Amazon
2. Frankincense
Scent:
- Earth/ forest
- Citrus
- Spice
Use For:
- Deepening spiritual connection
- Grounding
Recommended Oil: Plant Therapy Organic Frankincense Carterii Essential Oil, Amazon
3. Sandalwood
Scent:
- Woody
- Subtle sweetness
- Rich
Use For:
- Peace
- Focus
Recommended Oil: Plant Therapy Australian Sandalwood Organic Essential Oil, Amazon
4. Peppermint
Scent:
- Minty
- Cooling
Use For:
- Energizing
- Mindfulness
- Tension release
Recommended Oil: Plant Therapy Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, Amazon
5. Lemon
Scent:
- Like smelling a fresh, juicy lemon!
- Citrus
- Fresh
Use For:
- Positivity
- Clarity
- Clear your mind
Recommended Oil: Plant Therapy Organic Lemon Essential Oil, Amazon
My Personal Favorites
I’ve been using essential oils forever. They just smell so fresh and clean! I even use them in cleaning recipes like this one for a natural DIY yoga mat spray.
Over time, I’ve discovered a few favorites that tend to disappear more quickly than the others. They are eucalyptus and ylang ylang (Amazon). I typically combine them equally in a diffuser and let my troubles melt away.
Overview
Essential oils are a perfect addition to any trauma-informed yoga or meditation practice. While these oils tend to be used for certain, focused purposes, you can use them however you like.
As you incorporate essential oils into your practice, you’ll learn your favorites. Your experience is always your best teacher.
