If you’re looking to add essential oils to your meditation practice, but don’t know which ones to try, this list will give you a supportive start so you can have more focused, calming practices.
Why Use Essential Oils For Meditation?
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
I welcome you to explore these 5 essential oils, their scents, and best ways to use them. You can also experiment and see which you prefer best, since each person can have a different reaction to different smells.
If you’d like to learn more about how to create a supportive meditation practice, I invite you to explore my Trauma-Informed Meditation Guide. You’ll learn how to create a practice that honors your preferences and how you can still achieve a meditative state without needing to sit still.
1. Lavender
Scent:
- Floral
- Sweet
Use For:
- Calming
- Easing stress and anxiety
2. Frankincense
Scent:
- Earth/ forest
- Citrus
- Spice
Use For:
- Deepening spiritual connection
- Grounding
3. Sandalwood
Scent:
- Woody
- Subtle sweetness
- Rich
Use For:
- Peace
- Focus
4. Peppermint
Scent:
- Minty
- Cooling
Use For:
- Energizing
- Mindfulness
- Tension release
5. Lemon
Scent:
- Like smelling a fresh, juicy lemon!
- Citrus
- Fresh
Use For:
- Positivity
- Clarity
- Clear your mind
If you’d like to explore more oils focused specifically on creating a more grounded practice, I invite you to explore these 15 Grounding Essential Oils.
Deepening Your Practice
Essential oils are a supportive 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.
If you’re looking to deepen your practice and would like to explore gentle classes for tending to your nervous system and calming your mind and body, I invite you to explore my free, private trauma-informed yoga library catered to supporting sexual trauma survivors. You’ll find gentle practices to soothe your mind and body, deepen embodiment, and regain energy. If this feels like a supportive resource for you, I invite you to learn more below.
