If you’re looking to add another layer of relaxation to your meditation practice, essential oils may be the perfect solution.
This complete guide will cover everything you need to know about essential oils for meditation, including why they can be beneficial, how to use them, and which ones are best suited for meditation.
So, let’s get right into it!
Can You Meditate With Essential Oils?
The short and simple answer is yes! There is no reason why you can’t meditate with essential oils.
Many people find that using essential oils for meditation can help to enhance the experience, quieten the mind, and deepen the relaxation.
However, there are a few things to remember when using essential oils for meditation.
Firstly, choosing a high-quality natural/sustainable essential oil that is free from synthetic fragrances or additives is important.
Secondly, be mindful of any potential allergies before using essential oils.
Lastly, use them properly (more on that later in this article) and only use a small amount of oil – a little goes a long way!
With that said, let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of using essential oils for meditation and yoga.
Benefits Of Using Essential Oils In Meditation
You might want to use essential oils in your meditation practice for several reasons. Here are some of the most common benefits:
- Eases anxiety and promotes relaxation: If you’re new to meditation or find it difficult to quieten your mind, you’ll be glad to know that using certain essential oils can help ease anxiety and promote relaxation during meditation. According to research, this may be due to their ability to regulate and balance the autonomic nervous system.
- Enhances focus and concentration: If you find it challenging to maintain focus during meditation, using essential oils can help. Certain essential oils have stimulating and energizing effects, which can help to improve concentration and focus. Studies have suggested that this is likely due to their ability to stimulate the limbic system – the part of the brain responsible for memory and emotion.
- Elevates mood and energy levels: Using certain essential oils can also help to boost mood and energy levels in those who are feeling low, tired, and sluggish. According to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, this could be due to their ability to stimulate the release of monoamine neurotransmitters like the “feel good” hormones Serotonin and Dopamine.
Now that we know some of the benefits of using essential oils in meditation let’s take a look at how to use them.
How To Use Essential Oils For Meditation
There are a bunch of different ways to meditate with essential oils, however, some of the most effective methods include:
- Using a diffuser: This is one of the simplest ways to use essential oils for meditation. Simply add a few drops of your chosen oil (or blend) to a diffuser and watch it fill your meditation space with your favorite scent within a few minutes.
- Creating a roller bottle: Another easy way to use essential oils for meditation is to create your own essential oil-containing roller bottle. Simply add a few drops of your chosen oil to a carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil or Jojoba Oil, and apply it to your wrists, temples, or behind your ears before getting into your next meditation session.
- Using essential oil room sprays: You can also use essential oils to create convenient room sprays that you can shake up and spritz around your meditation space or even on your meditation cushion before you begin.
- Wearing diffuser jewelry: Lastly, you can also consider splurging on some diffuser jewelry that allows you to wear your favorite essential oil blend close to your body, so you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy not just during your meditation session but also throughout the day!
What Oils Are Good For Meditation?
Now that we’ve talked a bit about how to use essential oils for meditation, let’s take a look at some of the best ones to use.
Lavender
Source: Unsplash
One of the most popular essential oils, lavender has a fresh, floral scent that can help to calm and soothe the mind, promoting a sense of peace and relaxation.
In fact, it’s widely considered to be one of the best essential oils for easing anxiety and promoting relaxation and sleep, making it an excellent choice for meditation.
A recent pilot study published on nature.com even showed that it can be just as effective as some OTC medications in improving sleep quality and duration.
Frankincense
Source: Unsplash
Derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, frankincense has a unique sweet, woody, and earthy aroma that is perfect for helping you drift away into a deeper state of meditation and connect with your higher self.
It is also said to be able to ground and center the mind as well as help improve concentration and focus, which can be helpful if you’re struggling to meditate effectively.
Recent studies have also suggested that due to its positive behavioral effects, it may be beneficial to individuals suffering from depression-like disorders.
Sandalwood
Source: Healthline
Known for its warm and woody base notes, sandalwood has been widely used to support the heart chakra and decrease feelings of vulnerability, which makes it perfect for use during Open-heart Meditation sessions to calm unstable emotions.
Clinical trials have also shown sandalwood to have powerful antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties, which can help protect cells and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
Ylang Ylang
Source: AromaWeb
Extracted from the flowers of the Cananga tree, this exotic-smelling essential oil has long been used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, hypertension, and seizures.
However, one of its lesser-known benefits is that it can also be used to balance your chakra and enhance essential oil blends.
Just be sure to use it sparingly as it is a strong-smelling essential oil, and its bright scent can easily become too “overpowering” in blends if used in large quantities.
Clary Sage
Source: Sativa.Bio
Extracted from the leaves and flowers of the Salvia sclarea herb, which is native to Europe, this oil has long been used in aromatherapy for its ability to promote a feeling of well-being and mental clarity.
Its inviting floral, fruity, and earthy fragrance also makes it a great essential oil for those who aren’t sure which oil to start with.
Vetiver
Source: FreePik
With its roots in Ayurvedic medicine, vetiver oil is another popular choice for those looking for an essential oil to support their meditation practice.
It’s believed to be particularly grounding, making it ideal for use during meditation when you need to feel centered and calm.
Recent studies have also shown that in large enough doses, vetiver oil can act as a potent sedative and help improve sleep quality, making it a great choice if you find it difficult to “switch off” at night.
Cedarwood
Source: LemonGrassTrading
Cedarwood oil is another excellent essential oil for meditation, thanks to its woody, grounding scent.
It is also thought to be particularly helpful for those suffering from anxiety or stress, as it can help to promote feelings of calm and relaxation.
Additionally, this essential oil is also a powerful cleanser and detoxifier, making it great for use during meditation when you want to clear your mind and focus on the present moment.
Plus, it also blends surprisingly well with various other essential oils, including florals like lavender and resins like frankincense – making it a good option if you’re looking to create essential oils blends for meditation.
7 Best Essential Oils For Meditation
If you’re looking for an essential oil to support your meditation practice, then look no further than these seven options.
Rocky Mountain Oils – Lavender Essential Oil
Due to lavender’s calming and relaxing properties, Rocky Mountain’s Lavender Essential Oil is one of the best options for those struggling to “be still” and “let go” when meditating.
It’s also particularly good for people who are planning on doing a lot of mindfulness meditation or other forms of meditation that require them to concentrate on their thoughts without judgment.
And since Rocky Mountain Oils verifies all of its products through a third-party organization, you can be sure that the product you’ll receive is pure, potent, safe, and high-quality.
Rocky Mountain Oils – Sacred Frankincense Essential Oil
If you’re looking for an oil that will help you to connect with your spirituality, then Sacred Frankincense Essential Oil from Rocky Mountain Oils could be just what you’ve been searching for.
As one of the most popular and well-known essential oils, frankincense has a rich history of being used in religious and spiritual ceremonies. It’s also said to help promote feelings of peace, relaxation, and well-being, making it ideal for use during meditation.
Plus, like all of Rocky Mountain’s oils, this product is verified for purity and potency by trusted third-party organizations.
Aura Cacia – Sandalwood Essential Oil
Aura Cacia’s Sandalwood Essential Oil is an excellent option for those looking for an oil to support their chakra work or other energy-healing practices.
It has a rich, woody scent that’s said to be centering and grounding, making it ideal for use during meditation and for connecting with your higher self.
Just make sure to use it sparingly, and always purchase sandalwood oils from a reputable source like Aura Cacia. Because sandalwood trees are a vulnerable species, you want to ensure your purchase isn’t contributing to the problem!
DoTerra – Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Because ylang ylang oil is said to help promote feelings of joy and happiness, DoTerra’s Ylang Ylang Essential Oil is perfect for those looking to add some lightness and positivity to their meditation practice.
Ylang ylang oil is also said to be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, making it a good option for regular everyday use as well.
Plus, as with all of DoTerra oils for meditation, this oil is Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG), meaning every batch of the brand’s products is thoroughly tested for quality, effectiveness, purity, and adulterants. Meaning, that you can always be sure you’re getting a high-quality product.
Healing Solutions – Clary Sage Essential Oil
Due to its inviting fragrance and ability to promote feelings of relaxation and calm, Clary Sage Essential Oil from Healing Solutions is a good option for anyone looking to add some support to their meditation practice.
Plus, it blends beautifully with other essential oils like frankincense, lavender, jasmine, and all citrus oils.
Edens Garden – Vetiver Essential Oil
Vetiver has a rich, earthy scent that’s said to be grounding and stabilizing, making it ideal for use during meditation or any other time when you need to feel anchored and centered.
This is why for meditators who are looking for an oil that will help them to connect with themselves and Mother Earth on a deeper level, Edens Garden’s Vetiver Essential Oil could be just the thing they’ve been searching for.
Plant Therapy- Cedarwood Oil
If you often struggle to quiet your mind during meditation, then Plant Therapy’s Cedarwood Essential Oil might be of help.
Due to its ability to promote feelings of stillness and tranquility, cedarwood oil is said to be especially helpful in reducing mental chatter and allowing the mind to focus on the present moment.
Plus, it has a woody, sweet scent that’s pleasantly grounding, making it a great choice for use during meditation or any other time when you need to feel centered and calm.
But the best part?
All Plant Therapy products are regularly tested via GC/MS standards to ensure that all essential oils are premium grade, organic, and 100% pure. So, you never have to worry about the quality of their products.
FAQs
Still have questions about using essential oils for meditation? Here are some answers to a few commonly asked questions.
Q.1 “How Long Should I Diffuse Essential Oils?”
It depends on a variety of factors like your room size and personal preferences. Some people like to diffuse essential oils for short periods of time, while others find that they prefer to diffuse them for longer periods. You might want to experiment with different diffusing times to see what works best for you.
However, a good general rule of thumb is to keep the diffuser on for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This is usually enough time to thoroughly saturate an average room with essential oil molecules.
Q.2 “How Many Drops Of Essential Oil Should I Put In My Diffuser?”
Again, there’s no one correct answer to this question, as it will depend on the size of your diffuser and the strength of the oil you are using.
However, it’s usually best to start with just a few drops (3-5) as a trial and then increase the amount if needed. And remember, if you notice you’re getting dizzy or experiencing headaches often, it’s probably a sign that you’re using too much oil in your diffuser!
Q.3 “What Is The Best Carrier Oil To Mix With Essential Oils?”
It depends on your personal preferences, however, fractionated coconut oil is often considered one of the best carrier super-oils to mix with essential oils due to its natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
Plus, it’s also known for its hydrating properties, which makes it great for improving your skin’s appearance as well!
Q.4 “Can You Mix Too Many Essential Oils Together?”
Theoretically, there’s no such thing as “mixing too many” essential oils together. In fact, some of the best essential oils for spirituality often contain blends of six or more unique oils.
However, it is important to be aware of the properties of each oil before you create a blend, as some oils can cancel out the effects of others.
For example, citrus oils are often used to uplift mood and energy levels, while grounding oils like frankincense can promote relaxation. If you mix these two oils, the blend may have little to no therapeutic effect.
Q.5 “What Is The Strongest Anti-inflammatory Essential Oil?”
A few different essential oils are thought to be effective in reducing inflammation.
However, a 2010 study published in the Journal of Lipid Research found that while most anti-inflammatory essential oils reduced COX-2 (a natural serum inflammatory marker) levels in the body by around 25%, thyme was able to reduce levels by a whopping 75%!
Meaning, that thyme is probably one of the strongest if not the strongest anti-inflammatory essential oils out there.
Q.6 “Which Essential Oil Is Best For Stress And Anxiety?”
There are a few different essential oils that are known for their stress-relieving and anxiety-reducing properties.
However, lavender is probably the most commonly used one due to its soothing aroma, ability to relax the autonomic nervous system, and its efficacy in improving insomnia, restlessness, and irritability.
The Takeaway: Essential Oils For Meditation
Essential oils can be a great addition to your meditation practice, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for years. They can help to deepen your meditative state, open up your intuition, and promote feelings of relaxation and peace. Plus, they smell amazing!
We hope this article has helped to introduce you to some of the best essential oils for meditation and given you a few ideas on how to use them.
What are some of your favorite essential oils for meditation? Let us know in the comments below!
