This article was co-authored by Julie Brow-Polanco and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Julie Brow-Polanco is a Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist with more than 11 years of experience. She is an expert on natural remedies and specializes in using them to support whole-body wellness, particularly immune, digestive, nervous, and reproductive health. Julie earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Dominican University, a Master Herbalist Certification from The School of Natural Healing, and a Certificate of Aromatherapy from the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy. Julie is a member of the American Herbalist Guild and a Certified Aromatherapist through the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy.
There are 24 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Aromatherapy oils can make your home smell nice, help you unwind after a long day, or even boost your mood. With a variety of oils on hand, you can concoct refreshing, invigorating scents for any occasion. Play around with different essential oils and accessories and see what you can come up with!
Steps
What is the best carrier oil for aromatherapy?
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1You only need a carrier oil if you’re applying oils topically. Carrier oils, like jojoba oil, coconut oil, and olive oil, are mandatory if you’re putting oils on your skin. However, smelling an oil is much safer than putting it on your skin so you don’t need the carrier oil.[7]
- If you still want to use a carrier oil for aromatherapy, you can! Sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and fractionated coconut oil are all great options that won’t overwhelm the smell of the essential oil.[8]
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2You use water instead of oil if you’re using a diffuser. Diffusing your oils is the most popular way to do some aromatherapy. With a diffuser, you fill the machine with water and then add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to the water and turn the machine on.[9] [10]
- There are waterless diffusers out there. If you have one of those, you don’t dilute the oil at all.[11]
How can I do aromatherapy without a diffuser?
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1Fill an oil-soaked cotton ball to inhale an oil on its own. Squeeze a few drops of your favorite essential oil (or oils) on a clean cotton ball. Smell this cotton ball to get a good whiff of these oils as you go about your day.[17]
- You can always just open the bottle and inhale the oils directly if you’d like.[18]
- You can also leave the cotton ball in your general workspace. This way, you can still get a mild whiff of your favorite aromatherapy oils.
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2Try steam inhalation if you’re stuffy or want to relax. Fill a bowl or container with hot water, then drip a few drops of your favorite oils on top. Breathe in the scented steam to enjoy your different essential oil scents. This is a great way to clear your sinuses if you’re feeling a little under the weather. It’s also just a great way to relax if you’re a little stressed![19]
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3You could use a diffuser bracelet to do aromatherapy on the go. Shop online for a special bracelet designed specifically for aromatherapy. Pour a few drops of essential oils over the clay beads, which will soak into the bracelet. Wear this bracelet throughout the day and enjoy the subtle scent![20]
- Always add the oil to the outside of the accessory so it doesn’t touch your skin directly.
- You can also use other diffusing accessories with essential oils, like necklaces and keychains.[21]
Which oils are best for an energy boost?
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1Pump up your energy with lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, and eucalyptus. Create a base for your refreshing mixture with 12 drops of lavender oil. Round out the scent with 8 drops of rosemary oil, along with 6 drops of lemongrass oil. As a finishing touch, stir in 4 drops of eucalyptus oil. This refreshing, energizing blend of oil can really kickstart your workouts.[22]
- This can be a great essential oil mixture for a diffuser in your bedroom. When you wake up each morning, you can enjoy a fresh boost of natural energy!
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2Try combining bergamot mint, tangerine, and lavender to refresh yourself. Dilute your mixture with 2 fl oz (59 mL) of distilled water, which will make your essential oils a lot less potent. Add in 12 drops of bergamot mint oil, along with 10 drops of lavender oil and 8 drops of tangerine oil. This combination creates a soothing, refreshing scent that can really improve your mood.[23]
Is aromatherapy safe?
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1Generally, yes, aromatherapy doesn’t carry any serious risk. If all you’re doing is smelling an essential oil, you’re probably not going to do any harm. Essential oils are not regulated by the government, so there are certain unique risks if you’re using it on your skin, but just running a diffuser or sniffing a cotton ball is extremely unlikely to carry any serious risk.[34]
- In extremely rare cases, excessive use of aromatherapy can cause skin dermatitis, breathing issues, and even death. If you have any negative reaction whatsoever, stop using the oils and seek out emergency medical care if necessary.[35]
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2Everyone reacts to different oils in a unique way. Essential oils smell fairly strong, especially if you’re smelling them directly. Some people may not enjoy the way a given oil smells, and they could get a headache or become agitated. If a certain oil (or any oil) causes you or someone you live with to experience any negative side effect, don’t continue aromatherapy.[36]
- Children seem to respond negatively to essential oils more often than adults do, so be careful and turn that diffuser off if your child complains about the smell.
- Oregano, cinnamon bark, jasmine, lemongrass, ylang-ylang, chamomile, and bergamot oils seem to be uniquely irritating for some people.[37]
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3Never put undiluted oils on your skin. Some people enjoy using essential oils topically, but be careful. You must dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil, like jojoba oil, coconut oil, or olive oil, so that the essential oil only makes up 1-5% of the solution.[38] Even then, there is a risk of an allergic reaction or skin irritation. Just be extremely careful and always spot test an oil before you slather it on your skin.[39]
- The effects of topical essential oil treatments on children, women who are breastfeeding, pregnant women are not well understood. It’s best not to use essential oils as a topical treatment if you fall into one of these categories.[40]
Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhich essential oils are ideal for stress?Ritu Thakur, MARitu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.
Natural Health Care ProfessionalPeople have had a lot of success with ylang-ylang, lavender, clary sage, bergamot, and neroli. Those are all popular destressing oils. -
QuestionDo you have to use essential oils for aromatherapy?Ritu Thakur, MARitu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.
Natural Health Care ProfessionalNo. Anything that involves smelling plant extracts to treat and relieve your mind and body qualifies as aromatherapy. -
QuestionWhat are the benefits of aromatherapy?Ritu Thakur, MARitu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.
Natural Health Care Professionalit depends on which essential oils you use, but it can improve the quality of your sleep, relieve certain types of pain, or soothe muscles. Aromatherapy can also help you alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression.
Warnings
- Never apply raw essential oils to your skin, as these oils are very strong. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before using them as a massage oil.[42]⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Don’t eat your essential oils—although they smell great, they can be very bad for you when ingested.[43]⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Double-check the safety instructions on your oils before using them. Certain oils shouldn’t be stored in direct sunlight.[44]⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Essential oils are flammable and can start a fire when left next to a heat source.[45]⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
- ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/shopping/wellness/how-use-essential-oil-diffuser-n1230801
- ↑ Julie Brow-Polanco. Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2022.
- ↑ https://www.engineering.iastate.edu/brl/files/2011/10/brl_essentialoils.pdf
- ↑ https://theherbalacademy.com/herb-infused-oils/
- ↑ https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/4385e/
- ↑ https://achs.edu/blog/2017/08/15/aromatherapy-essential-oil-dangers-and-safety/
- ↑ https://achs.edu/blog/2017/08/15/aromatherapy-essential-oil-dangers-and-safety/
- ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/essential-oils
- ↑ Julie Brow-Polanco. Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2022.
- ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/essential-oils
- ↑ https://achs.edu/blog/2014/01/07/essential-oil-quality/
- ↑ http://www.ifrj.upm.edu.my/26%20(03)%202019/5%20-%20IFRJ171029.R1-Final.pdf
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
- ↑ https://www.massagetoday.com/articles/14563/The-Business-Side-of-Adding-Aromatherapy-to-Your-Practice
- ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-do-i-choose-and-use-essential-oils
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/essential-oils-101-do-they-work-how-do-you-use-them/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65820/
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
- ↑ https://www.betternutrition.com/natural-living/diy-aromatherapy-blends
- ↑ https://www.betternutrition.com/natural-living/diy-aromatherapy-blends
- ↑ https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/essential-oils-smell-candles#gid=ci02300b61300027dc&pid=smartchef_280_01_fnl
- ↑ https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/essential-oils-smell-candles
- ↑ https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/essential-oils-smell-candles
- ↑ https://info.achs.edu/blog/blending-101-the-art-of-pairing
- ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/homemade-reed-diffusers-147411
- ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/why-aromatherapy-is-showing-up-in-hospital-surgical-units/art-20342126
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/why-aromatherapy-is-showing-up-in-hospital-surgical-units/art-20342126
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/aromatherapy/faq-20058566
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK121511/
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
- ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-do-i-choose-and-use-essential-oils
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/aromatherapy/faq-20058566
- ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/essential-oils
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Are-Essential-Oils-Safe-for-Children
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Are-Essential-Oils-Safe-for-Children
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Are-Essential-Oils-Safe-for-Children
- ↑ https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Are-Essential-Oils-Safe-for-Children