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Using Essential Oils for Meditation

The intention of meditation is to create stillness and peace in the mind. Many people find using essential oils for meditation helps clear the atmosphere, set the scene, and provide a focal point.

Cartoon of man meditating while sitting on couch.

Essential Oils for Meditation

You can use many different essential oils to support your mediation practice. Essential oils traditionally used to enhance meditation include:

Angelica root
Cedarwood
Frankincense
Jasmine
Lavender
Myrrh
Neroli
Rose
Ylang ylang

Avoid scents that evoke memories that would flood your mind and prevent clearing your thoughts. One option is to create blends with a new, unique scent by balancing the ingredients so no one scent dominates. You may not use equal drops, as some essential oils are stronger than others.

Meditation Aromatherapy Diffuser Blends

Add a few drops of any meditation blend to an aromatherapy diffuser and diffuse while you meditate.

Diffuser Blend 1

5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops juniper essential oil
5 drops geranium essential oil
15 drops lemon essential oil

Diffuser Blend 2

2 drops frankincense essential oil
2 drops ylang ylang essential oil
10 drops bergamot essential oil
16 drops neroli essential oil

Source: The Fragrant Mind

Diffuser Blend 3

2 drops cedarwood essential oil
3 drops frankincense essential oil
3 drops sandalwood essential oil

Source: Veda Oils

Diffuser Blend 4

8 drops sandalwood essential oil
3 drops frankincense essential oil
3 drops myrrh essential oil
3 drops opoponax essential oil
3 drops cedarwood essential oil

Source: Floracopeia

Meditative Bath Salts

Use your tub time to meditate with these bath salts. Makes 3 cups.

5 drops frankincense essential oil
5 drops cedarwood essential oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops clary sage essential oil
2 tablespoons carrier oil
5 drops vitamin E oil
3 cups salts (your choice, such as sea, Epsom, or pink Himalayan)

Blend all the oils in a small glass container.
Place the salts in a dark-color glass container (minimum 3-cup size) that has a tight-fitting lid.
Stir the oil blend into the salts.
Place lid on container and let sit in a cool, dark place for 24 hours.
Stir mixture again.
Use 1/2 cup in a bath. Store salts in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.

Source: Essential Oils for Emotional Wellbeing

Pre-Meditation Massage Oils

If you prefer a massage oil, try one of these blends.

Breathing Support

5 drops sweet orange essential oil
10 drops frankincense essential oil
1/2 cup carrier oil

Stress-Relieving Blend

10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops rosemary essential oil
1/2 cup carrier oil

Source: New Directions Aromatics

Rose Massage Oil

1 tablespoon carrier oil
5 drops rose essential oil
7 drops sweet fennel essential oil

Combine all of the ingredients in a small bottle. Shake well. Massage onto face and hands before meditation. You can also apply the blend on the heart chakra center.

Caution: Do not use during pregnancy and breast feeding.

Source: Jade Shutes, B.A., Dipl. AT, CH, "Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)," NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Spring 2017.1, p. 25.

Stock Diffuser Blends

To make a stock blend, combine the essential oils for meditation in 5-ml dark-color dropper bottle. Cap and shake gently. Add drops of the blend to your aromatherapy diffuser, according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

Spring Meditation Blend

This blend is designed to help you be present with the season of spring: new beginnings, inspiration, playfulness, and joy.

33 drops nutmeg essential oil (revitalizing)
26 drops lavender essential oil (nurturing)
26 drops bergamot essential oil (encouraging)
8 drops eucalyptus globulus essential oil (integrating)
7 drops ginger essential oil (sustaining)

Adapted from Katie Vie, "Seasonal Self Care," NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Spring 2013.1, p. 7.

Fall Meditation Blend

You can use this blend for meditation, yoga, or mindfulness practice.

30 drops elemi essential oil
30 drops lemon essential oil
20 drops ginger essential oil
15 drops geranium essential oil
4 drops frankincense essential oil
1 drop vetiver essential oil

Adapted from Susan Lorraine Cannon, NAHA Aromatherapy Journal, Autumn 2018.3, p. 65.

All-Purpose Meditation Blend

As an alternative to diffusing this blend, make a body oil using 15 to 30 drops in 2 tablespoons carrier oil. Apply a few drops to sinus points around your nose and forehead and on the back of the neck.