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.
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
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 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.
- 20 drops frankincense essential oil
- 20 drops atlas cedarwood essential oil
- 20 drops myrrh essential oil
- 20 drops spikenard essential oil
- 10 drops ylang ylang essential oil
- 10 drops bergamot essential oil
Source: The Best Natural Cures Using Essential Oils
Note: You can use a few drops of any meditation diffuser blend in an aromatherapy inhaler.