Essential oils and yoga go together like meditation and yoga. If you’re new to using essential oils, it can definitely be a little overwhelming as there are so many. There are five essential oils I’d recommend starting out with below. The most important thing to know when getting started with essential oils is that they are not all created equally, and you should take a moment to do a quality check. Are they cutting their oil with any other products? Where are they sourcing their ingredients? With a little digging, you’ll be able to tell quickly whether or not a company is worth your trust.
5 Essential Oils to Begin With
Lavender is said to be “the mother of all essential oils,” and this is because it tackles a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and even pain associated with menstruation and child labor. It pairs well with Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Orange, all described further below.
Peppermint has more of an uplifting and energizing effect, so it can combat fatigue. If you suffer from headaches, migraines, or nausea, then peppermint can help alleviate those symptoms. It also helps with respiratory issues.
Eucalyptus is mainly used for its respiratory benefits, but it can also help with emotional heaviness, and has an uplifting effect similar to peppermint.
Rosemary is said to help with concentration, so if you’re a creative, need to study, or have a long day of tasks ahead of you, then rosemary can help you focus. Just like peppermint and eucalyptus, rosemary also has respiratory benefits, and since it’s antimicrobial, it is a great oil to use to clean the air (and surfaces) or ward off an oncoming cold.
Orange can be uplifting yet calming. This is why it’s used to tame stress and other problems that tension and stress can bring on. It is also known for aiding with digestive issues and even congestion.
No diffuser? No problem!
If you don’t have a diffuser yet, there are other ways to incorporate oils into your yoga practice. You can create a mist by adding the oil of your choice to a spray bottle with water. If you’re in need of a more energising practice for example, then you can spritz the area you’re practicing in with a homemade peppermint spray before you begin flowing. Whether you’re using a diffuser or a mist, choose an oil based on your need. If you’re feeling stressed, choose orange; if you feel a cold coming on, combine eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary, or use just one of those. Even if you use a diffuser, then you may still incorporate a mist into your Savasana; spraying the area around you with a lavender spray will enhance the relaxation of your final posture and help to seal in the benefits of your session.
After Care: Salves and Bathes
Essential oils can enhance your practice off of the mat, as well. Salves can be created with the oils of your choice and a coconut oil base. If you have sore muscles and joints, then a peppermint rub will help. If you have chest congestion or respiratory issues, then a eucalyptus salve can be massaged into the chest. A long bath with just a couple drops of lavender oil will soothe an aching body and help to extend the calming effect that comes with yoga.
Using Roll-Ons to Experience Yoga Off of the Mat
If you use mantras or set intentions before you practice, then you’ll likely enjoy using roll-ons and doing the same outside of your yoga practice. For instance, if you’ve been trying to destress, and you recently practiced yoga using orange essential oil in a diffuser or mist, then using a roll on with orange after your practice can help bring on the same feeling of contentment you gained from your practice. You can make your own roll-on with jojoba oil as a base. By tieing scent memory into your yoga practice, you can manipulate a Proustian moment for yourself, where scent is tied heavily to memory. This means that if your practice leaves you feeling less stressed, and you apply a roll-on to your wrist afterward, then just smelling your wrist throughout the day can bring on the same feeling of relaxation that you felt during your practice. If you need energy, try a roll on with peppermint; if you need help with anxiety, try lavender.
Once you become more comfortable with essential oils and get used to incorporating them into your yoga practice, it will become a step that you don’t want to skip. What’s most important is to find which scents help you most with the issues you’re working on; vanilla is thought to be the world’s most pleasant scent, but that doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to find this smell unappealing. Whatever ailment you’re struggling with, there’s likely an oil that can help, and some experimentation to find out which ones will help you is a journey that’s worth it, much like yoga itself.
You might also enjoy…
6 Essential Oils you can’t do without’ by pharmacist and bestselling natural healthcare author Daniele Festy. Daniel’s book outlines the best aromatherapy oils for health, home and beauty and how to use them. Read our full book review here.
Photography by Saksim Siadura
