Discover the Top 10 Essential Oils for Yoga and Meditation & How They Help
In this digital era where everything is fast-paced and chaotic, it is necessary to find time for relaxation. Setting aside time for relaxation is not a luxury but a necessity of the hour. Meditation and yoga are two powerful practices that are known to impart deep relaxation to the mind and body. Both of these mindfulness practices ground you into the present moment, help you relax and appreciate life’s simple joys. To further elevate your relaxation time, you can embrace the fragrant gifts of nature—essential oils. Today, we are sharing our top 10 favourite essential oils in this guide,that not only help you relax, but also help you connect with your ‘self’ on a deeper level. No matter if you’re an expert yogi, or a beginner, these top 10 essential oils for meditation and yoga, aid in bringing balance into your life, on and off the yoga mat.
1. Lavender – The Classic Essential Oil
When it comes to relaxation, lavender is a universally accepted favorite and it surely does not disappoint. Its sweet, floral scent has the ability to whisk you away to a valley of lavender blooms while inviting calmness unlike any other. Lavender is widely regarded as one of the best essential oils for meditation and is a ‘must buy’ for anyone looking to enhance their “me-time”. Imagine yourself in Child’s Pose while surrounded with lavender scented aroma. Nothing short of pure bliss. You can diffuse it in an evening session or rub it on your wrists. Either way lavender will help you unwind effortlessly.
2. Frankincense - The Spiritual Staple
Frankincense is more than an essential oil; it is an age-old treasure with a warm, woody aroma that’s been an important part of meditation and spiritual practices for centuries. It has often been referred to as the ‘king of essential oils’. Frankincense oil is widely used in meditation and yoga, as many professional aromatherapists and spiritual practitioners believe that it helps in feeling centered and grounded. During yoga, when focusing on deep breathing or in aroma meditation, frankincense can help to deepen your connection to the moment. Blend it with a carrier oil or simply add a few drops to your diffuser during meditation for a sacred practice.
3. Sandalwood – The Sacred Scent
Sandalwood has a warm scent of creamy delightful richness that comforts your spirit with a loving touch. Its rich fragrance has deeply been integrated in the meditative rituals for centuries because of its grounding nature. Just picture yourself in a seated position on your yoga mat and taking a dose of sandalwood oil through a diffuser—it is an instant refresher. When participating in relaxing yoga classes, or even meditative silence, sandalwood oil can be helpful in channeling your energy effectively so that you will get the most out of your relaxation session.
4. Ylang Ylang – The Mood Lifter
Ylang Ylang’s sweet, floral fragrance is like a burst of sunshine for your soul, making it a standout among essential oils for meditation. You can add this essential oil to your diffuser not just for your relaxation time but also for productive work sessions. You can prepare a meditation essential oil blend by mixing Ylang Ylang oil with lavender essential oil to add a heart-opening quality to your practice. One standout feature of Ylang Ylang essential oil for meditation and yoga is its fragrance—when diffused, it is gentle enough for even the most scent-sensitive noses.
5. Patchouli- The Earthy Anchor
Often associated with the atmosphere of the hippies, patchouli essential oils’ scent is deep and musky, giving it the ability to ground the user. For meditation, it provides root support, similarly to how a hurricane’s tree withstands through a storm. It’s especially lovely during yoga poses like Tree or Warrior, where stability is key. This essential oil brings balance and helps you feel centered when dabbed on pulse points or used in a diffuser. Patchouli’s earthy richness makes it a favorite for anyone seeking to stay present and focused during a mindfulness practice.
6. Cedarwood – The Steady Companion
The fragrance of Cedarwood can be best described as warm and woodsy. The rich woody scent of this essential oil can transport you to a lush-green forest. It makes you feel that you are performing a yoga session in the middle of a green forest. It’s a wonderful addition to a meditation oil blend, especially when you’re aiming for a long, focused session. It allows to calm the wanderings of the mind and promotes deep relaxation. Imagine diffusing it during a restorative yoga class or applying it before meditating—it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of calm. Cedarwood is perfect for those times when you need a little extra support to stay mindful.
7. Eucalyptus – The Breath Opener
Eucalyptus essential oil, commonly used for a stuffy nose, can also be your meditation partner, refreshing your senses with its crisp, clean scent. This oil goes perfectly well with deep breathing exercises like pranayama and alternate nostril breathing. Add it to your diffuser, and bring a refreshing energy to your practice, keeping you alert yet relaxed. From constantly moving through the Sun Salutations to just sitting, eucalyptus aids in opening air passages and improving vitality. It should be tried by everyone who enjoys fresh airy goodness.
8. Peppermint: A Natural Focus Enhancer
As far as essential oils for meditation go, peppermint is one of the best. Its cool, minty fragrance does wonders during yoga sessions as it sharpens both the mind and the focus. You can diffuse peppermint essential oil during your morning yoga session to kickstart your day or inhale it directly before your meditation session to ground yourself. It works best when you diffuse it during a yoga session or straight before meditating. Its strong scent works best for people, who want to bring more mindfulness into their “quality time.”
9. Rose- The Heart Healer
Rose essential oil is magnificent in its purest form, calming one’s emotions while unlocking the heart with its floral aroma. When rose essential oil is accompanied by a guided meditation session, it can promote the feeling of self love and compassion. You can add rose essential oil into a meditation oil blend and apply it onto your chest before performing a chakra balancing meditation. Enjoying a grounding meditation session is made easier with rose essential oil as it has a warm, gentle aroma which enhances the entire experience.
10. Bergamot – The Citrus Goodness
The bright and citrusy scent of Bergamot is widely known for being a stress-reliever that feels like the sun breaking through the clouds. Bergamot is versatile and is a stellar pick for aroma meditation or a relaxing yoga session. If you diffuse it during a hectic day’s yoga practice; it will lift your spirits and ease your mind in seconds. Unlike heavier oils, it is much lighter than the rest and an ideal pick for someone who wants to experience a quick reset. Its merry vibe reminds people to breathe and let go of whatever is weighing them down.
How to Use These Oils in Your Practice
When it comes to essential oils' usage for the purpose of aromatherapy, the possibilities are unlimited. You can add 3–5 drops of your favorite essential oil (or a blend) to your diffuser and let the mist create a calming atmosphere during yoga or meditation. If you don’t have a diffuser, you can still enjoy the calming and grounding benefits of essential oils by making a topical essential oil blend. To create a meditation oil blend, simply combine 10 drops of your preferred essential oil—or a mix of several—with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil in a roller bottle. Apply the blend to your wrists or temples before your relaxation session. For the instant boost, apply a drop to your palms, rub them together, cup your nose, and breathe in deeply to mediate. The goal here is to find what works best for you through experimenting.
Create Your Own Meditation Essential Oil Blend
To create your own mediation essential oil blend, you have to combine four drops of lavender, three drops of frankincense, and two drops of cedarwood essential oils with one tablespoon of carrier oil in a small container. This oil blend is especially calming and soothing making it ideal for meditation or yoga. Shake it well and apply it on the skin, the scent will do the rest. The beauty of this essential oil blend is that it compliments both passive and active movements. Whether you are beautifully stretching in downward dog or practicing shavasana, both will become a delight by choosing the right meditation blend.
Final Thoughts
The wonder of essential oils for meditation is that they can conform to your requirements. From patchouli's grounding richness to bergamot's uplifting freshness, there's an oil for every mood and occasion. These meditation essentials invite you to experiment, mix, and tailor your practice, adding depth to your yoga and mindfulness session. Try diffusing them, mixing your own meditation essential oil blend, or simply inhaling their aromas—your senses will guide you to a richer experience. So, which of these oils will you reach for first to elevate your next session?
SVA Organics offers a range of premium, cruelty-free oils to match every mood—whether you need grounding, uplifting, or calming aromas. Explore our collection today and enhance your every yoga and mindfulness session.
Disclaimer
SVA Organics supplies essential oil for industrial and general use only. We do not guarantee them to heal, cure, prevent, or detect any ailment or disease. SVA Organics does not ensure 100% accuracy of any of the information that is published here.
CAUTION: If pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult a physician. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep out of children's reach.