How to Make Aromatherapy Oils

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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!

Question 1 of 15:

What are aromatherapy oils?

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  1. When people talk about aromatherapy oils, they’re normally just referring to essential oils being used for aromatherapy. [1] In most cases, this means filling an oil diffuser with water and then adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils. [2] [3]
    • Technically, you don’t even need a diffuser to use oils for aromatherapy. If you’re inhaling the aroma of an essential oil to feel better, improve your mood, or just make your home smell nice, you’re doing aromatherapy!
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Question 2 of 15:

Can I make my own essential oils?

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  1. Yes, you can make your own essential oils if you plan on using them a lot. Real essential oils, like the ones you see online and in stores, are often made with “stills,” or large containers crafted from stainless steel. This equipment can be a bit pricey upfront, but may be worthwhile if you plan on making essential oils very frequently. [4]
    • You can find still equipment on most all-purpose online marketplaces. These can be pricey and cost at least $100.
    • There are essential oil-making kits you can buy with every piece of equipment you’ll need to make a variety of essential oils.
Question 3 of 15:

How do I make my own infused oils?

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Aromatherapy Oils
    Fill a clean glass bottle or jar halfway with the herb or plant of your choice. Add in a carrier oil over the herbs, like olive, grape seed, or coconut oil, so there’s around 1 in (2.5 cm) of oil on top of the herbs. Place a square of wax paper on top of the glass jar before securing the lid in place. Wrap the jar in a paper bag, leaving it in a sunny spot for 1-2 weeks. Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth into a new, clean jar, giving the new oil a day to settle. [5]
    • It helps to roll the jar around in your hands once every 1-3 days while the oil heats up in the sunlight. This helps the herbs infuse into the rest of the oil.
    • Store your jar in a cool, dark place when you’re not using it. These oils should be good for roughly 1 month before the ingredients start to go bad. [6]
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Question 4 of 15:

What is the best carrier oil for aromatherapy?

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Aromatherapy Oils
    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]
  2. 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]
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Question 5 of 15:

Which carrier oil has the lowest impact on scent?

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  1. Fractionated coconut oil is commonly used in commercial essential oil products. [12] Unlike regular coconut oil, the fractionated stuff is made by extracting the active compounds that cause it to be volatile. [13] As a result, it’s much more stable than regular coconut oil, and many essential oil enthusiasts think it’s the ideal option if you only want to smell the oil.
    • Fractionated coconut oil is a bit more expensive than standard coconut oil.
Question 6 of 15:

Do I need to make my own oils?

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  1. Search online or in your local wellness store for bottles of essential oils. These oils can be a bit pricey—still, shopping for pre-made oils can save you time if you’re eager to start playing around with different scent combinations. Just make sure you purchase your oils from reputable manufacturers. [14]
    • Manufactured oils are almost always going to be safer than homemade oils as well, since it can be hard to know if you’ve produced a safe concentration.
    • Avoid “fragrance oils.” While they sound like they’d be great for aromatherapy, fragrance oils contain chemicals that may damage your diffuser. [15]
    • Certain essential oils cost more than others. For instance, 10 mL (0.34  fl oz) of lavender might cost at least $16, while 10 mL (0.34  fl oz) of orange essential oil might cost under $6. Other scents, like rose and chamomile, tend to be more expensive as well. [16]
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Question 7 of 15:

How can I do aromatherapy without a diffuser?

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  1. 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.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Aromatherapy Oils
    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]
  3. 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]
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Question 8 of 15:

Which oils are best for an energy boost?

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Aromatherapy Oils
    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!
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Aromatherapy Oils
    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]
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Question 9 of 15:

What’s a good oil combination if I like the smell of citrus?

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Aromatherapy Oils
    Concoct a gentle citrus scent with 3 drops each of ylang-ylang oil, orange oil, and lavender oil. You can also try a different spin on this scent with 3 drops of bergamot, orange, and cypress oil. This creates a really soothing scent that’s great for relaxation and winding down. [24]
Question 10 of 15:

What’s a fun floral recipe?

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Aromatherapy Oils
    Create a simple floral mixture with 3 drops of ylang-ylang oil, along with 3 drops of geranium oil. This combination creates a wonderful floral scent that can really brighten up your home! [25]
    • You can always experiment with your favorite floral oils and see what kinds of combinations you can come up with.
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Question 11 of 15:

Are there any seasonal aromas I could make?

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  1. Mix 3 drops of orange oil, along with 2 drops of cardamom oil, cinnamon oil, and clove oil. Add this mixture to your diffuser, inhaler, or other essential oil appliance whenever you need to get in the holiday spirit! [26]
    • This creates a spicy, nostalgic scent that will get your home ready for the holidays.
Question 12 of 15:

What’s a calming aroma?

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  1. Create the base of your aromatherapy fragrance with 10 drops of basil oil. Add in 4 drops of rosemary oil, along with 3 drops of vetiver oil. Finish off the mixture with 2 drops of pine oil and 1 drop of peppermint oil. [27]
    • This is a fun blend—since there are so many different oils at play, the fragrance tends to change if you let it diffuse for an hour or so.
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Question 13 of 15:

Can I make a homemade fragrance diffuser?

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  1. Grab a glass container with a narrow mouth (a laboratory flask is perfect) and fill it with your essential and base oils. Aim for 70% of your carrier oil, and 30% of your essential oil. Then, place 5-10 reeds or bamboo skewers inside of the container. The oils will soak slowly through your reeds or skewers and release their lovely aromas into the air. [28]
    • Every week or so, flip the skewers or reeds upside down or replace them. This will keep one end from drying out entirely.
    • If you don’t have a glass container that will work for this, grab a ceramic container. So long as it’s glazed inside (so that it doesn’t leak), it should be fine.
Question 14 of 15:

Does aromatherapy work?

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  1. There are definitely some meaningful signs that aromatherapy can improve the way you feel. [29] However, these oils are unlikely to cure any underlying medical conditions, and you’re better off using aromatherapy as a supplement to any medical treatments you’re completing. [30]
    • Lavender, tea tree, peppermint, and lemon oils are generally considered the most consistently helpful essential oils. [31]
    • Some oils, like chamomile and lavender, may even help you fall asleep faster.
    • Ginger and spearmint have the potential to help settle an upset stomach.
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Question 15 of 15:

Is aromatherapy safe?

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  1. 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. [32]
    • 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. [33]
  2. 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. [34]
    • 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. [35]
  3. 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. [36] 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. [37]
    • The effects of topical essential oil treatments on children, those who are breastfeeding, and pregnant people are not well understood. It’s best not to use essential oils as a topical treatment if you fall into one of these categories. [38]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Which essential oils are ideal for stress?
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Natural Health Care Professional
    Dr. Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant based in Delhi, India. She has over 14 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. Dr. Ritu also works as a business consultant in the life sciences domain. She has successfully executed 150+ small to large-scale custom consulting projects for both established and development-stage companies. 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.
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Natural Health Care Professional
    Expert Answer
    People have had a lot of success with ylang-ylang, lavender, clary sage, bergamot, and neroli. Those are all popular destressing oils.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Do you have to use essential oils for aromatherapy?
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Natural Health Care Professional
    Dr. Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant based in Delhi, India. She has over 14 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. Dr. Ritu also works as a business consultant in the life sciences domain. She has successfully executed 150+ small to large-scale custom consulting projects for both established and development-stage companies. 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.
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Natural Health Care Professional
    Expert Answer
    No. Anything that involves smelling plant extracts to treat and relieve your mind and body qualifies as aromatherapy.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question
    What are the benefits of aromatherapy?
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Natural Health Care Professional
    Dr. Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant based in Delhi, India. She has over 14 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. Dr. Ritu also works as a business consultant in the life sciences domain. She has successfully executed 150+ small to large-scale custom consulting projects for both established and development-stage companies. 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.
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Natural Health Care Professional
    Expert Answer
    it 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.
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      Tips

      • Mix 1 drop of essential oil with several drops of carrier oil, like coconut oil, and rub it over a small area of your skin first. This way, you can get a sense if you’re allergic or not. [39]
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      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. [40]
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      • Don’t eat your essential oils—although they smell great, they can be very bad for you when ingested. [41]
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      • Double-check the safety instructions on your oils before using them. Certain oils shouldn’t be stored in direct sunlight. [42]
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      • Essential oils are flammable and can start a fire when left next to a heat source. [43]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
      2. ↑ https://www.nbcnews.com/shopping/wellness/how-use-essential-oil-diffuser-n1230801
      3. ↑ Julie Brow-Polanco. Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2022.
      4. ↑ https://www.engineering.iastate.edu/brl/files/2011/10/brl_essentialoils.pdf
      5. ↑ https://theherbalacademy.com/herb-infused-oils/
      6. ↑ https://extension.umaine.edu/publications/4385e/
      7. ↑ https://achs.edu/blog/2017/08/15/aromatherapy-essential-oil-dangers-and-safety/
      8. ↑ https://achs.edu/blog/2017/08/15/aromatherapy-essential-oil-dangers-and-safety/
      9. ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/essential-oils
      1. ↑ Julie Brow-Polanco. Master Herbalist & Certified Aromatherapist. Expert Interview. 12 April 2022.
      2. ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/essential-oils
      3. ↑ https://achs.edu/blog/2014/01/07/essential-oil-quality/
      4. ↑ https://www.ifrj.upm.edu.my/26%20(03)%202019/5%20-%20IFRJ171029.R1-Final.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
      6. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
      7. ↑ https://www.massagetoday.com/articles/14563/The-Business-Side-of-Adding-Aromatherapy-to-Your-Practice
      8. ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-do-i-choose-and-use-essential-oils
      9. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/essential-oils-101-do-they-work-how-do-you-use-them/
      10. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK65820/
      11. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
      12. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
      13. ↑ https://www.betternutrition.com/natural-living/diy-aromatherapy-blends
      14. ↑ https://www.betternutrition.com/natural-living/diy-aromatherapy-blends
      15. ↑ https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/essential-oils-smell-candles#gid=ci02300b61300027dc&pid=smartchef_280_01_fnl
      16. ↑ https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/essential-oils-smell-candles
      17. ↑ https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/essential-oils-smell-candles
      18. ↑ https://info.achs.edu/blog/blending-101-the-art-of-pairing
      19. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/homemade-reed-diffusers-147411
      20. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2221169115001033
      21. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
      22. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
      23. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/aromatherapy/faq-20058566
      24. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK121511/
      25. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
      26. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
      27. ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-do-i-choose-and-use-essential-oils
      28. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work
      29. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/aromatherapy/faq-20058566
      30. ↑ https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/essential-oils
      31. ↑ https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Are-Essential-Oils-Safe-for-Children
      32. ↑ https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Are-Essential-Oils-Safe-for-Children
      33. ↑ https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Are-Essential-Oils-Safe-for-Children
      34. ↑ https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/Are-Essential-Oils-Safe-for-Children

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