Have you ever thought of using essential oils for ambience, but you’re unsure where to start? There are so many fragrances and different types of oils to choose from.
For centuries, aromatic plants, essences and oils have been used in ceremonies, beauty, food and as incense. However, some oils have also been the basis for herbal and botanical medicines, even remedies for thousands of years.
29 essential oils for ambience you can use at home
1. Agarwood
The odour of agarwood is complex and pleasing, with few or no similar natural analogues. In the perfume state, the scent is mainly distinguished by a combination of “oriental-woody” and “very soft fruity-floral” notes.
If you are feeling low or exhausted, this essential oil will revive your energy levels. Its lush aroma has a woody touch that invigorates your senses and stimulates serenity and tranquillity.
2. Bergamot
Bergamot essential oil is known to calm the senses and release tension in the muscles. Cold pressed from the rind of the bergamot orange fruit, it is a common flavouring and top note in perfumes.
The scent is similar to a sweet light orange peel oil with a floral note and can be diffused or used topically.
3. Bay leaf
Basil Essential Oil is amongst the oils that can help stimulate the mind and allow focus on the task at hand. Basil Essential Oil is an energizing oil and is best used during the morning and daytime hours.
4. Grapefruit
Grapefruit essential oil is zesty, bright and uplifting. It has the power to balance mood and emotions while elevating the spirit.
The energising aroma is tart and refreshing, evocative of the first scent that permeates the air as the peel is broken when cutting the fruit.
5. Ginger
Ginger essential oil is an effective way to treat travel sickness and is especially helpful for flu and colds.
Used in aromatherapy applications, Ginger Oil is known for its stimulating and warming effects, which can enhance concentration while soothing and reducing the feelings of stress, sadness, anxiety, lethargy, agitation, dizziness, and fatigue.
6. Galbanum
Galbanum has an aroma that is described by experts as “intensely green.” Spicy and herbal, it has been compared to green peppers and tossed salad. The fresh earthy and woody aroma of this oil brings pleasure to both the mind and soul.
7. Frankincense
This amazing oil smells somewhat sweet. It has a fresh woody scent and is very rich and intense, containing hints of spice and fruit.
When used in aromatherapy, it can offer a variety of health benefits, including helping relieve chronic stress and anxiety, reducing pain and inflammation, and boosting immunity.
8. Eucalyptus oil
A very fresh and clean aroma that is sure to open your airways up. It is a natural antibacterial, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory.
It is best used for respiratory problems like colds, coughs, asthma, and congestion in addition to wounds, muscle pain, mental exhaustion, dental care, and skin care.
9. Davana oil
Sweet and fruity with a slightly herbaceous wine-like aroma. This oil is great as an anti-depressant, antiseptic, antiviral, disinfectant, expectorant and relaxant.
10. Coffee
The benefits and uses of coffee essential oil include reducing free radical damage, improving mood, reducing fever, stimulating appetite, protecting the immune system, aiding respiratory health, preventing premature ageing, reducing nausea, stimulating relaxation and soothing allergic reactions.
Plus who doesn’t love the smell of coffee?
11. Clove
Oil of clove has a warming sensation to the skin, and is often used for massage therapy. But because of its pungent smell it is seldom diffused on its own. If you wish to use it for aromatherapy try mixing it up with other oils like Cinnamon and Wild Orange.
12. Clary Sage
Benefits that can be attributed to the oil include anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, anti-infectious, anti-fungal and antidepressant.
The oil is also a sedative and nerve tonic with warming and soothing components. Clary sage has a herbaceous scent that smells like lavender with leathery and amber nuances. Although some people think that it stinks regardless.
13. Citronella oil
More commonly known for its insect-repelling properties, you might not know that this oil contains antiseptic and antimicrobial compounds.
These compounds are responsible for the prevention of microbial growth, which actually stops infections from spreading or happening in the first place.
14. Citron oil
Citron essential oil is a sunny citrus oil cold pressed from the peel of the Sicilian citron fruit.
Used since ancient times, it is known to uplift the spirit and give perfumes its jovial top-notes. Great to diffuse in gleeful spaces during a party and inspire a cheerful mood.
15. Sweet Flag/Calamus essential oil
Calamus root essential oil has a refreshing scent similar to cinnamon. It also has purifying properties, muscle relaxing properties and can help circulation issues.
It has been traditionally used as a pain reliever and can be a natural remedy to help relieve headaches.
16. Chamomile
Chamomile oil has a scent that is sweet, apple-like and similar to chamomile tea. Great for soothing the body and mind, you can diffuse or apply to bottoms of the feet at bedtime for a restful night’s sleep.
17. Cedar oil
Cedarwood oil has a woody scent with an undertone of citrus. It is also another oil that is anti everything including insects, which is why it is such a versatile oil.
However, some people swear that they do not like the smell of cedar oil on its own, so it is commonly mixed with other blends before it is diffused.
18. Carrot seed oil
Carrot seed essential oil stimulates the growth of new cells and tissues. It is widely used in aromatherapy due to its mild and soothing earthy aroma which is very effective in relieving stress and anxiety and giving a refreshing feeling.
19. Cardamom
Cardamom can be used any time you would like to enhance a diffuser blend with the qualities of warm, soothing spice. Like other spices, this essential oil will help to open the breathing passage and relieve heaviness and lung discomfort.
20. Camphorwood
Works similarly to eucalyptus and menthol, camphorwood also activates cold receptors in the nose. So don’t be surprised it feels as if cold air is pushing through. But when diffused, it can chase out bacterial infections lurking in the house and send them packing.
21. Ylang-ylang
Ylang-ylang is a very balancing and calming oil, which makes it a great choice in times of emotional distress. But this oil is also known as an aphrodisiac and is a favourite oil to diffuse or add to massage oils when you desire a more romantic mood. Its scent profile is rich, floral, banana-toned, jasmine nuances, sweet and narcotic, aphrodisiac and erotic.
22. Vanilla
The scent of vanilla is calming for a lot of people and conjures up happy memories of mothers and grandmothers baking during the holidays. One of the more common essential oils for ambience, it works great as a stress reliever, anti-depressant and aphrodisiac.
23. Peppermint
This is a very popular choice because the smell of peppermint increases mental alertness, concentration and memory. Diffusing this in your home will make your space smell clean and fresh. Other benefits include cures that revolve around digestion.
24. Lavender
It has a scent that’s a wonderful blend of fresh, floral, clean, and calm. When you diffuse lavender, you can experience a lift in mood, ease a headache or nausea, and calm nervousness and anxiety. It can also help you sleep when insomnia strikes. When properly diluted, Lavender is among the safest of essential oils for ambience.
25. Lemongrass
Lemongrass oil is one of the popular essential oils for ambience and is diffused in many homes and offices. Strong lemony scent with earthy undertones, lemongrass can be utilized to create a positive and relaxing atmosphere.
26. Sandalwood
One of the prized scents in the fragrant industry, sandalwood has a warm aroma. Favoured by ancient civilizations, it is a great scent to diffuse during meditation or prayer. Use this creamy wood scent instead of other essential oils for ambience when you need to achieve balance throughout the day. Its scent would remind you to push on and find inner peace.
27. Lemon
Smelling very much like the fruit itself, lemon oil has a bright and fresh fruity citrus aroma that awakens the palate and mind alike. Diffusing this over other essential oils for ambience is great when you need a pick-me-up and an uplifting of the spirit.
28. Jasmine
Intensely sweet and has an exotic floral scent, Jasmine oils prove to be helpful in maintaining calm and acts as a mild sedative. While you might use Jasmine essential oils for ambience, to calm the nerves, it can also be used as a stimulant. In fact, many essential oils act as both.
29. Rose
Easily one of the most recognisable flowers and scent in the world rose oil is good for any situation that needs to be brightened.
There is no denying that it can have a major impact on moods, especially when it comes to reducing stress, and to calm the heart. It is also a good oil for spiritual purposes. Definitely one of the better essential oils for ambience.
Want to make your space more soothing? Make it more relaxing to come home to with these essential oils for ambience!
Read also: How to grow 7 essential Asian herbs right in your own home