How to Balance Your Chakras with Essential Oils

When your chakras are imbalanced, it’s important that you take steps to get them back into balance. You can balance your chakras with essential oils and other techniques, including rainbow meditation, visualization, affirmations, yoga and healing crystals.

In this article, we’re going to dive into essential oils for chakra balancing – aka aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy and chakra work are both a part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine, which originates in India and has been practiced for thousands of years.

These practices have been exploding in popularity in the West in recent years. Aromatherapy and chakra healing can both be used in conjunction with conventional treatments, bringing you into balance in all areas of your life.

Safety First When Using Essential Oils

Before we get into how to balance the chakras with essential oils, it’s important to go over some safety tips. Essential oils can be highly potent so it’s important that caution is used.

Always make sure your essential oils are pure and of the highest quality. Country of origin is important – whenever possible, buy oils produced in the US, Canada, Australia and European Union countries such as England, France and Germany, all of whom have extremely stringent product standards.

Plant Therapy is my essential oil company of choice. Their essential oils are 100% pure, unadulterated, and free from additives and dilutions.

Additionally, Plant Therapy essential oils are Leaping Bunny certified, meaning that none of their products or the ingredients found in their products, have been tested on animals.

Essential Oils Safety Tips

• Store your essential oils in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
• Never use essential oils in an undiluted form on your skin
• Never store in a plastic container, as they can dissolve it

If you’re using essential oils for massage therapy as part of your chakra balancing, make sure to dilute them with a carrier oil. The most popular healing and nourishing carrier oils include:

• Almond
• Apricot kernel
• Coconut
• Olive

Coconut and olive are economical because they can be used in recipes as well as used for massage, although many people (myself included) prefer the smell of coconut oil over olive oil.

Is it Safe to Ingest Essential Oils?

Once you start to explore aromatherapy, you might come across recipes for adding essential oils to your food. However, most are not food-grade oils and many essential oils can cause stomach upset or even death if they are consumed by people or pets.

Personally, I do not ingest essential oils under any circumstances. If you do choose to consume essential oils, this should only be when instructed by a qualified aromatherapy practitioner trained in the internal use of essential oils and their chemical makeup.

How Long Do Essential Oils Keep Once Opened?

Once you open your bottle of essential oil, it should keep for up to 1 year. The only exceptions are the citrus oils such as orange, lemon, lime, bergamot and grapefruit, which should all be used within 6 months.

Citrus oils also require caution if you plan on going out in the sun after using them, as they can cause a reaction with sunlight (photosensitivity), leaving the skin more likely to burn. Use in the evening, or 2 hours before you plan to go outside.

If you suffer from any medical conditions or you’re currently pregnant, it’s recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before you start using essential oils.

Now that you know what essential oils are and have learned some of the most important safety tips to consider when using them, it’s time to discover the best ways to use them for health and healing.

7 Different Ways to Use Essential Oils

Essential oils can be used in a number of ways to balance the chakras.

Undiluted “neat” oil: The oils can be inhaled straight from the bottle, or sprinkled on a handkerchief or cloth which you can then breathe into. You can also tuck it into a top pocket or into your pillowcase at night.

Diluted oils: Since even a couple of drops of certain essential oils can be extremely irritating to skin, get into the habit of diluting them, with 1 to 3 drops in 4 to 8 ounces of liquid, or as instructed on the bottle.

Water: Add essential oils to foot baths, bathtubs, and a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam.

Alcohol: Create your own roll-on or spray perfume you can apply to throat and wrists to breathe in the aroma all day.

Pure Witch Hazel: Pure witch hazel should not have a terrible sharp stench of commercial witch hazel. Add a couple of drops of essential oil to disinfect skin or create your own beauty treatments like shampoo and body wash.

Carrier oil: Choices include almond oil, olive oil, apricot kernel oil, and coconut oil. De-scented coconut oil works best because it keeps moving without stickiness due to the warmth of the skin, so it is ideal for long massage sessions. It also moisturizes and nourishes the skin well and does not overwhelm everything with a coconut scent.

Diffusers: Diffusers spread the therapeutic benefits of essential oils through the air. There are several kinds of diffusers, from simple clay burners with a small lit candle underneath to heat the oil, to sophisticated ultrasonic diffusers that create a fine mist in the air and can be used as humidifiers as well.

This diffuser and cool mist humidifier is what I personally use. It features an adjustable mist mode, waterless auto shut off and 7 color changing LED lights.

An easy, no-expense solution for a small space or cars is to a apply a few drops of your favorite oil to a clean cloth or cotton ball and tuck it inside air vents, drawers, in back of couches, end-tables or somewhere out of sight. As the oils evaporate the aroma diffuses into the room.

How to Balance Your Chakras with Essential Oils

Now that you know the best ways to use aromatherapy and essential oils in your daily life, it’s time to look at the different chakras, their location, color and significance, and then how to balance each of the individual chakras with essential oils.

The Root Chakra

The root chakra is the foundation of our energies. It helps ground us and aid us in getting all of our most important needs met, such as food, clothing and shelter. It color is red and it is associated with our buttocks and anus. It is the foundation, literally, of our life, energy and spiritual practice.

The best essential oils to diffuse or use for massage to balance and stimulate the root chakra are:

• cinnamon
• ginger
• myrrh
• nutmeg
• patchouli
• vetiver

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Cassia)

The distinct spicy flavor and smell of cinnamon bark is everywhere these days, from food to air fresheners to pumpkin spice lattes. The effects are energizing, warming, and uplifting.

Usage Warning: Cinnamon is very irritating to the skin and can cause an allergic reaction with repeated use, so if you do plan to use it for massage, be sure it is well-diluted and only use once a week.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)

Ginger is commonly used in cooking and in soft drinks such as ginger ale. The effects are warming, strengthening, and grounding.

Usage Warning: Use 2 hours before you plan to go out in the sun, as it can trigger photosensitivity.

Myrrh (Commiphora Molmol)

You probably recognize myrrh from the Bible, as one of the gifts the Three Wise Men brought for baby Jesus. In fact, myrrh is one of the oldest-known perfumes in the world, mentioned 3,700 years ago in ancient Egyptian texts.

It’s effect is centering and it’s very good for enhancing your meditation practice and visualization as you work to draw the energy up your central channel to all the other chakras. Myrrh has an interesting woody scent so it’s a popular scent with both women and men.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption. Avoid use if pregnant.

Nutmeg (Myristica Fragrans)

The oil contains the characteristic fragrance of nutmeg, uses in pumpkin pie spice and spice cookies. It is also used in men’s fragrances and spicy perfumes, so it is a good choice for men or women.

Nutmeg’s effect is rejuvenating, uplifting and energizing.

Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin)

A widely used fixative in perfumes, its very intense aroma is described as earthy, rich, sweet, woody and spicy. Its effect is romantic, soothing, exotic and sensual.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption.

Vetiver (Vetiveria Zizanoides)

Vetiver has a rich, woodsy and musky scent which is popular as a perfume fixative. Its effects are soothing, relaxing and anchoring. Vetiver is a popular scent for men and women.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption.

In addition to the above listed essential oils, you can also recite root chakra affirmations.

Now that we have discussed the oils for the root chakra, we will look at the sacral chakra.

The Sacral Chakra

The sacral chakra is also known as the sex chakra and the navel chakra. The sacrum is the bone at the end of your spinal column. It is the seat of passion, creativity, desire and reproduction.

The best essential oils to diffuse or use for massage to balance and stimulate the sacral chakra are:

• cedar
• geranium
• orange
• sandalwood
• tangerine

Cedar (Juniperus Mexicana Scheide)

With it’s woodsy balsamic aroma, cedar is often used in perfumes to add depth and warm notes to any essential oil blend. Cedar can also be applied to the inside of a wood chest for a wonderful scent that naturally repels moths and other insects.

It’s effects are harmonizing, relaxing, and strengthening. It is also very good for relieving anxiety.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption.

Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens)

Geranium oil has a delightfully sweet scent and is a common ingredient in all types of fragrances. Geranium is frequently used in skin care products for both its fragrance and astringent cleansing properties. It is balancing and helps to even out your energy centers.

Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis)

One of the most popular scents and flavors in the world, orange is widely used in foods, perfumes and personal care products. In relation to chakra balancing, it is cheering, refreshing, uplifting and energizing.

Usage Warning: Avoid use before going out sun due to photosensitivity.

Sandalwood (Santalum Album)

This scent has been used perfume and sacred rituals since the ancient times, and is especially good for dry skin. Sandalwood is relaxing, centering and sensual.

Usage Warning: Not to be ingested.

Tangerine (Citrus Reticulata)

Tangerine oil has great astringent properties and is great for oily skin (make sure to dilute it properly.) It is cheering and uplifting and a popular oil for both men and women.

Usage Warning: Avoid use before going out in the sun.

The Solar Plexus Chakra

The solar plexus chakra sits just under the middle part of your rib cage. Solar refers to the sun and plexus is a group or network. There is a very important bundle of nerves located at the solar plexus that radiate outwards like the rays of the sun. This is the seat of your willpower and personal power.

The best essential oils to diffuse or use for massage to balance and stimulate the solar plexus chakra are:

• balsam
• frankincense
• lemon
• myrrh

Balsam (Myroxylon Pererae)

Balsam has a rich, earth scent commonly used in perfumes and to soothe chafed skin. It is woodsy, anchoring and strengthening.

Usage Warning: Do not consume.

Frankincense (Boswellia Carteri)

Frankincense is a woody, peppery fragrance that is used extensively for incase and fine perfumes. It’s often paired with myrrh (you may recognize frankincense as one of the gifts the Three Wise Men brought to baby Jesus.)

Frankincense is relaxing and restorative and can be used in combination with meditation for improved concentration and visualization.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption

Lemon (Citrus Limomum)

Widely used in personal care and home cleaning and enhancement, lemon oil is cold pressed from the rind of a lemon. About a dozen lemons are used to make just 1/2 ounce of essential oils.

Lemon is energizing, uplifting, refreshing and cheering.

Usage Warning: Avoid use in the sun. Dilute well, as it is a known skin irritant.

Myrrh (Commiphora Molmol)

See information on myrrh under “Root Chakra.”

The Heart Chakra

The heart chakras energies are related to love, compassion, kindness, sympathy and empathy. If we’re hurt by others and experience emotional pain, our heart chakra can shut down, so doing all we can to keep it open will enable us to live in harmony with everyone around us.

The best essential oils to diffuse or use for massage to balance and stimulate the heart chakra are:

• bergamot
• eucalyptus
• geranium
• peppermint
• rose absolute
• rose otto
• rosemary
• tea tree

Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia)

Bergamot is related to the lime and has a wonderful citrus smell. It is uplifting, levels your energies, and helps boost confidence.

Usage Warning: Avoid use before going out in the sun.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus)

Eucalyptus is commonly used in cold medicines and salves to open up the nasal passages so you can breathe more clearly. Its effects are purifying, invigorating and cooling so it is good for relaxing rather than energizing.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption.

Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens)

See “Sacral Chakra” for information on geranium.

Peppermint (Mentha Piperita)

Peppermint oil has a refreshing aroma. It is revitalizing, refreshing, cooling and can also help with chest congestion and open up airways and nasal passages.

Usage Warning: Dilute well so it does not irritate the skin. Avoid use if pregnant.

Rose (Rosa Centifolia)

Rose oil has a sweet, deep, long-lasting aroma. It is often known as rose absolute to differentiate it from rose otto, also known as the Damascene rose (see below).

Rose oil is an economical alternative to rose otto and is used extensively in medium and high-priced perfumes of all types for its aroma and fixative qualities. It offers romantic, creative and gently uplifting qualities when used. It is excellent for all types of skin.

Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant.

Rose Otto (Rosa Damascena)

This rose essential oil has a warmer, more intense and richer rich fragrance than rose absolute.

It is used in all types of perfumes, as well as a wide range of beauty preparations and can also be used to enhance the atmosphere of the home.

Its effect on the chakras is romantic, creative, opening and mildly energizing.

Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis)

Rosemary has a wonderfully earthy and herby scent. It is used in hair care, fragrance, cooking and cosmetics. Its effect offers relief from congestion, and is clarifying, balancing, warming and invigorating on the chakras

Usage Warning: Avoid if pregnant. People with high blood pressure or epilepsy should not use this oil.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia)

Tea tree oil has become an extremely popular essential oil and common ingredient in personal care items thanks to its powerful antiseptic qualities. The smell can be described as citrusy with a medicinal edge.

It’s ideal for cuts and scrapes, and for healing acne and itchy scalps. It has a cleansing, purifying and uplifting effect.

Usage Warning: Not for internal consumption. Dilute well before use as it is a known skin irritant. Only use for full massage if well diluted and if the goal is to heal dry, rough, or cracked skin.

The Throat Chakra

If the heart chakra is all about connection, the throat is about communication. If you are not a good public speaker or have trouble speaking the truth, this is a good chakra to work on.

The best essential oils to diffuse or use for massage to balance and stimulate the throat chakra are:

• roman chamomile
• coriander
• geranium
• lavender

Roman Chamomile (Anthemis Nobilis)

Often used in perfumes, roman chamomile blends well with bergamot, jasmine, neroli, and clary sage, lending a warm, fresh note when added in small quantities.

It is a relaxing and rejuvenating oil for the chakras. When added to clary sage, it can enhance clarity of mind and speech, especially if you meditate.

Coriander Seed (Coriandrum Sativum)

Coriander has a delicious sweet taste. If you’re familiar with Mexican, Indian or Thai cooking, then you would have used the herb coriander.

The effect on the chakras is relaxing, gently clarifying and helps relieve congestion. This oil is popular with men and women.

Geranium (Pelargonium Graveolens)

See “Sacral Chakra” for information on geranium.

Lavender (Lavendula Angustifolia)

Lavender is one of the mainstays of aromatherapy, a rich, fragrant floral scent that has a wide range of therapeutic and environmental uses. It’s commonly used in personal care products.

Lavender’s effects are balancing, soothing, gently clarifying and can enhance meditation and relaxation. It can be combined with other florals to enhance its effects.

The Third Eye Chakra

This third eye chakra sits between your eyebrows just above the bridge of your nose. It is the seat of wisdom, intuition, and higher mental powers, which can in turn lead to spiritual growth.

The oils used for this chakra are all very invigorating and increase mental alertness and physical energy.

The best essential oils to diffuse or use for massage to balance and stimulate the third eye chakra are:

• bergamot
• lemon
• orange

Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia)

See “Heart Chakra” for information on bergamot essential oil.

Lemon (Citrus Limomum)

See “Solar Plexus Chakra” for information on lemon essential oil.

Sweet Orange (Citrus Sinensis)

See “Sacral Chakra” for information on sweet orange essential oil.

The Crown Chakra

The crown chakra connects us to the universe, and the universe to us. It is the conduit to spiritual progress and enlightenment, a great wisdom which can ease suffering.

The best essential oils to diffuse or use for massage to balance and stimulate the crown chakra are:

• frankincense
• jasmine
• neroli
• rose absolute
• rose otto
• ylang ylang

Frankincense (Boswellia Carteri)

See “Solar Plexus Chakra” for information on frankincense.

Jasmine (Jasminum Grandiflorum)

Jasmine is very powerful fragrance with a rich, honey-like sweetness. The fragrance of jasmine is a component in so many perfumes that there is an old saying, “No perfume without jasmine.”

A tiny amount will go a long way, making jasmine an economical oil. It is relaxing, sensual, exotic, romantic and very good for women for massage.

Neroli (Citrus Aurantium)

Distilled from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, neroli has a refreshing, spicy, aroma. It is one of the most widely used floral oils in perfumery.

Neroli is also used in preparations such as a massage oils, skin creams, and bath oils due to its light citrusy scent. It is good for massage and shampoo, which is ideal for massaging the crown chakra. The effects of neroli is centering, relaxing, soothing, exotic and sensual.

Rose Absolute (Rosa Centifolia)

See “Heart Chakra” for information on rose absolute.

Rose Otto (Rosa Damascena)

See “Heart Chakra” for information on rose otto.

Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata)

Ylang ylang means “flower of flowers.” It is a richly fragrant oil that is best used for body perfume and massage oil. The effect is sensual and blissful.

Usage Warnings: Ylang ylang should not be consumed internally.

How To Massage the Chakras with Essential Oils

Now that you know where each of your chakras is, what energy it houses, and which oils are good for balancing or stimulating this energy, let’s take a moment to discuss chakra massage.

Chakra energy spins like a flat turntable from front to back.

Often, it is enough to lay your hand on a chakra area to focus the energy and balance it. The scents of the oil can help balance and focus the energy. This is also useful if you wish to move your energy up or down to another chakra to help balance or stimulate it.

Well-diluted essential oils can be used in your self-massage. Either put a few drops in a carrier oil and then rub on your hand, and rest the hand on your chakra, or massage the chakra gently.

Start from the root chakra and working your way upwards. You can work on one chakra only at each session, or each one in turn, from root to crown.

You can reach any of your chakras on the front of your body any time you need to. On the back of your body, you can reach all of them easily with the exception of the heart chakra, unless you’re quite flexible.

If you have a partner interested in massage, have them pay particular attention to the heart chakra area of your back using the oil you have blended. Move up from root to crown.

Another great way to keep your chakras balanced and not let all their power and energy get too chaotic it to rinse your hands and feet with cold water at the end of each bath or shower. This has the effect of grounding the energy within your body.

In Summary

Chakra work can be a wonderful method for balancing and healing both your physical and spiritual self. Adding aromatherapy by filling your environment with pure essential oils that can balance and/or stimulate particular chakras can take your energy to a whole new level.

Making essential oils as part of your chakra massage can purify, cleanse, balance and awaken the power of within.

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