Like avocado and toast or acai and granola, yoga and essential oils are a match made in heaven. Whether you’ve been doing yoga for years or don’t know your asana from your pranayama, you can benefit from adding these power-packed aromas to your practice.

Need help to feel grounded during your vinyasa? There’s an oil for that. Want to transform your room into a serene yoga studio? There’s a diffuser blend for that. Can’t seem to get the stinky-feet smell out of your yoga mat? You’re not alone! And guess what? Essential oils can help there too.

Ready to discover the benefits essential oils can bring to your yoga class or at-home routine? Check out some of the best essential oils for yoga, plus ways to perfect your practice with aromatherapy.

Best essential oils for yoga

• Lavender essential oil
• Patchouli essential oil
• Frankincense essential oil
• Orange essential oil
• Sacred Sandalwood™ essential oil
• Clary Sage essential oil
• Eucalyptus Radiata essential oil   

How do you use essential oils in yoga?

Essential oils enhance your yoga practice in many ways, from setting the scene to keeping your mat smelling fresh and clean. Wherever you are in your yoga journey, get more out of your flow with these tips.

1. Namaslay with a room spray. Before you start your sun salutations, mix a few of your favorite oils from the list above in a spray bottle with water. Then spritz into the air to surround yourself with the soothing scents of nature.

YL tip: For 3 ounces of water, add 15–20 drops of oil.

2. Mind your mantra. As you set an intention for your yoga practice, put a drop of Sacred Sandalwood on your heart center.

3. Bring it ommm. Dilute a drop of Patchouli or Clary Sage and rub onto your wrists. Breathe in the scent during difficult poses like crow and wheel.

4. Sink into stillness. One of the best ways to use essential oils in savasana is by rubbing a drop of Lavender or Frankincense into your forehead and massaging it toward your temples.

bottle of lavender essential oil

5. Make a mat mist. Combine 4 ounces water, 4 ounces witch hazel, and 3 drops Orange essential oil in a spray bottle; spritz onto your mat and wipe clean. Roll the mat up when it’s dry.

6. Treat yourself to a spa-like reward. Before you hit the mat, dampen a washcloth with cold water and a drop each of Eucalyptus Radiata and Sacred Sandalwood. Then pop it in the freezer, so it’s nice and frosty for your cooldown.

7. Amp up the ambiance. Set the scene for another successful yoga practice with these studio-worthy diffuser blends.

Say “Ommm” diffuser blend

Practice deep inhalations with the peaceful aromas of Lavender and Sacred Sandalwood boosted by the refreshing, rejuvenating scent of Eucalyptus Radiata.

3 drops lavender 3 drops sacred sandalwood 3 drops eucalyptus radiata

Yoga Retreat diffuser blend

Transport yourself to a serene mountainside retreat with a rich, earthy blend of Patchouli, Frankincense, and Clary Sage warmed by a pop of sunny Orange.

3 drops Patchouli 2 drops Frankincense 2 drops Clary Sage 1 drop Orange

Want more ways to boost your workout with essential oils? Click here. Or check out our post on mindfulness tips to start feeling more Zen today.