While I enjoy using a diffuser, it isn’t always practical. In those moments, personal essential oil inhalers are an excellent alternative.
Here are a few reasons I prefer essential oil inhalers:
- Portable – Inhalers are small (about the size of a lipstick) and lightweight, so you can toss one in your purse or travel bag without worrying about spills.
- Effective – Direct inhalation delivers aromatic compounds quickly and can be one of the most effective ways to receive the therapeutic benefits of essential oils.
- Economical – Each inhaler requires only about 15 drops of essential oils and can cost less than a dollar. A single inhaler can last a month or longer, depending on use.
- Personal – Unlike diffusers that scent a whole room, personal inhalers let you enjoy aromas without affecting others nearby, making them ideal when certain oils aren’t safe or preferred by people around you.
What are essential oil inhalers?
Essential oil inhalers are small plastic tubes made to hold a scented cotton wick. Most inhalers include these basic parts:
- Cotton wick – The wick absorbs and holds the essential oil.
- Inhaler tube – The wick fits inside a vented tube that allows air to flow in and carry the aroma out when you inhale.
- Cap – A bottom cap secures the wick inside the tube; it can be removed to replace or refresh the wick.
- Cover – A slide-on cover protects the inhaler and keeps the scent sealed until you’re ready to use it.
How to make a personal essential oil inhaler
Step 1: Gather supplies
- Empty essential oil inhaler
- Tweezers
- Packing tape for labels
- Essential oils
Step 2: Add oils
Place about 15 drops of your chosen essential oil blend on a glass plate or shallow bowl.
Step 3: Soak the wick
Using tweezers, roll or press the cotton wick into the oil so it’s fully saturated.
Step 4: Insert the wick
Place the saturated wick into the inhaler tube.
Step 5: Seal the inhaler
Secure the bottom cap firmly to hold the wick in place.
Step 6: Replace the cover
Slide the protective cover over the inhaler.
Step 7: Label (optional)
Print and attach a label to identify the blend and record the recipe so you can refresh the wick later. To protect paper labels, place the label on clear packing tape and wrap the tape around the inhaler cover for a water- and oil-resistant finish.
Step 8: Apply the label
Cut the label, place it face-down on a strip of packing tape slightly larger than the label, then smooth the taped label onto the inhaler cover.
How to use an inhaler
Remove the cover, hold the inhaler close to your nose, and inhale deeply. Use as needed. Depending on frequency of use, the scent typically lasts about a month. To refresh, replace or re-saturate the wick following the steps above.
24 Inhaler Recipes for Body, Mind, and Spirit
The following inhaler blends are grouped into four categories: Body Support, Energy & Uplifting, Calm & Focus, and Comfort & Cravings. Each recipe totals about 15 drops unless otherwise noted.
Body Support
- Motion Sickness
- Breathing
- Immune Support
- Upset Stomach
- Headaches
- Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal Support (for seasonal and environmental threats): 5 drops lemon, 5 drops lavender, 5 drops peppermint.
Immune Booster (supports healthy immune function): 3 drops oregano, 3 drops tea tree, 3 drops lemon, 3 drops frankincense, 3 drops cinnamon.
Tummy Tamer (occasional stomach upset): 4 drops ginger, 4 drops peppermint, 3 drops fennel, 2 drops coriander, 2 drops lemon.
Motion Ease (motion sickness): 5 drops peppermint, 4 drops ginger, 3 drops fennel, 3 drops coriander.
Deep Breath (clear breathing): 4 drops peppermint, 4 drops eucalyptus, 2 drops lavender, 2 drops lemon, 2 drops rosemary.
Tension Tamer (relieves head and neck tension): 6 drops peppermint, 3 drops frankincense, 3 drops lavender, 3 drops chamomile.
Energy, Motivation & Uplifting
- Motivation
- Wake Up
- Fatigue Fighter
- Uplifting
- Gratitude
Happy Place (promotes a positive mood): 4 drops ylang ylang, 7 drops orange, 4 drops lavender.
Good Times (uplifting): 4 drops white fir, 3 drops grapefruit, 3 drops orange, 2 drops lemon, 2 drops tangerine, 1 drop bergamot.
Gratitude (encourages appreciation): 5 drops bergamot, 4 drops orange, 3 drops white fir, 3 drops geranium.
Fatigue Fighter (energizing): 8 drops orange, 4 drops Douglas fir, 3 drops ginger.
Wake Me Up (refreshing): 5 drops rosemary, 5 drops peppermint, 5 drops lemon.
Motivation (boosts creativity and confidence): 4 drops black pepper, 4 drops lime, 4 drops orange, 3 drops frankincense.
Calm & Focus
- Grounding
- Calming
- Chill Out (Stress Relief)
- Tuned In
- Get Focused
Be Calm (for frazzled feelings): 4 drops lavender, 4 drops orange, 4 drops frankincense, 3 drops cedarwood.
Chill Out (reduces irritability): 5 drops bergamot, 4 drops orange, 3 drops lemon, 3 drops grapefruit.
Sea Breeze (calm and well being): 6 drops lavender, 5 drops lime, 4 drops spearmint.
Get Focused (helps concentration): 8 drops orange, 7 drops peppermint.
Tuned In (tune out distractions): 6 drops lemon, 3 drops basil, 3 drops rosemary, 2 drops cypress, 1 drop frankincense.
Grounding (whole body relaxation): 5 drops spruce, 4 drops cedarwood, 3 drops juniper berry, 3 drops white fir.
Confidence, Comfort & Cravings
- Curb Your Cravings
- Beat the Binge
- Comfort
- Confidence
- Creativity
Confidence (promotes courage and self-belief): 5 drops bergamot, 4 drops tangerine, 3 drops basil, 3 drops clary sage.
Healing Heart (emotional healing after loss): 6 drops geranium, 6 drops rose, 3 drops ylang ylang.
Comfort (comfort and hope): 5 drops frankincense, 4 drops ylang ylang, 3 drops sandalwood, 3 drops patchouli.
Creativity (inspires creative thinking): 6 drops tangerine, 4 drops juniper berry, 3 drops bergamot, 2 drops clary sage.
Curb Your Cravings (help increase satiety): 4 drops cinnamon, 4 drops fir, 2 drops peppermint, 5 drops orange.
Beat the Binge (reduce sugar cravings): 4 drops dill, 3 drops fennel, 4 drops lavender, 4 drops lemongrass.
Supplies and Notes
Inhaler tubes, cotton wicks, and packing tape are widely available online or in stores. Labels can help you track blends and recipes so you can refresh wicks later. Typical inhaler scent life is about a month, depending on how often you open it.
Please note: Products and information here are not evaluated by the FDA. This content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
