Plants vibrate waves of Mother Earth’s energy that can help to balance our 7 chakras. Just as our 7 chakras each have their own designated color and sound, so to can the aroma of a plant and its essential oil be assigned a chakra or set of chakras. Thus, the aromatic pleasures captured in essential oils can help provide us with chakra tuning therapy.
Overview of the 7 Chakras
Sanskrit for “wheel,” the concept of chakra circles of energy in the body have been documented in Eastern cultures back to ancient times. Hindu, Buddhism, and Qigong cultures discuss concepts of life force and energy centers, and these ideas were studied and brought into the Western culture in the early 1900’s by Arthur Avalon in a book called Serpent Power (1974).
The seven chakras are hierarchic with the first chakra: the root, focusing on basic survival all the way up to the highest level at the top of our head: the violet chakra, which focuses on spirituality. Each of the seven chakras should flow equally within a our bodies. However, sometimes in our life, certain chakras dominate or fall weak, and aromatherapy may help in balancing these chakras.
Here are the 7 Chakras:
- The root (red) chakra located at the pubic symphysis is all about basic survival. The root also focuses on grounding with Mother Earth.
- The sacral (orange) chakra located at the iliac crest of the hip is related to family issues and sexuality. It is sensual and fun.
- The solar plexus (yellow) chakra located near the naval helps us focus on our purpose in life. This chakra is associated with the sun and revolves around the question, “Why am I here?”
- The heart (green) chakra located around the heart encourages the giving and receiving of love. It’s a warm hug, and the chakra of kindness towards others and oneself.
- The throat (blue) chakra located at the neck vitalizes communication and expression. It encourages speaking one’s mind respectfully as well as listening to the views of others thoughtfully.
- The third eye (indigo) chakra located between the eyes opens our intuition and foresight. This chakra can see that which is unseen and interpret beyond the information presented.
- The crown (violet) chakra located at the top of the head enhances our spirituality. We feel blessed to be created and ponder the deep meaning of life and beyond.
How can essential oils help balance the 7 Chakras?
Can the hot spicy aroma of cinnamon help to light your fire of life? Does the heady floral scent of ylang ylang have aphrodisiac qualities? How about waking up to the sunny smell of a fresh squeezed lemon? These are examples of how aromas can impact moods associated with each of the chakras. While categorizing scents with a certain chakra can be very subjective, here is my view of some essential oils for each chakra, with a brief description.
Aromas for the 7 Chakras
The Root Chakra
These aromas can remind of us of the fire inside our body, and help to ground us deeply to the Earth.
- Cinnamon – fire red * spicy * hot
- Coffee – earthy * grounding
- Cedarwood – earthy * reddish * grounding
- Ginger – earthy * grounding root
- Blood Orange – warming * reddish
- Patchouli – earthy * grounding
- Vetiver – grounding root
The Sacral Chakra
Aromas of the sacral chakra can be sensual, warming, or homey.
- Cardamom – seductive * exotic
- Bay – spicy * masculine
- Grapefruit – orange * warming
- Chocolate – sensual * impulsive
- Neroli – feminine * sensual
- Orange – colorful * warming
- Ylang Ylang – feminine * seductive
- Black Pepper – aphrodisiac * warm * spicy
- Jasmine – feminine * seductive
- Vanilla – warm * homey
The Solar Plexus
These aromas can be complex, and help lead us towards the light: our destiny in life.
- Cypress – grounding yet light
- Lemon – sunny * yellow * bright
- Lemon Balm – happy * easy to grow
- Lemongrass – warm yet deep
- Anise – warm yet earthy
The Heart Chakra
Heart chakra colors are green or pink, and aromas activate the love in our hearts.
- Basil – herbaceously green
- Bergamot – pink * gentle
- Geranium – rosy with kindness
- Petitgrain – earthy green * uplifting
- Lime – citrus green * heart opening
- Pine – peaceful * meaningful
- Sweet Fennel – green * cool yet spicy
- Rose – pink with soft love
The Throat Chakra
Aromas associated with the throat chakra soothe the respiratory tract and open the airways and the ears.
- Eucalyptus – cool * opens breathing
- Peppermint – soothing to the throat * opens the head
- Spearmint – calm * cooling * opening
- Juniper – berries of blue * open airways and beyond
- Chamomile – blue * restful
The Third Eye
These aromas open our minds to see beyond what is visible.
- Clary Sage – contemplative * mellowing
- Patchouli – calming * meditative
- Helichrysum – complex * deep
- Rosemary – mind opening * emotionally cleansing
The Crown
This highest chakra connects beyond our earthly existence.
- Lavender – deeply calming * enlightening
- Clove – royal * crown shaped * rich
- Tea Tree – complex * medicinal
- Myrrh – spiritual * ancient * a special gift
RECIPES
Instructions: First, make the blends listed below in a small amber bottle. Next, review the specific contraindications for each essential oil in a blend before use. Click here for some general guidelines about Essential Oil Safety. For topical use, combine the blend you have created with a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, using a 2% dilution ration. This would equal about 10 drops of essential oil for each 1 ounce of carrier oil. When making an essential oil recipe, check possible contraindications before use, and discontinue use if any irritations occur.
ROOT CHAKRA
- 30% Ginger
- 30% Cedarwood
- 2% Cinnamon
- 8% Orange
- 30% Patchouli
SACRAL CHAKRA
- 50% Grapefruit
- 15% Petitgrain
- 15% Bay
- 15% Black Pepper
- 5% Ylang Ylang
SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA
- 30% Lemon
- 35% Lemon Balm
- 15% Rose Geranium
- 20% Cypress
HEART CHAKRA
- 50% Lime
- 30% Pine
- 20% Rose Geranium
THROAT CHAKRA
- 40% German Chamomile
- 25% Juniper Berry
- 25% Peppermint
- 10% Eucalyptus
THIRD EYE
- 35% Rosemary
- 30% Clary Sage
- 30% Patchouli
- 5% Vetiver
CROWN
- 75% Lavender
- 5% Clove
- 20% Helichrysum
PS – Here’s another great article about using essential oils to balance the chakras: Essential Oils for Chakras
References:
- Avalon, A., & Woodroffe, J. G. (1974). The serpent power: being the Ṣaṭ-cakra-nirūpana and Pādukā-pañcaka: two works on Laya-yoga. Dover Pub.
- Dobetsberger, C., & Buchbauer, G. (2011). Actions of essential oils on the central nervous system: An updated review. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 26(5), 300-316.52-156.
- Hongratanaworakit, T. (2004). Physiological effects in aromatherapy. Songklanakarin J Sci Technol, 26(1), 117-125.
- Jo, H. J., Fujii, E., & Cho, T. D. (2010). An experimental study on physiological and psychological effects of pine scent. Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture, 38(4), 1-10.
- Lis-Balchin, M. (2006). Aromatherapy science. A guide for healthcare professionals. Pharmaceutical Press. London.
By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, RA (ARC), NAHA and AIA Professional Member, LMT, RYT
4/11/18
