In my last blog post, I discussed Energetic Aromatherapy for the Mind, Body, and Spirit, but wanted to take a deeper dive into exploring using essential oils to support the chakra system. Chakra loosely translates to wheel, vortex, or fields that relate to the energy centers in our bodies. The front of the body represents yang and the back of the body represents yin. Yin and Yang stem from Chinese philosophy and represent the duality of integrating opposite forces and energies. Chakras can absorb energy and information (yin) and release energy and information (yang). There are seven chakras associated with supporting the energetic aspects of the body: Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye, and Crown. Chakra work can be down on its own or in tandem with yoga and meditation practices.
The Root Chakra is supported by essential oils, herbs, and aromas that come from the roots and rhizomes of plants. The Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine and groin area. It is associated with security, survival, basic needs, grounding, and support. Essential Oils that support the Root Chakra include: Angelica root, Calamus, Galangal Root, Galbanum, Ginger, Lovage, Nagarmotha, Plai, Spikenard, Turmeric, Vetiver, Valerian.
The Sacral Chakra is represented by essential oils, herbs, and aromas that come from the seeds of plants. It is the second chakra and is located is about three inches below the belly button around your lower belly at the level of the lumbar vertebrae. It is associated with the emotions, sensuality, and creativity. Essential Oils for the Sacral Chakra: Ambrette, Angelica seed, Anise, Caraway, Cardamom, Carrot seed, Coffee, Coriander, Dill, Sweet Fennel, Juniper berry, Nutmeg, Parsley.
The Solar Plexus Chakra is represented by essential oils, herbs, and aromas that come from the fruits of plants. It is the third chakra and is located in the upper part of the belly where the diaphragm expands to fill with air. It is associated with personal will, power, and mental ability. Essential Oils for the Solar Plexus Chakra: Allspice, Bergamot, Sweet orange, Yuzu, Lemon, Kaffir lime, Lime, Grapefruit, Mandarin/Tangerine, Clove bud, Juniper, May Chang, Black pepper, Pink pepper.
The Heart Chakra is represented by essential oils, herbs, and aromas that come from the flowers of plants. The Heart Chakra is the fourth chakra and is located at the center of the chest. It is associated with love, relationships, transformation, and integration. Essential oils for the Heart Chakra: Yarrow, Roman Chamomile, Ylang ylang, Neroli, Cape chamomile, Clove, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lavender, German Chamomile, Monarda, Catnip, Marjoram, Rose, Clary sage, Goldenrod, Blue tansy, Champaca, Tuberose, Osmanthus.
The Throat Chakra is represented by essential oils, herbs, and aromas that come from the leaves, needles, and grasses of plants. The throat chakra is the fifth chakra and is located at the center of the neck. It is associated with expression and communication. Essential oils for the Throat Chakra: Basil, Citronella, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Balsam Fir, Silver Fir, Geranium, Hemlock spruce, Laurel, Lemongrass, Melissa, Green Myrtle, Niaouli, Tea tree, Rosalina, Palmarosa, Patchouli, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Ravensara, Rosemary, Sage, Spearmint, Black Spruce, Blue Spruce, Tobacco, Violet.
The Third Eye Chakra is represented by essential oils, herbs, and aromas that come from the wood of plants. The Third Eye Chakra is the sixth chakra and is located on the forehead between the eyebrows. It is associated with intuition and imagination. Essential Oils for the Third Eye Chakra: Amyris, Cedarwood, Atlantic, Birch, Birch Tar, Buddha wood, Cedarwood, Indian, Cedarwood, Virginia, Cinnamon Bark, Hinoki, Palo santo, Rosewood, Sandalwood.
The Crown Chakra is represented by essential oils, herbs, and aromas that come from the resins of plants. The Crown Chakra is the seventh chakra and is located on the top of the head. It is associated with the higher states of consciousness. Essential Oils for the Crown Chakra: Benzoin, Copaiba, Elemi, Frankincense, Galbanum, Mastic, Myrrh, Opopanax, Peru Balsam.
References
Dale, Cyndi. Llewellyn's Little Book of Chakras. Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd, 2017.
Davis, Patricia. Subtle Aromatherapy. Ebury Digital, 2011.
The New York Institute of Aromatic Studies, Connecting Energies: Aromatherapy and the Chakras, October 2018