Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Inhalers

Aromatherapy inhalers are also known as personal inhalers, essential oil inhalers, and sometimes sniffy sticks.

What are Aromatherapy Inhalers?

Aromatherapy inhalers enclose a concentrated amount of essential oil and are a portable and convenient way to use essential oils when a diffuser isn't convenient or appropriate. To use an aromatherapy inhaler, you simply unscrew the cap and raise the tip of the inhaler to your nose.

Essential Oil Inhaler Benefits:

Aromatherapy inhalers can be transported in your purse, briefcase or backpack and are even small enough to fit in a pocket. They allow you to use your chosen essential oils anywhere, and they can be used discreetly. Inhalers are handy for keeping particular blends handy and within reach. They're also great in the workplace or in other public settings when you may want to use an essential oil that could pose risk to those with particular health issues.

Where to Buy Aromatherapy Inhalers:

Some aromatherapy retailers offer ready-made aromatherapy inhalers that contain a single essential oil or a specially formulated blend of essential oils. You can also find aromatherapy inhaler assemblies (often referred to as "blanks") from some aromatherapy and essential oil suppliers. It's simple to add your own essential oils to the cotton or foam insert and assemble the inhaler.

Suggested Inhaler Uses:

I keep an aromatherapy inhaler that contains a flu-fighting blend of essential oils in my purse. Anytime I'm exposed to someone that is coughing like crazy, I discreetly then use the inhaler. I also keep a couple inhalers around that contain calming as well as uplifting blends. It's a quick way to energize or unwind even when away from home. I especially love using calming and anti-microbial inhalers while flying.

Aromatherapy inhalers, often referred to as personal inhalers, aren't meant to be shared.

Using an Inhaler to Help Quit Smoking:

The action of using an aromatherapy inhaler to raise the aroma to your nose can help to curb the hand-to-mouth aspect of smoking cigarettes. Breathing in the aroma from the inhaler also mirrors inhaling deeply when smoking. For more information, see the Guide to Essential Oils and Aromatherapy Techniques That May Help With Your Efforts to Quit Smoking.

Do I Need to Dilute the Essential Oil When I Make My Own Inhaler?

When working with essential oil inhalers, you can use your chosen essential oil(s) at 100% concentration, if desired, because the essential oil will not come into contact with your skin. However, some individuals prefer to first dilute the essential oils in a carrier before adding to the wick as this reduces the aromatic strength. This can be particularly important when working with especially strong essential oils such as peppermint, lemongrass and cinnamon.

Eco-Friendly Essential Oil Inhaler Alternatives

Learn how to easily and inexpensively make your own eco-friendly essential oil inhaler alternatives: Eco-Friendly Essential Oil Inhaler Alternatives

Essential Oil Inhaler Blends

For recipes to use as inspiration to make your very own inhaler blends, refer to AromaWeb's Essential Oil Inhaler Blends page within the Recipe section.