5 Ways to Incorporate Essential Oils into Your Morning Routine

Essential oils offer various benefits. The best essential oils for morning energy help people wake up feeling good. They’re excellent to start your morning right, and when you begin to doze in the afternoon, they’re your biggest support. And unlike coffee, they don’t result in a mid-afternoon slump.

You can incorporate essential oils for morning energy each day by adding a few steps to your routine. I’ll show you five simple ways you can get started, no matter how you prefer to take advantage of essential oils. Find the best boost for your family depending on how you spend your mornings or try out a new DIY blend.

Essential Oils to Wake Up and Energize

The right essential oil for you works with your body’s chemistry. There is no perfect oil for everyone. You might need to test out which options work well for your morning essential oil routine and which stronger blends are ideal for the days you feel especially sluggish.

However, there are quite a few options that help many people. Science shows the benefits of the following ten best essential oils for morning energy.

Bergamot

A delicate citrus plant, bergamot is uplifting, calming, and purifying. Citrus plants stimulate the brain and make you feel awake immediately. Bergamot is perfect for a diffuser, ingested in tea form, or applied to the skin with massage oil.

Caution: Remember, bergamot essential oil causes photosensitivity, so avoid long periods of sun exposure after application. A little goes a long way with this essential oil, so you only need a few drops. It’s also not ideal for use on kids. Also, remember if ingesting essential oil, make sure you are purchasing from a trusted, high-quality brand.

Orange

Perfect for a diffuser, orange aromas purify the air, aid against environmental toxins, and provide an energizing boost without the groggy afternoon feeling later. Studies suggest orange essential oil in aromatherapy even improves cognitive function (5). Use orange in the morning, and you’ll feel ready to tackle the day. You can also ingest it in a glass of water or non-toxic toothpaste.

Peppermint

Peppermint is powerful against toxins and aids digestion, which can aid in weight loss if you ingest it in the morning. Most importantly, peppermint offers a refreshing scent that can help increase your morning productivity, concentration, memory, and focus (6). You can use this essential oil topically, aromatically, or add it to toothpaste for better oral hygiene.

Caution: Don’t use peppermint too late, or you may have difficulty falling asleep. It’s not as ideal when placed directly on your mucous membranes (neck, ears) either.

Lemon or Lime

Lemon essential oil is well-known for detoxifying, antiseptic, and disinfectant properties, which cleanse the skin and rejuvenate the senses. As a vapor, it can fight off the common flu and defend against other infections (7). Lime also helps skin infections when topically applied and comes with a refreshing scent.

Caution: Like bergamot, citrus blends cause photosensitivity. Avoid using this oil if you plan to spend time outside, especially topically.

Frankincense

The “King of Oils,” Frankincense is a powerful healer with many benefits. It balances mood, aids skin health, promotes a healthy gut, and prevents inflammation. Steep frankincense into tea, absorb the oil through your skin, or inhale the wood-like aroma. You can even use it in toothpaste to prevent bad breath and cavities (4).

Frankincense is also ideal for topical applications because it supports acne-prone skin and aids with other skin issues. Apply the oil directly to your skin after washing your face in the morning or add it to scentless moisturizer.

Cedarwood

Cedarwood soothes the mind while providing subtle energy. If a morning workout is part of your routine, using cedarwood can improve your physical performance – no matter how you prefer to workout. Massage a couple of drops onto your chest right before your morning workout, and it’ll even repel insects if you enjoy the outdoors in the morning (3).

Eucalyptus

Also referred to as gum trees, Eucalyptus is excellent as a massage oil. It purifies through the skin, cleans the air, and helps maintain oral health (7). You can even add a few drops to a moisturizer or use it in the shower each morning for rejuvenation.

Basil

Naturally energizing, Basil is a stimulating herb with tons of other benefits. As an essential oil, it stimulates the adrenal glands to help people with brain fog in the morning (8). You can use it daily either internally, topically, or in aromatherapy. In toothpaste, basil even fights off odor and aids toothaches. It’s also used in cosmetics to brighten dull skin.

Grapefruit

An excellent option for kids, grapefruit aids immunity and protects the body from harmful toxins. It can detoxify through the skin, kidneys, or digestive tract, which makes it an ideal essential oil for many uses and applications. Add a drop to a glass of water to curb your appetite during weight loss, boost energy topically, or add the oil to a diffuser.

Ginger

Studies show ginger protects against developing cancer cells and offers medicinal properties that aid digestion, treat vomiting, nausea, and inflammation (2). If you add ginger to your morning routine, you’ll feel less tired. It’s perfect in a diffuser when you need a boost of morning energy.

How to Choose the Best Essential Oils for Energy

To find the best essential oils to wake up and energize, start by smelling. Find the oils that are pleasing to you and explore which essential oils for energy give you a morning boost. Pay attention to when you notice the benefits too, as one option may work better for a morning wake up while another boosts afternoon energy.

If you want to use essential oils for the whole family, make sure the option you choose is safe for children. Some oils are only appropriate for certain ages. Dilute the oils generously and use fewer drops for kids. If you notice any negative reactions or irritations, stop use.

5 Ways to Incorporate Essential Oils into Your Morning Routine

Mornings are crazy, but they don’t have to be. A morning routine with your favorite essential oils can help you stay on track, and it’s much easier than you may think. You can use essential oils:

Topically
Internally
Aromatically

Use the following five different methods to add essential oils for morning energy each day. Figure out which option works best for you and your family, depending on your routine and needs.

1. Energizing Essential Oil Diffuser Blends

A diffuser is the easiest and most common method for taking advantage of essential oils. Whether you have a store-bought or homemade diffuser, there are multiple energizing essential oil diffuser blends.

For an energy boost in the morning, add 5-7 drops of your favorite essential oil for morning energy (with water) in your diffuser. You can even prep the diffuser the night before, so in the morning you only have to push on.

Try the following wake up essential oil blend recipe combinations, and consider adding in an anti-anxiety oil like lavender or ylang-ylang.

Blend 1:

2 drops of cedarwood
2 drops of bergamot
1 drop of orange
1 drop of frankincense

Blend 2:

2 drops of orange
2 drops of peppermint
2 drops of grapefruit
2 drops of lavender

Blend 3:

2 drops of orange
2 drops of spearmint
2 drops of ylang-ylang
1 drop of cedarwood

You can also create a morning blend in advance that’s guaranteed to wake you up. For the following DIY recipe, combine the ingredients in an amber glass bottle, preferably with a reducer cap. Use the blend in the morning hours, following your diffuser’s directions.

Wake Me Up Essential Oil Blend Recipe:

10 parts sweet orange
2 parts benzoin oil
1 part peppermint

2. Apply an Energetic Essential Oil Topically

Topical use is another popular way to take advantage of essential oils. Body heat keeps the scent fresh for all-day benefits. Apply a diluted essential oil directly to the skin on:

The crown of the head
Behind the ears
Neck
Wrists
Armpits

Another popular way to use essential oils topically is to bring them into the shower. Add 2-5 drops of your favorite wake up essential oil blend recipe to your washcloth. Leave it at the bottom of the shower, where the steam can release aromatic benefits. Rosemary, orange, or eucalyptus work well.

If you have sensitive skin, however, you may need to further dilute the oil with a carrier oil. Adjust the strength of the oil to suit your needs.

3. Consume Essential Oils in Water

Essential oils are also helpful in the kitchen. Double-check that the essential oil you purchased is safe for consumption. Some companies sell pre-diluted essential oils that contain a carrier oil that’s not safe for ingestion. Most carrier oils come from plants treated with pesticides, and the resulting products are often the cheaper quality options. Look for certified organic and pure oils.

To ingest essential oils in liquids, the ideal way is to mix the essential oil with a half teaspoon of honey. Then it can be taken by mouth or mixed into hot water if someone wants to drink the oil. I also have no problem with adding a drop of oil when I am blending a smoothie because it gets mixed much better.

4. Drink an Everyday Morning Detox Tea

If you want a boost of natural energy but are trying to lose weight, a daily detox tea in the morning is a great way to detoxify the body. A cleanse can jump-start your metabolism for the day, and warm water first thing is more beneficial than drinking cold water (1).

For the tea, you’ll need the following ingredients:

10 ounces of warm water
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar
2 drops of ginger
2 drops of lemon
1 drop of cinnamon (optional)

Lemon removes toxins that accumulate overnight in the colon, lymph glands, and bladder. The ginger then aids waste elimination, and the essential oils combine in water to cleanse the liver.

If you prefer a detox you don’t have to ingest, a massage blend is easy to make at home. Rubbing the oils into your skin allows you to take advantage of the effects both topically and aromatically. You can mix your favorite oils in with a carrier oil or lotion and massage them into your skin to activate them. Mix the following ingredients for a skin and body detox that even reduces cellulite:

20 mL or 4 tsp of carrier oil (unscented)
4 drops of pink grapefruit
4 drops of juniper berry
2 drops of angelica root

Make sure to reduce the ingredients for children, using no more than 1-3 drops for a full-body treatment. Lemon, frankincense, and ylang-ylang all also have detoxifying effects. Citrus essential oils detoxify as well but don’t wear them in the sunlight.

5. Smell the Oil Straight from the Bottle

When you’re in a pinch and need a quick kick of energy in the morning, try sniffing the essential oil straight from the bottle. A quick whiff of peppermint can provide an effective afternoon boost as well.

You can likewise create an aroma spray in advance to use when you’re in a hurry. Spritz yourself in the morning for a pick-me-up. I like to keep my favorite energizing scents in an essential oil travel bag in my purse for a boost whenever needed.

Try this easy DIY “Hello Day” Aroma Spray by combining the following in a 2-ounce glass bottle with a mister:

2 ounces organic blood orange hydrosol
5 drops of grapefruit
5 drops of mandarin
2 drops of fir
1 drop of nutmeg

How to Mix Essential Oils with Carrier Oils or Lotions

You can apply essential oils topically by combining them with a carrier oil or unscented lotion. Like water, the carrier dilutes the essential oil and works as a bonding agent. This allows you to apply the oil directly to the skin without nasty side effects. The best options include:

Coconut oil or fractionated coconut oil
Jojoba oil
Rosehip oil
Grapeseed oil
Evening primrose oil
Unscented lotion or moisturizer

Mix around 3-6 drops of essential oil for every ounce of carrier oil for kids and include the essential oils up to 15 drops for adults. If you notice sensitivity, reduce the dilution.

For an added boost to your morning skincare routine, try incorporating our anti-aging facial oil. It uses an excellent carrier oil called jojoba oil that also has tons of benefits for acne-prone skin.

How Often Can You Apply Essential Oils?

Essential oils are natural, but they’re powerful. Excessive use of essential oils can heighten your risk of adverse reactions. Depending on the essential oil type and your purpose, stick to 3-4 uses per day as a max. If you add essential oils to lotion or carrier oil, use no more than 5-10 drops for every ounce of product.

Even if you dilute essential oils, don’t use them too much or too often. Check the label of each oil for specific instructions on dilution. Keep in mind that less is more when it comes to essential oils.

Test Out Different Combinations to Find the Best For You

Try a few blends and modes of application to see what you prefer. It may take some time to figure out which ways fits best with your family’s morning routine. If you need a diffuser and essential oils, our ultimate essential oil starter kit has everything you need to get started.

My favorite uplifting blend is the doTERRA Citrus Bliss Essential Oil Invigorating Blend, which offers orange, bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, and other energizing morning essential oils. It’s the ideal Monday morning essential oil blend to help you conquer the week. A few drops in a diffuser or diluted with coconut oil for a topical application gets me going in the morning but remember to avoid sunlight when wearing citrus blends.

Sources:

National Sleep Foundation. (2019). The Connection Between Hydration and Sleep. Retrieved from: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/connection-between-hydration-and-sleep
Aggarwal, Bharat, et al. (2013). Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer by Natural Agents From Mother Nature. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693477/
Singh, D., et al. (1984). Cedarwood oil as a potential insecticidal agent against mosquitoes. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF00441340?LI=true
Raja, A.F., et al. (2011). AKBA; Targeting oral cavity pathogens. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21992439/
Jimbo, D., et al. (2009). Effect of aromatherapy on patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20377818
Tsai, Mei-Lin, et al. (2013). Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of Essential Oils of Two Mint Species. Retrieved from: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tjpr/article/viewFile/93279/82692
Becker, Shannon. Essential Oils to Prevent the Spread of Flu. Retrieved from: https://tisserandinstitute.org/essential-oils-flu/
Stansbury, Jill, et al. (2012). Supporting Adrenal Function with Adaptogenic Herbs. Journal of Restorative Medicine. Retrieved from: https://restorativemedicine.org/journal/supporting-adrenal-function-with-adaptogenic-herbs/