A Guide to Using Essential Oils at Work

If you need a little help to survive the work day follow this guide and learn the best ways to use essential oils at the office.

If you don’t have your own office keep the scents neutral.   
Even if you have a private office any scent is likely to waft into surrounding areas.  Be kind by diffusing essential oils most people will easily tolerate.  Try these E.O.’s:  Grapefruit, Lemon, Bergamot and Mandarin.  Citrus oils are excellent for diffusing in communal spaces. They’re uplifting, have a fresh fragrance and are liked by virtually everyone.  Avoid:  Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, Vetiver, Myrrh, Rose, Jasmine or any E.O. with a heavy aggressive fragrance.

Remember you’re going to experience olfactory fatigue.
Olfactory fatigue is the point at which our nose stops noticing the scents that surround us.   Our brain  knows that this scent doesn’t represent any kind of threat to us so after a certain amount of time we can no longer distinguish it from the regular scent of the room.  This is important because essential oils can still be working even after we stop smelling them.  You don’t want to add essential oils to your diffuser and cause a case of drowsiness or get a headache.  If you can’t smell your essential oil leave the room, take a quick walk to get some fresh air.  Usually you’ll find that when you come back to your desk the scent is still in the air.  If it isn’t it would be appropriate to add more essential oil to the diffuser.

Essential oils that offer the perfect amount of relaxation.
You’re stressed and busy.  You need to relax but napping at work is frowned upon and there’s no time anyway.  You need essential oils that are soothing but still leave you alert. Try these E.O.’s:  Clary Sage, Frankincense, Lavender, Geranium, Lemon Verbena, and The Cedars.  You can inhale these oils right out of the bottle, mix them into a spray mister with water or add them to your favorite diffuser. Avoid:  Ylang Ylang, Marjoram, Vetiver,  May Chang, The Chamomiles.

Essential oils that revive the mind and body.    
Afternoon slump?  Burned out from problem solving?  You need essential oils that refresh the mind and stimulate circulation.   Try these E.O.’s:  Rosemary, Peppermint, Spearmint, Basil, Fir, Spruce, Pine, Anise, Laurel, Camphor and Eucalyptus.  Avoid:  Avoid using too much of any of the above.  Headaches, dizziness, or palpitations are a sign of too much exposure to essential oils.

Essential oils that help kill germs and viruses.
Don’t catch whatever contagion happens to be moving from desk to desk.  You need to surround yourself with a few anti-viral essential oils.  Try these E.O.’s:  Cinnamon Bark, Tea Tree, Clove, Thyme, and Oregano.   Avoid:  Each of the suggested oils can irritate the skin when applied topically and they can also be harsh on the nasal passages if being diffused for extended periods of time.  Use these oils with care and if you keep in mind the rule of Less is More, you shouldn’t have any problems.

I hope you find this post useful in helping you take advantage of using essential oils at work.  Please leave any additional questions in the comments.