The practice of incorporating aromatic botanicals into yoga practice dates back to ancient Indian meditation, beginning in the form of herbs and incense. It’s no surprise that scent is the strongest human sense. This makes it a powerful tool when it comes to yoga. Scent can create an environment of balance, mindfulness and relaxation — all key ways to enlighten your yoga practice using the natural power of aromatherapy.

To celebrate National Yoga Month, we’ve compiled a list of how you can incorporate scent into your yoga routine. Here are 5 simple ways you can enlighten your own yoga practice through aromatherapy.

Step 1:  Infuse your space.

Clinical studies have shown time and time again the neuroscience of scent is powerful. Essential oils affect the limbic system of our brains in all types of ways: mood, memory, cognition, emotion and behavior.

Depending on the intention of your practice that day, add a few drops of an essential oil to your diffuser before beginning. This will infuse your space with a subtle aroma that can enhance your practice both psychologically and physically.

Here are the effects some essential oil scents will bring…

  ✿ Lavender: For relaxing
  ✿ Peppermint: For focus
  ✿ Lemongrass: For confidence and centeredness
  ✿ Tea Tree: For mental rejuvenation

Be careful not to diffuse for too long. Too much of anything is never good, so it’s best to use essential oils from a trusted source and in small doses.

Step 2: Mist your mat.

Create your own essential oil yoga mat spray. You should clean your yoga mat regularly to rid of dirt, germs, grime and icky odors.

DIY Aromatherapy Yoga Mat Cleaner Directions:   

1. Mix witch ¼ cup of witch hazel with 1 cup of water into your spray bottle.
2. Add 2 to 4 drops of essential oil into the bottle. We recommend something with Tea Tree oil, which, according to the National Library of Medicine, has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. You might also consider using a Lavender or Lemongrass essential oil.
3. Close your bottle and shake lightly to mix.
4. Lay your mat on a flat surface and spray generously all over.
5. Use a clean towel to rub the cleaner in circular motions.
6. Allow your mat to dry laying flat, and then flip to repeat the same steps for the opposite side.
7. Leave your mat out to dry for 6 to 12 hours, and you’re all set!

Step 3: Hydrate with intention.

Try adding a drop of essential oil to your water before beginning your yoga routine. Depending on the intention you set for your practice, you can choose an aroma that will help enhance your intention.

Here’s a short list of essential oils and how they can facilitate your intention:

  ✿ Peppermint: For focus and energy
  ✿ Lemon: For cleansing and concentration
  ✿ Lavender: For calmness and stress relief
  ✿ Lemongrass: For balance and mood stabilization

Step 4: Connect body + mind.

Physically incorporating aromatherapy can have a powerful impact on your practice. Try placing a drop of your favorite essential oil in your palms as you’re setting into Savasana. Rub your palms together to activate the oil, then cup your hands over your face and take a deep inhalation through your nose as you center on your intention. Release your hands to exhale, then repeat this process two or three more times.

You can also try adding a drop of oil to your temples and/or the back or your neck to elevate the day’s yoga practice.

Step 5: Enlighten your atmosphere.

Using aromatherapy candles for your yoga practice can help transport you to a still and soothing space. That’s why candles have been used throughout history as significant elements in rituals or spiritual practices. Flame is powerful, and symbolizes the state of Enlightenment. Let the flicker of your candle represent the light of your teachings and journey in yoga.

Take time to set your intention as you light your candle. This can become part of your routine: a physical act to set the stage for reflection and fill the room with relaxing notes.

Create your own aromatherapy yoga practice.

At Goddess Garden, we know the power of yoga. We also deeply understand the power of scent. Our founder Nova Covington, a trained aromatherapist (in addition to a number of awesome other titles), states,

“I fell in love with essential oils, which are nature’s magical ingredients we use to scent all of our products.”

Try some of our top aromatherapy picks from our curated collection handcrafted with love, expertise and the help of pure nature. 🧘🏽‍♀️

Buy an aromatherapy bracelet, get an essential oil free.

To help you enhance your yoga practice in honor of National Yoga Month, we’re offering a FREE Happy Day Essential Oil blend with the purchase of one of our aromatherapy bracelets.

Use the coupon code:

YOGA+AROMA

get your free essential oil