5 Essential Oils for Men | achs.edu

Aug 19, 2015 4:18:41 PM | recipes 5 Essential Oils for Men | achs.edu

Looking to work with aromas and blends yourself or to create formulas for your clients? Try these five essential oils for men.

5 Essential Oils for Men

All aromatherapists know: every person is different.

Each person experiences aromas and tastes differently, and individuals will always have personal preferences.

However, when blending for a targeted group, such as men or women, it’s helpful to have a few “general” favorites in mind. For example, many men prefer heartier spices and woodier scents when choosing aromatic fragrances.

Whether you’re looking to work with aromas and blends yourself or you’re looking to create formulas for your clients (or favorite dudes!), here are 5 essential oils for men to get you started:

1. Black Pepper Essential Oil

5 Essential Oils for Men

Black pepper Piper nigrum (L.) has a rich history. Pliny once spoke of it as “more expensive than gold.” Today, it is one of the most commonly used spices and a favorite aroma for men. 

Black pepper has a spicy, sporty, and woody aroma that adds a classic and robust vibe to men’s blends. It’s also ideal in after-exercise formulas.

Try black pepper with cardamom Elettaria cardamomum (L.), lavender Lavandula angustifolia (Mill.), marjoram Origanum majorana (L.), rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis (L.), and/or rose attar Rosa damascene (Mill.).

5 Essential Oils for Men2. Bay Essential Oil

Bay Laurus nobilis (L.) also has interesting historic roots. It was once known as Daphne to the ancient Greeks because the nymph Daphne eluded the love-struck Apollo by transforming into a bay tree. The god of music and poetry then took the bay tree as his emblem. (Hence the term: poet laureate.)

Bay essential oil has a sweet, uplifting aroma with a hint of spice.

Try bay with bergamot Citrus aurantium (L.) var. bergamia, black pepper P. nigrum, cypress Cupressus sempervirens (L.), juniper Juniperus communis (L.), and/or vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides (Nash).

5 Essential Oils for Men3. Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil

Woody and rustic, copaiba balsam Copaifera officinalis (Jacq.) L. is a unique and hearty base note for men’s blends. It promotes nourished and cleansed skin, so copaiba is a fantastic addition to homemade aftershave and other bath products for men. 

Try copaiba balsam with cypress C. sempervirens, frankincense Boswellia spp., lemon Citrus limonum (Risso), nutmeg Myristica fragrans (Houtt.), and/or sandalwood Santalum album (L.).

 

5 Essential Oils for Men4. Sandalwood Essential Oil

A beloved classic of men’s blends and fragrances, sandalwood S. album essential oil’s distinct, sweet, woody, and long-lasting aroma is uplifting and invigorating. It’s a favorite choice for men’s soaps, aftershave, and colognes.

It’s important to know that all sandalwood is not created equal. Due to overharvesting and slow replanting, the S. album tree is vulnerable. Because of this, the ACHS College Store, the Apothecary Shoppe, sources sandalwood essential oil exclusively from a sustainable sandalwood plantation in northern Australia. This is one of the many reasons it’s important to know where your oils are coming from and how they’re produced—so you can feel good about your purchase and smell great, too! 

Try sandalwood with benzoin Styrax benzoin (Dryand.), bergamot C. aurantium var. bergamia, black pepper P. nigrum, clove Syzygium aromaticum (L.), and/or myrrh Commiphora myrrha (Engl.).

5 Essential Oils for Men5. Vetiver Essential Oil

Vetiver roots have been used to fragrance fabrics and clothing for centuries. The roots have even been used to create traditional, aromatic baskets and mats.

With a deep, husky, earthy aroma, vetiver V. zizanioides essential oil’s strength is a superb fixative in blends for men. An added benefit: vetiver V. zizanioides is uplifting and has been said to promote concentration and focus.

Try vetiver with bay L. nobilis, black pepper P. nigrum, Atlas cedarwood Cedrus atlantica (G.Manetti), cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Blume), and/or sandalwood S. album.

Men's Fragrance Spray  THE NATURALIST MEN’S FRAGRANCE SPRAY 

Copaiba balsam Copaifera officinalis oil: 10 drops

Black pepper Piper nigrum oil: 10 drops

Sandalwood Santalum album oil: 1 drop

Vetiver Vetiveria zizanioides oil: 1 drop

Alcohol: 1 tablespoon

Filtered water: To fill bottle

Add essential oils and alcohol to a two-ounce spray bottle and shake well. Add filtered water to fill bottle and shake again. Spray upward into the air as a room freshener or use as a natural body spray.

New Call-to-action

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog may contain affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine. 

American College of Healthcare Sciences

Written By: American College of Healthcare Sciences

ACHS's mission is to lead the advancement of evidence-based, integrative health and wellness education through experiential online learning and sustainable practices. This includes sharing helpful, informative, holistic healthcare articles on the ACHS Health and Wellness Blog.