Essential Oils for the Musician

Written by Doniell Cushman

An essential oil is most easily described as the lifeblood of a plant or tree. Aromatherapy has proven that smells affect emotions and mood. As a musician, we have a unique perspective on emotions as mood. How we practice or perform can affect what our beliefs are, how we feel, and what we want or do not want.

There are 3 ways to use an essential oil

1. Through a Diffuser  (Electronic or jewelry) or Inhalation
2. Topical Application
3. Internal (food, drink or supplement)

My suggestions are mostly for diffusing or inhaling an essential oil to affect our temperament and mindset. However, there are tons of great topical uses for essential oils and the musician. I'm going to hit the key needs any musician needs in their practice, or performance, and which oils might be the best solution for enhancing our environment.

Focus and/or Clarity - Raise your hand if you have ever (or always) have a hard time staying on the page? Many kids struggle with being sensitive to their surroundings and atmosphere when learning music. Sometimes we just need a little help to tell ourselves to focus, or to see things more clearly.

• Bergamot
• Clary Sage
• Cypress
• Eucalyptus Globulus
• Fennel
• Frankincense
• Lemon
• Rosemary
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
• Vetiver

Performance Anxiety - Whether at the lesson, or in a public forum, anxiety attacks many people when it comes to the pressure and nerves. These oils can ease our thoughts and minds, and give us a sense of calm.

• Cedarwood
• Clary Sage
• Frankincense
• Lavender
• Neroli
• Orange
• Palmarosa
• Vetiver
• Ylang Ylang

Creativity - If you want to compose, or need ideas to work on, using oils can boost your state of mind to foster a productive and original setting in which we can work.

• Bergamot
• Jasmine
• Lemon
• Lime
• Orange
• Patchouli
• Rose
• Ylang Ylang
• Basil
• Cardamom

Alertness - Be honest with yourself, are you (or your student) practicing at your most alert state of mind? Likely, the cause of not being alert is tiredness, soreness, or hunger. Should you feel a lack of energy, these oils might be able pick up the senses to get you going.

• Angelica
• Bergamot
• Black Pepper
• Eucalyptus (Blue, Radiata, Globulus)
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Lemon
• Melrose
• Orange
• Peppermint
• Pine
• Rosemary

Relaxation - We all get stressed and burned out. To promote a healthy process of releasing emotions, tension and stress, we can try using some of these oils to get us to that point.

• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Cinnamon
• Clary Sage
• Clove
• Geranium
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Nutmeg
• Patchouli
• Peppermint
• Rose
• Vetiver
• Ylang Ylang

Enjoyment - Whether you have a poor relationship with your practice or music, or you just don't feel like it, using an essential oil for a boost of satisfaction or delight can make the difference in your music. Try a few of these to get your happy juices flowing.

• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Citronella
• Grapefruit
• Jasmine
• Lemon
• Lime
• Neroli
• Orange
• Rose
• Sandalwood
• Ylang Ylang

Wellness - Are you sniffling? Is your throat sore? Are your ears ringing or inflamed? We all have times we don't feel our best. These suggestions may give you general support if you feel under the weather.

• Cinnamon
• Copaiba
• Eucalyptus Globulus
• Ginger
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Oregano
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
• Thieves

Moodiness -Face it; sometimes we have a love-hate relationship with ourselves, our teachers, our audiences, and our life. We all want to just have a crap day now and then, but that can affect our progress and growth as a musician. Want to stop feeling so unpleasant and ambivalent? Try these oils to mellow your mood and level yourself.

• Chamomile
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Coriander
• Frankincense
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Lavender
• Patchouli
• Sandalwood
• Tangerine
• Ylang Ylang

Stress - We all get a little stressed out with music at times, and that's valid. It's difficult with the pressures associated. Try letting some of that go with an oil or two that can unwind your body and mind.

• Bergamot
• Cinnamon
• Frankincense
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Patchouli
• Rose
• Rose
• Sandalwood
• Vetiver
• Ylang Ylang
• Ylang Ylang

You want to make sure you are using a quality product that has no additives and was produced by a responsible and transparent company such as Young Living. Do NOT buy oils if you haven't done proper research on WHAT exactly is in them, WHO is producing them, HOW they are being produced, and whether or not they comply with the FDA regulations.

I have chosen to do all of this, and become a member of the most responsible company on the planet who owns their own farms and has a fully transparent process that is open to the public.You can sign up to become a member and find out more from the experts on the subject, Young Living through this link:www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/new-start?sponsorid=10456767&enrollerid=10456767&isocountrycode=US&culture=en-US&type=member

Where can you get a great jewelry diffuser? You really want something that is stainless steel, and has an opening in the design allowing the oil fragrance to waft out. I prefer a necklace, but there are other types of bracelets and things as well. I use one of these: smile.amazon.com/Rose-Gold-Essential-Diffuser-Necklace/dp/B01IF1OJX4/ref=sr_1_18_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505000900&sr=8-18&keywords=jewelry%2Bdiffuser&th=1
​
Should you have questions or need advice, I'm a great resource and happy to recommend you to what works best for your musical dilemma. I diffuse during my lessons, which gives my studio the mood it needs every day to be successful. I change up what I use often as well, to make sure the benefits of all types of oils are available to be used by anyone needing its aroma.