The Ultimate List Of Essential Oils (M-Z) Substitutes For Blends & Recipes
- Lee-Anne Willats
- Sep 3, 2024
- 22 min read
By Lee-Anne Willats
Looking for the best essential oil substitution ideas for specific oils? When an essential oil is not readily available, essential oil substitutes can provide a usable alternative. Depending on the essential oil you are missing, there are various substitutes that may be appropriate. Here you will find a complete list of essential oils and for each oil, a list of potential substitutes for that oil based on aroma and therapeutic actions. Keep reading to learn more about how you can begin using these substitute oils in your homemade blend recipes. I think you're going to find this post really useful!
IMPORTANT: This post will point you in the right direction to narrow down your search to a handful of oils, where you can conduct further research into recommended substitute oils and identify the right therapeutic use or property you are looking for. ALWAYS check the safety precautions associated with any oil or substitute you plan to use. We do not promote internal use of essential oils and you should check with a qualified aromatherapist or medical professional for individual or specific advice.
Let's look at what factors to consider when needing substituting essential oils, plus you will find a helpful chart with common replacements.
What Essential Oil Can I Use Instead?
We frequently get the question: "What can I use if I don't have the essential oil I need?". Don't let the fact that you are missing one oil in an essential oil recipe stop you from making a blend that you are interested in.
How to Make Essential Oil Substitutions?
The first thing you need to figure out when making an oil substitution is if you are blending for aroma (scent) or therapeutic (healing) value. Why does this matter? Well, they are two different outcomes for making a blend.
If making a blend for aromatic purposes, the fragrance is very important and substitutions will need to be from similar aromas.
If making a blend for therapeutic purposes, then the aroma is not as important as the benefits you are looking to gain from the oil blend.
No matter what type of blending you are doing, always be aware of the safety concerns of each oil in the blend and any contraindications. Also, keep in mind that no two oils are the same, each offers unique qualities.
Why Use an Essential Oil Substitution Chart?
Substitution charts are helpful when an essential oil is out of stock or unavailable. Substituting an essential oil can also be used to create unique blends with different scents and therapeutic benefits. Here is a list of essential oil substitutions to swap out the oil that you need to within the category of your desired benefit.
Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) Essential Oil Substitute
Another citrus with a short shelf life, but potentially one you will use plenty of and run out of well before the expiry date!
Fragrance Group
Citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Re-energising, relaxed, upbeat
Aroma Substitutes for Mandarin Essential Oil
Lemongrass, yuzu, bergamot, monarda
Therapeutic Substitutions for Mandarin Essential Oil
Skin balancing - helichrysum, lavender, jasmine, tea tree, lemon, myrrh
Dull Skin – Angelica root, lime, lemon, neroli, petitgrain
Before going to sleep – lavender, chamomile, yarrow, marjoram, valerian
Oily Skin – lavender, helichrysum, ylang ylang
Skin healing – helichrysum, jasmine
When you are worked up or overwhelmed – ylang ylang, nutmeg, vetiver, geranium
Aging skin - frankincense
Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) Essential Oil Substitute
One of the lesser known oils outside of Australasia, and broadly speaking, with pretty much the same applications as tea tree.
Fragrance Group
Clinical, herbaceous
Note
Middle
Energetic
Fortifying, methodical, trustworthy
Aroma Substitutes for Manuka Essential Oil
Tea tree, myrtle, kanuka, niaouli, inula, ravensara, cajeput
Therapeutic Substitutions for Manuka Essential Oil
Specific skin therapeutic uses - tea tree, kanuka, niaouli, lemon, helichrysum, cajeput
Breathe – eucalyptus, tea tree, bergamot
Clear airways – hyssop, eucalyptus, ravensara, inula, monarda
Scalp – tea tree, nerolina
Nature's first aid therapeutics – parsley seed, thyme, tea tree
Skin healing – lavender, tea tree, helichrysum, calendula, myrrh
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) Essential Oil Substitute
Such a comforting essential oil, but for some reason not one people choose as a starter oil.
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous
Note
Middle
Energetic
Comforting, consoling, hopeful
Aroma Substitutes for Marjoram Essential Oil
Thyme, lavender, hyssop, clary sage, fennel, lovage, angelica seed
Therapeutic Substitutions for Marjoram Essential Oil
When you are worried or nervous - Lavender, vetiver, patchouli, chamomile, geranium, rose, neroli, yarrow, valerian
Skin healing – helichrysum, hyssop, fennel, geranium
Warming stomach rub – rose, fennel, hyssop
Stomach rub – jasmine, peppermint, chamomile, spikenard, carrot seed, dill, cardamom
Cooling to the head - lavender, basil, rosemary, peppermint
Bloated stomach rub – chamomile, dill, peppermint
Before going to sleep – lavender, valerian, hop
Support during menstruation and menopause – clary sage, rose, neroli, chasteberry
Muscle relaxant – clary sage, lavender
When you are worked up or overwhelmed – mandarin, ylang ylang, lavender, geranium, neroli, rose, sandalwood, nutmeg
Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) Essential Oil Substitute
See tea tree for substitutes for melaleuca essential oil.
Melissa (Melissa officinalis) Essential Oil Substitute
A stunning oil, potentially with even more applications than lavender, but since its yield of essential oil is so low it carries an exorbitant price tag.
Fragrance Group
Citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Joyful, accepting, hopeful, sacred, arcane
Aroma Substitutes for Melissa Essential Oil
Lemon grass, lemon verbena, lemon, citronella
Therapeutic Substitutions for Melissa Essential Oil
When you are worried or nervous – rose, lavender, geranium, mandarin, sandalwood, chamomile, ylang ylang, sandalwood, frankincense, myrrh, vetiver, valerian
Specific skin therapeutic uses – thyme, geranium, tea tree
When you feel down – Bergamot, lemon, yuzu
Specific skin therapeutic uses – Thyme, tea tree, cinnamon, oregano, mandarin, tea tree, helichrysum, manuka, kanuka
Bloated stomach rub – chamomile, dill, coriander, peppermint
Before going to sleep – lavender, chamomile, marjoram, valerian, hop, vetiver, rose
Support during menopause – clary sage, chasteberry, ylang ylang, rose
Feeling nauseous – chamomile, mandarin, ginger, peppermint
Monarda (Monarda fistulosa) Essential Oil Substitute
A lesser known oil, which is second to none for respiratory complaints.
Fragrance Group
Floral, citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Light, airy, trusting, delightful
Aroma Substitutes for Monarda Essential Oil
Bergamot, melissa, clary sage, lemon verbena
Therapeutic Substitutions for Monarda Essential Oil
Calm chesty breathing - eucalyptus, thyme, tea tree, niaouli, ravensara, myrrh, benzoin
Feeling under the weather – tea tree myrrh, lemon
Breathe – eucalyptus, frankincense, niaouli, inula, myrrh
When you feel down – yuzu, bergamot, neroli
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) Essential Oil Substitute
A rich and important oil that sometimes gets overlooked by marketeers and so does not make its way into novice users’ boxes.
Fragrance Group
Resins, woody
Note
Base
Energetic
Grounding, sensuous, sacred, taboo
Aroma Substitutes for Myrrh Essential Oil
Benzoin, vetiver, Amyris, patchouli, frankincense, sandalwood
Therapeutic Substitutions for Myrrh Essential Oil
Support during menstruation – Sweet basil, geranium, ylang ylang, lavender, clary sage, rose
Specific skin therapeutic uses – tea tree, lemon, manuka, kanuka, niaouli, cajeput
Breathe - Eucalyptus, niaouli, tea tree, frankincense, bergamot
Chapped Skin – calendula, helichrysum, vetiver, geranium, benzoin
Fresh – peppermint, parsley seed
Itching – lavender, chamomile
Specific therapeutic use – cloves
Myrtle Essential Oil Substitute
(Myrtus communis)
A quiet and gentle oil that packs a huge punch. You don’t see it shouted about much and yet it is tremendous for children, in particular.
Fragrance Group
Clinical, herbaceous
Note
Middle
Energetic
Nurturing, trusting, sanctuary
Aroma Substitutes for Myrtle Essential Oil
Nerolina, cajeput, hyssop, lemon verbena, tea tree
Therapeutic Substitutions for Myrtle Essential Oil
Specific skin therapeutic uses - helichrysum, lavender, jasmine, tea tree
Breathe - Eucalyptus, niaouli, tea tree, frankincense, bergamot, elemi, ravensara, manuka, kanuka
Feeling under the weather - lemon, myrrh, tea tree
Calm chesty breathing - Tea tree, thyme, monarda, ravensara, eucalyptus
Exhaustion - Mandarin, melissa, lemon, lemon verbena
Before going to sleep – Lavender, chamomile, marjoram, vetiver, valerian, hop
Specific therapeutic uses – cypress, tea tree, lavender, geranium
Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia) Essential Oil Substitute
Again, not as well used outside Australasia as it should be, niaouli is gentle yet fierce.
Fragrance Group
Clinical, herbaceous
Note
Middle
Energetic
Reassuring, focused, steady
Aroma Substitutes for Niaouli Essential Oil
Tea tree, cajeput, manuka, kanuka, ravensara, inula
Therapeutic Substitutions for Niaouli Essential Oil
Specific skin therapeutic uses - helichrysum, lavender, jasmine, tea tree
Breathe - Eucalyptus, tea tree, frankincense, bergamot
Feeling under the weather - lemon, myrrh, tea tree
Calm chesty breathing - Tea tree, thyme, monarda, ravensara, eucalyptus
Specific therapeutic uses - Mandarin, tea tree, helichrysum, manuka, kanuka
Feeling very under the weather - tea tree, helichrysum, manuka, kanuka, cinnamon, oregano, thyme
Ward off unwanted outdoor guests - vetiver, eucalyptus, tea tree
Aches and pains - Lavender, juniper, black pepper, ginger, rosemary, davana, plai
Support the sinuses - tea tree, myrrh, frankincense, eucalyptus
Neroli (Citrus aurantium) Essential Oil Substitute
The sensuous orange blossom carries the romance of a thousand wedding bouquets and a deep sense of calm. It also carries a hefty price tag, I’m afraid.
Fragrance Group
Floral, citrus
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Romantic, dreamy, soft
Aroma Substitutes for Neroli Essential Oil
Petitgrain, orange, davana
Therapeutic Substitutions for Neroli Essential Oil
When you feel down – Yuzu, bergamot, melissa
Aphrodisiac - Jasmine, patchouli, cedarwood
Before going to sleep – lavender, marjoram, chamomile, ylang ylang, rose, valerian, hop
Mature Skin - Frankincense
Skin healing – Jasmin, helichrysum, myrrh
Emotional Shock – helichrysum, vetiver, valerian
When you are worked up or overwhelmed – lavender, chamomile, geranium, ylang ylang
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) Essential Oil Substitute
A strong masculine oil, which is robust and elegant, but often over looked on shopping lists.
Fragrance Group
Spice
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Invigorating, decisive, aggressive
Aroma Substitutes for Nutmeg Essential Oil
Cinnamon, clove, ginger
Therapeutic Substitutions for Nutmeg Essential Oil
Aches and pains – lavender, juniper, black pepper, ginger
Calming stomach rub – peppermint, chamomile, carrot seed, dill, fennel
Support during menstruation – lavender, clary sage, geranium, ylang ylang, rose
Muscle aches – lavender, juniper, black pepper, clary sage, rosemary
Feeling nauseous – mandarin, chamomile, ginger, peppermint
Nervousness – lavender, chamomile, geranium, sweet basil, vetiver
Orange - Bitter (Citrus aurantium) Essential Oil Substitute
The lesser reported orange, but just as delightful. Like other citrus oils, it can be prone to oxidisation, so watch your oil is in date to avoid skin sensitisation.
Fragrance Group
Citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Inspired, creative, positive
Aroma Substitutes for Bitter Orange Essential Oil
Sweet orange, davana, petitgrain
Therapeutic Substitutions for Bitter Orange Essential Oil
Feeling under the weather - lemon, myrrh, tea tree
Stomach/digestive system various therapeutic uses – rose, chamomile, dill, carrot seed, aniseed, cardamom, coriander, fennel, cumin, turmeric
Dull Skin – angelica root, myrtle, lemon
Feeling very under the weather – cinnamon, clove, tea tree, oregano, kanuka, manuka, niaouli
When you are worked up or overwhelmed – neroli, lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang, geranium
Orange - Sweet (Citrus sinensis) Essential Oil Substitute
Beautiful, positive and popular, but as with bitter orange, mind your monoterpenes are still intact when using sweet orange oil, to avoid hurting anyone’s skin.
Fragrance Group
Citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Bright, shining, refreshed, confident
Aroma Substitutes for Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Bitter orange, neroli, petitgrain, mandarin, tangerine
Therapeutic Substitutions for Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Feeling under the weather - lemon, myrrh, tea tree
Stomach/digestive system various therapeutic uses – rose, carrot, cumin, turmeric, ginger, dill, carrot seed, aniseed, cardamom, coriander, fennel, chamomile
Dull Skin – angelica root, neroli, lemon, myrtle
Feeling very under the weather - cinnamon, clove, tea tree, oregano, kanuka, manuka, niaouli
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oil Substitute
Terrifyingly fierce, the Doberman to cinnamon’s Rottweiler. Brilliant oils, but very, very strong. You may want to start off with some subtler oils first.
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous, clinical
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Brash, sharp, aggressive
Aroma Substitutes for Oregano Essential Oil
Marjoram, hyssop, tarragon, tea tree, cajeput
Therapeutic Substitutions for Oregano Essential Oil
Specific skin therapeutic uses – lemon, tea tree, myrrh
Calm chesty breathing – tea tree, myrtle, eucalyptus, niaouli, monarda
Feeling under the weather – tea tree, eucalyptus, frankincense, monarda, manuka, kanuka
Breathe – eucalyptus, myrtle, inula, manuka, kanuka
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini) Essential Oil Substitute
This is an oil that is often overlooked, but has the remarkable quality of being highly therapeutic but smelling delicious. Rather than the overwhelmingly clinical note of your eucalyptuses and tea trees, palmarosa cajoles you into feeling better as you drift off into rejuvenating sleep.
Fragrance Group
Floral
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Soothing, uplifting, happy
Aroma Substitutes for Palmarosa Essential Oil
Rose, geranium, neroli, zdrevetz
Therapeutic Substitutions for Palmarosa Essential Oil
Specific skin therapeutic uses – helichrysum, lavender, tea tree, clary sage, jasmine, galbanum, geranium, myrrh
Clear the airways – ginger, eucalyptus
Stomach rub – chamomile, dill, cardamom, coriander
General Fatigue – mandarin, geranium
Bug bites - lavender
Irritability – chamomile, geranium, mandarin
Muscular aches – lavender, juniper, rosemary, black pepper, clary sage
Restlessness – lavender, clary sage, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, opoponax, frankincense, myrrh
Support the sinuses – lemon, myrrh, tea tree, eucalyptus
When you are worked up or overwhelmed – lavender, chamomile, geranium, vetiver, patchouli
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) Essential Oil Substitute
Patchouli essential oil sometimes gets a bad press being linked with 1970’s bikers, however patchouli oil smells very different to the synthetic version people associate it with. Such a strange plant, it smells nothing like the mint leaves it comes from smelling more like freshly sawed exotic wood. Its deep, rich aroma draws energy down from the head and into the body making it a superb oil for alleviating stress related conditions or sexual anxiety. Unlike other oils which may oxidise over time, patchouli is like a fine wine becoming more delicious with every year that passes.
Fragrance Group
Woody, Earthy
Note
Deep, sensuous base
Energetic
Soothing, sensuous, reviving, pacifying
Aroma Substitutes for Patchouli Essential Oil
Vetiver, Myrrh, Peru Balsam, Sandalwood
Therapeutic Substitutions for Patchouli Essential Oil
Specific skin therapeutic uses – helichrysum, jasmine, petitgrain, lavender, tea tree, palma rosa, calendula, geranium, myrrh, rose, vetiver, chamomile
Fatigue – mandarin, geranium
Frigidity – jasmine, myrrh, vetiver
Ward off unwanted outdoor guests – tea tree, citronella, vetiver
Mature Skin – vetiver, helichrysum, neroli
Oily Skin – lavender, helichrysum, ylang ylang, clary sage
When you are worked up or overwhelmed – vetiver, valerian, lavender, chamomile, geranium
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Essential Oil Substitute
Bright, sharp peppermint essential oil is a blitz through the senses to awaken and focus the mind. But what if you already feel jittery, do you want that extra boost? Likewise, its high levels of menthol make it a difficult oil to use on young children because it can slow respiration if used too close to their faces.
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous, , minty, clinical
Note
Top
Energetic
Harsh, awakening, brightening, cooling, focusing
Aroma Substitutes for Peppermint Essential Oil
Spearmint, eucalyptus, tea tree
Therapeutic Substitutions for Peppermint Essential Oil
Breathe – frankincense, monarda, eucalyptus myrrh
Calming for kids – mandarin, dill, spearmint
Exhaustion – mandarin, nutmeg, melissa, lemon verbena
Feeling very under the weather – eucalyptus, cinnamon, cloves, tea tree, manuka, kanuka, monarda
Stomach rub - mandarin, dill, spearmint, cardamom, coriander, chamomile, ginger, carrot seed
Cooling and calming to the head – lavender, sweet basil, rosemary
Feeling nauseous - ginger, chamomile, mandarin, spearmint
Supports the sinuses – lemon, myrrh, tea tree, frankincense, eucalyptus
Feeling dizzy or light headed - vetiver
Petitgrain (Citrus aurantium) Essential Oil Substitute
Potentially the only reason you might want to substitute this lovely oil is if you have run out! Beautifully fragranced it adds a light romantic feel to a blend and is so benign, can be used on even the most delicate of people.
Fragrance Group
Floral, Citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Light, soft, romantic, uplifting and content
Aroma Substitutes for Petitgrain Essential Oil
Bitter orange, neroli, sweet orange, mandarin, tangerine
Therapeutic Substitutions for Petitgrain Essential Oil
Skin balancing or specific therapeutic use – lavender, tea tree, jasmine, helichrysum
Fatigue – mandarin, geranium
Before going to sleep – lavender, marjoram, hop, vetiver, valerian, rose, chamomile
Oily Skin – lavender, helichrysum, geranium, ylang ylang, clary sage
Perspiration - patchouli
When you are worked up or overwhelmed – lavender, geranium, vetiver, clary sage
Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Essential Oil Substitute
A beautiful liberating sense of fresh air, pine helps us relax when we feel the walls closing in. Its needles are perfectly designed to withstand wind and cold, and the oil too can help us withstand the cold, winter season. However, somehow pine does not have the energetic of spring or summer and if you are run down out of the winter seasons.
Fragrance Group
Evergreen, clinical
Note
Top
Energetic
Clearing, spacious, opening refreshing, freeing
Aroma Substitutes for Pine Essential Oil
Silver fir, black spruce
Therapeutic Substitutions for Pine Essential Oil
Feeling under the weather – Frankincense, monarda, tea tree, eucalyptus
Calm chesty breathing – Myrtle, monarda, chamomile
Feeling very under the weather – eucalyptus, tea tree, cinnamon, cloves, ravensara
Aches and pains – lavender, juniper
Support the sinuses - lemon, myrrh, tea tree, frankincense
Breathe and support respiratory system – eucalyptus, thyme, monarda, tea tree, silver fir
Plai (Zingiber cassumunar) Essential Oil Substitute
Aromatically plai is very similar to ginger, and has some of the same applications, especially when it comes to aches and pains, so plai can be overlooked as a duplicate oil. Not so, plai has very strong properties that only serve to deepen the prowess of ginger, copaiba and black pepper.
Fragrance Group
Root, spice
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Invigorating, warming, decisive, rejuvenating
Aroma Substitutes for Plai Essential Oil
Ginger, turmeric, lemon verbena, cardamom
Therapeutic Substitutions for Plai Essential Oil
Support respiratory system - eucalyptus, frankincense, inula, ravensara, tea tree
Feeling very under the weather – eucalyptus, cinnamon, cloves, tea tree, ravensara
Calming stomach rub – ginger, peppermint, chamomile, coriander, cardamom, dill, spearmint, carrot seed
Aches and pains – lavender, juniper, ginger, black pepper, copaiba
Support ligaments – frankincense, Roman chamomile
Calming muscle rub - clary sage, rosemary
Swelling – juniper, fennel, roman chamomile
Support during menstruation - lavender, geranium, rose, clary sage, ylang ylang
Calming abdominal muscle rub – chamomile, dill, clary sage
Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica) Essential Oil Substitute
Be careful of confusing ravensara with ravintsara, this beauty is much more benign and is a powerhouse of healing.
Fragrance Group
Clinical, herbaceous
Note
Top
Energetic
Invigorating, sharp, penetrating
Aroma Substitutes for Ravensara Essential Oil
Rosemary, inula, eucalyptus, thyme, tea tree
Therapeutic Substitutions for Ravensara Essential Oil
Breathe – eucalyptus, bergamot, monarda
Specific skin therapeutic uses – tea tree, helichrysum
Feeling under the weather – tea tree, eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon
Feeling very under the weather – eucalyptus, tea tree
Aches and pains – lavender, juniper, eucalyptus, black pepper, ginger
Specific therapeutic use – mandarin, helichrysum
Ravintsara/Ho Leaf Oil (Ravensara aromatica) Essential Oil Substitute
Not as well known as ravensara, this is a slightly more complex oil to get used to. Try not to mix up ravintsara (Ho Leaf) with Ho Wood and ravensara. They are all different. I know, it can get a little confusing!
Fragrance Group
Clinical, herbaceous
Note
Top
Energetic
Invigorating, driving, motivating, aggressive
Aroma Substitutes for Ravintsara (Ho Leaf) Essential Oil
Ravensara, eucalyptus, thyme, cajeput
Therapeutic Substitutions for Ravintsara (Ho Leaf) Essential Oil
Calming – lavender, chamomile, geranium, vetiver
When you feel down – bergamot, Melissa, yuzu
Feeling very under the weather – Eucalyptus, ravensara, thyme, tea tree, clove, cinnamon
Muscular aches and pains - Lavender, juniper, black pepper, clary sage, ginger,
Before going to sleep – lavender, chamomile, rose, geranium, valerian, vetiver
Specific therapeutic use - mandarin, helichrysum
When you are worked up or overwhelmed - lavender, chamomile, geranium, nutmeg, mandarin, frankincense, myrrh
Supports a healthy immune system – tea tree, ravensara, inula, eucalyptus, helichrysum
Rose (Rosa damascena) Essential Oil Substitute
These Rose substitutions might help for the days where the pay packet won’t quite stretch to rose…although no oil could ever really come close to aromatherapy’s most treasured elixir.
Fragrance Group
Floral
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Soothing, romantic, aphrodisiac, calming, restoring
Aroma Substitutes for Rose Essential Oil (absolute)
Geranium, zdravetz, palmarosa
Therapeutic Substitutions for Rose Essential Oil (absolute)
When you feel down – yuzu, bergamot, melissa
Specific skin therapeutic uses – chamomile, helichrysum, myrrh, calendula, geranium
Frigidity – patchouli, vetiver, jasmine, sandalwood
Grief - geranium
Mature skin – frankincense, neroli, vetiver, helichrysum
Support during menopause – Chasteberry, geranium, clary sage, bergamot
Support during menstruation – geranium, lavender, clary sage
Before going to sleep – lavender, chamomile, geranium, vetiver, valerian, hop
When you are worked up or overwhelmed – lavender, geranium, vetiver, myrrh, frankincense, mandarin, nutmeg
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus - Synonym : Rosmarinus officinalis) Essential Oil Substitute
A powerful but difficult oil to use, rosemary essential oil can be unpredictable for high blood pressure and because it is high in ketones, can be problematic for epilepsy and psychotic conditions.
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous, clinical
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Refreshing, motivating, focusing, direct
Aroma Substitutes for Rosemary Essential Oil
Eucalyptus, tarragon, hyssop
Therapeutic Substitutions for Rosemary Essential Oil
Aching Muscles - Lavender, juniper, black pepper, ginger
Aches and pains – lavender, juniper, ginger
Scalp - patchouli
Dull Skin – angelica root, myrtle, geranium, rose, neroli
Exhaustion - mandarin, geranium, grapefruit
Calming muscle rub – clary sage
Calming massage for nerves – tuberose, chamomile, melissa
Warming for the circulatory system – geranium, black pepper
Rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora) Essential Oil Substitute
Beautiful rosewood stands on the edge of extinction because of exhaustive deforestation to use the wood for furniture and for the essential oil. Please NEVER buy this if you see it and always find an alternative essential oil substitute.
Fragrance Group
Floral, wood
Note
Middle
Energetic
Soothing, romantic
Aroma Substitutes for Rosewood Essential Oil
Rose, geranium, Ho Wood (probably the best substitute for Rosewood)
Therapeutic Substitutions for Rosewood Essential Oil
Specific skin therapeutic uses – lavender, tea tree, helichrysum, clary sage, jasmine, geranium, chamomile, calendula, myrrh, cajeput
When you are worried or nervous – lavender, vetiver, valerian, sandalwood, patchouli
Breathe and therapeutic respiratory support – eucalyptus, monarda
Calm chesty breathing – tea tree, myrtle
When you feel down – yuzu, Melissa, bergamot
Bug bites – lavender, eucalyptus
Nervousness – lavender, chamomile, geranium, ylang ylang, valerian, vanilla
Skin healing – helichrysum, jasmine, galbanum
Sage – Sage Dalmatian / Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) Essential Oil Substitute
Lovely sage can cause heavy bleeding in women, so although it as a tremendous oil for men, especially for muscular aches, it can be too aggressive for feminine blends.
Fragrance Group
Clinical, herbal
Note
Middle
Energetic
Masculine, fortifying, robust, shouty!
Aroma Substitutes for Sage Essential Oil
Clary sage, rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, ravensara, juniper
Therapeutic Substitutions for Sage Essential Oil
Muscular aches – lavender, juniper, rosemary, black pepper, ginger
Cooling and calming for the head– lavender, basil, rosemary
Stomach rub – chamomile, peppermint, cardamom, coriander, dill
Nervousness – vanilla, lavender, geranium, jasmine
Mental fatigue – mandarin, nutmeg
Emotional exhaustion – geranium, rose
Memory – rosemary, Melissa, rose
Skin balancing and therapeutic use - lavender, tea tree, helichrysum, clary sage, bergamot, jasmine
Sandalwood (Salvia officinalis) Essential Oil Substitute
Indian Sandalwood is now critically endangered, please opt for beautiful Australian.
Fragrance Group
Wood
Note
Base
Energetic
Soothing, grounding, pacifying, serene
Aroma Substitutes for Sandalwood Essential Oil
Amyris, patchouli, myrrh, vetiver
Therapeutic Substitutions for Sandalwood Essential Oil
Breathe – eucalyptus, thyme, monarda, frankincense
Chapped skin – calendula, helichrysum, patchouli, cardamom
When you feel down – yuzu, bergamot, Melissa, rose, geranium
Dry skin – rose, ylang ylang, vetiver
Oily skin – clary sage, lavender, jasmine, Melissa, bergamot, ylang ylang
Skin healing and support – jasmine, myrrh, helichrysum, galbanum, vetiver
Sensitive skin – violet leaf, lavender, chamomile
When you are worked up or overwhelmed – lavender, chamomile, vetiver, frankincense, myrrh, palo santo
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) Essential Oil Substitute
Lovely gentle spearmint, is subtler than peppermint and makes a great oil for use on children. That said, it’s not an oil everyone has in their box.
Fragrance Group
Mint, herbaceous
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Uplifting and gentle, focusing, nurturing, soothing
Aroma Substitutes for Spearmint Essential Oil
Lavender, hyssop, Melissa, chamomile
Therapeutic Substitutions for Spearmint Essential Oil
Breathe – frankincense, monarda, eucalyptus, sandalwood
Exhaustion – mandarin, nutmeg, geranium
Cooling – peppermint, melissa
Stomach rub – chamomile, dill, coriander, peppermint
Cooling and calming to the head– lavender, basil, peppermint
Feeling nauseous – chamomile, mandarin, peppermint, ginger
Dizziness and light headed - vetiver
Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) Essential Oil Substitute
The people of Nepal are incentivised to collect their myriad medicinal flora to be exported out of the country. Many children live in orphanages for long periods while their parents are away foraging. The cultural and societal cost of this essential oil is very high, add that to the fact that spikenard is now critically endangered and it becomes very important to opt to substitute for other essential oils when you can.
Fragrance Group
Roots
Note
Base
Energetic
Grounding, pacifying, tranquilising
Aroma Substitutes for Spikenard Essential Oil
Vetiver, myrrh, palo santo
Therapeutic Substitutions for Spikenard Essential Oil
Ageing Skin – frankincense, vetiver, rose, myrrh
When you are worried or nervous – valerian, vetiver, frankincense
Before going to sleep - Valerian
Support during menstruation - lavender, rose, geranium, clary sage, ylang ylang
Calming muscle rub – clary sage, lavender, rosemary
Nervous tension – lavender, chamomile, neroli, rose, melissa, clary sage
Massage for the nerves - rosemary, tuberose
Back massage for the nerves – lavender, black pepper, tuberose
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) Essential Oil Substitute
This is a harmful oil to use in therapy as it is thought to be carcinogenic and toxic to the liver. Being high in ketones it is also neurotoxic. That said, its use as an oil for inhalation to help stimulate the appetite cannot be understated. For topical use however, it's best to substitute this oil.
Fragrance Group
Clinical, herbal
Note
Middle
Energetic
Machiavellian (cunning/scheming), sly, sharp, dark
Aroma Substitutes for Tarragon Essential Oil
Hyssop, sage, clary sage, lovage
Therapeutic Substitutions for Tarragon Essential Oil
Stimulates appetite - Melissa
Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Essential Oil Substitute
I can’t imagine anyone would ever be without tea tree oil, but perhaps you might not like the smell.
Fragrance Group
Clinical, herbaceous
Note
Middle
Energetic
Bracing, strict, no messing, sharp
Aroma Substitutes for Tea Tree Essential Oil
Eucalyptus, cajeput, manuka, kanuka, myrtle, niaouli
Therapeutic Substitutions for Tea Tree Essential Oil
Specific skin therapeutic uses – lavender, jasmine, manuka, kanuka, helichrysum, ravensara, thyme, geranium, mandarin, melissa, bergamot, vetiver, lemon
Feeling under the weather – eucalyptus, niaouli, inula, monarda
Skin healing – lavender, thyme, eucalyptus, chamomile
Feeling very under the weather – eucalyptus, oregano, cinnamon
Bug bites – lavender, eucalyptus
Itching - chamomile
Cooling/calming to the head – lavender, basil, rosemary
Oily skin - lavender, clary sage, bergamot, Melissa, helichrysum, ylang ylang
Support the sinuses – lemon, myrrh
Calm chesty breathing and support respiratory system – manuka, kanuka, niaouli, myrtle, lemon myrtle
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Essential Oil Substitute
This is a hot and strong oil that can be to aggressive for some people. It’s an odd energetic because some people sail it with ease where others immediately flinch at its energy.
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous
Note
Middle
Energetic
Uplifting, strict, hot, fierce
Aroma Substitutes for Thyme Essential Oil
Hyssop, marjoram, oregano, rosemary
Therapeutic Substitutions for Thyme Essential Oil
Aches and pains – lavender, juniper, black pepper, rosemary
Feeling under the weather – lemon, myrrh, tea tree, ravensara, inula, niaouli
Skin healing – tea tree, lavender
Specific skin therapeutic uses – calendula, geranium, myrrh, helichrysum
Feeling very under the weather – tea tree, eucalyptus, niaouli, clove, cinnamon, ravensara
Bug bites – lemon, tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus
Scalp – tea tree, nerolina
Muscle aches – lavender, juniper, clary sage, rosemary
Oily skin – lemon, ylang ylang, clary sage, lavender,
Warming and support circulatory system – geranium, black pepper, ginger
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Essential Oil Substitute
A lesser known essential oil that's good for warming aching muscles and joints. It can stain clothing easily so be careful when using it.
Fragrance Group
Spice
Note
Middle to Base
Energetic
Wise, solemn, calming, reassuring, warming
Aroma Substitutes for Turmeric Essential Oil
Sandalwood, coriander, cumin, ginger, helichrysum
Therapeutic Substitutions for Turmeric Essential Oil
Specific therapeutic uses – Roman Chamomile, lavender, basil, black pepper
Aches and pains – lavender, juniper, black pepper, rosemary, ginger
Stomach rub – chamomile, dill, coriander, spearmint, peppermint, cardamom
Support circulatory system – wintergreen, holy basil
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Essential Oil Substitute
This one is bit like taking the foulest medication and yet nothing comes close to its ability to sledgehammer you into peace. It’s like the heaviest blanket forcing you to lie down and close your eyes.
Fragrance Group
Root
Note
Base
Energetic
Smothering, restricting, pacifying, tranquillising, heavy, dominating
Aroma Substitutes for Valerian Essential Oil
Vetiver, palo santo, amyris, sandalwood
Therapeutic Substitutions for Valerian Essential Oil
Before going to sleep - vetiver, hop, lavender, chamomile, geranium
Cooling and calming for the head – lavender, basil, rosemary
Stomach rub – chamomile, dill, coriander, cardamom, spearmint, peppermint
Nervous tension – vetiver, geranium, rose, frankincense, sandalwood
Vanilla (Valeriana officinalis) Essential Oil Substitute
Not strictly and essential oil, vanilla will either be an absolute or a CO2. It’s not an oil many people decide to buy because it’s costly, and frankly vanilla kind of needs re-branding. There is nothing bland about this rich and sensual darling. It calms, entices and flicks the off switch so you have to give in and relax.
Fragrance Group
Floral
Note
Middle to Base
Energetic
Soothing, seductive, languid
Aroma Substitutes for Vanilla Essential Oil
Vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, myrrh, amyris
Therapeutic Substitutions for Vanilla Essential Oil
When you are worked up or overwhelmed – Vetiver, lavender, geranium, ylang ylang
When you are worried or nervous – valerian, neroli, jasmine
Before going to sleep – lavender, geranium, ylang ylang, mandarin
Aches and pains – clary sage, lavender, geranium, patchouli
Nervous stomach rub – lavender, chamomile, dill, spearmint, coriander, cumin, cardamom
Feeling nauseous – chamomile, mandarin, ginger, spearmint
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) Essential Oil Substitute
Gorgeously heavy, masculine and grounding, really I can’t think of a single reason why you’d want to substitute this one other than if you've ran out!
Fragrance Group
Root
Note
Base
Energetic
Slowing, anchoring, calming, pacifying, grounding
Aroma Substitutes for Vetiver Essential Oil
Myrrh, patchouli, vanilla, palo santo, amyris, sandalwood
Therapeutic Substitutions for Vetiver Essential Oil
Specific skin therapeutic uses – lavender, tea tree, helichrysum, bergamot, jasmine
Aches and pains – lavender, juniper, ginger, black pepper, sweet basil, clary sage
Skin healing – lavender, tea tree, niaouli, myrtle
When you feel down – bergamot, yuzu, rose, melissa
Exhaustion – mandarin, geranium, nutmeg
Before going to sleep – lavender, chamomile, valerian, vetiver
Support during menstruation – lavender, clary sage, geranium, rose, ylang ylang
Calming muscle rub – clary sage, rosemary
Nervous tension – rosemary, sweet basil, lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang, jasmine
Oily skin – lavender, lemon, grapefruit, clary sage, vetiver, helichrysum
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) Essential Oil Substitute
Wintergreen has had a change of status over the last few years from hazardous oil to mainstream. High in salicylic acid, it has powerful therapeutic properties, great for aches and pains, but it also thins the blood. Avoid if you have platelet issues or are using any liniments that already thin the blood.
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous, clinical
Note
Middle to top
Energetic
Clearing, revitalising, strengthening, rejuvenating, simultaneously warming and cooling
Aroma Substitutes for Wintergreen Essential Oil
Eucalyptus, tea tree, cinnamon, clove
Therapeutic Substitutions for Wintergreen Essential Oil
Support circulatory system – Holy basil, turmeric
Specific therapeutic use – roman chamomile, sweet basil, black pepper, copaiba
Aches and pains – copaiba, lavender, chamomile, ginger, black pepper, yarrow, German chamomile, blue cypress, juniper, rosemary
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Essential Oil Substitute
An important oil, but yarrow can be prohibitively expensive.
Fragrance Group
Floral, herbaceous
Note
Middle
Energetic
Soothing, cossetting, calming, sensible
Aroma Substitutes for Yarrow Essential Oil
Blue chamomile, lavender, hyssop
Therapeutic Substitutions for Yarrow Essential Oil
Specific skin therapeutic uses – lavender, tea tree, helichrysum, jasmine, clary sage, calendula, geranium, chamomile, myrrh
Aches and pains – lavender, juniper, black pepper, ginger
Sports muscle aches massage – lavender, black pepper
Support during menstruation - lavender, clary sage, geranium, rose, ylang ylang
Calming for the skin – lavender, chamomile
Skin healing – jasmine, myrrh, helichrysum, chamomile, galbanum
Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) Essential Oil Substitute
Ylang ylang oil is one of the best balancing oils and suitable for people with blood pressure problems. If you already enjoy low blood pressure, ylang ylang could potentially help you to relax a little too much and we don't want you passing out! It is however, heady, cloying and can give you a headache after a while if you overdo it. It’s always useful to have a back-up plan to refer to when you have had enough of the glorious flower of flowers.
Fragrance Group
Floral
Note
Base to Middle
Energetic
Languid, sedate, romantic, enticing
Aroma Substitutes for Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
Rose, jasmine, honeysuckle, neroli, geranium, monarda
Therapeutic Substitutions for Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
When you are worried or nervous – lavender, geranium, jasmine
When you feel down – Melissa, bergamot, yuzu
Frigidity – jasmine, sandalwood, vetiver, myrrh, patchouli, cedarwood
Calming – lavender, clary sage
When you are worked up or overwhelmed – geranium, vetiver, sandalwood
Yuzu (Citrus junos) Essential Oil Substitute
Not yet well known enough to be in everyone’s boxes but incredibly empowering and uplifting.
Fragrance Group
Citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Flirtatious, explosive, fizzy, delectable
Aroma Substitutes for Yuzu Essential Oil
Mandarin, grapefruit, lime, tangerine, orange, lemon
Therapeutic Substitutions for Yuzu Essential Oil
Specific skin therapeutic uses – cypress, grapefruit, fennel
Fatigue – mandarin, nutmeg, geranium
Feeling under the weather – tea tree, eucalyptus, monarda
Support recovery - nutmeg, bergamot, helichrysum
Energise the skin – angelica root, grapefruit, lemon
Feeling very under the weather – clove, cinnamon, oregano, lemon
Nervous exhaustion – geranium, ylang ylang, melissa
Stomach rub – chamomile, dill, coriander, cardamom, peppermint, spearmint
Nervous tension – vetiver, neroli, geranium
Massage for the nerves – rosemary, tuberose, sweet basil
Calming for the skin – geranium, myrrh, chamomile
Zdravetz (Geranium macrorrhizum) Essential Oil Substitute
A newcomer to the industry and only really exported in small amounts from Bulgaria yet growing in popularity.
Fragrance Group
Floral
Note
Middle
Energetic
Romantic, excited, exotic, playful, loving
Aroma Substitutes for Zdravetz Essential Oil
Geranium, ylang ylang, rose, palmarosa
Therapeutic Substitutions for Zdravetz Essential Oil
Stomach rub - rose, chamomile
Frigidity – vetiver, jasmine, sandalwood, patchouli
Calming – clary sage, ylang ylang
Before going to sleep – lavender, chamomile, geranium, ylang ylang, valerian, hop
Support during menstruation – lavender, chamomile, geranium, rose, clary sage, ylang ylang
When you are worked up or overwhelmed - lavender, chamomile, geranium, vetiver, clary sage
This page is a great starting point for helping you to find essential oil substitutes but it can't cover every possible combination of substitutes. Often, substitutes can be subjective or unique to you as an individual.
For a Complete List Of Essential Oils (A-L) Substitutes For Blends & Recipes please click here:
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The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by medical practitioners. Neither ELEMENTAL nor its products are intended for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, curing, or preventing any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using these products. Although every attempt has been made to gather accurate information about the oils, you will still find different claims and variations of the benefits/properties associated with each oil around the web. Please feel free to make suggestions to improve this page for the benefit everyone. Essential oils are for external use only and under no circumstances should they be ingested. All content on this page is for information only.
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