In this post, 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. I think you're going to find this post really useful!
To create this list of 88 oils and their substitutes and to make sure it was the best available, we consulted with Elizabeth Ashley (AKA The Secret Healer), NAHA UK Director, Qualified Clinical Aromatherapist and Best Selling Author.
Important: Due to restrictions around medicinal claims applicable to essential oil brands, we've had to edit the therapeutic essential oil substitutes that Liz originally listed and unfortunately we can't be too specific about certain properties or uses. Think of the property or therapeutic use of the oil you want to find a substitute for, match this as closely to the substitute oils as possible then conduct further reading to confirm the most appropriate substitute for your therapeutic needs.
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.
Jump straight to the oil you are looking to substitute and see the potential alternative oils using the links below:
| A - C | D - L | M - P | R - Z |
| Angelica Seed | Damiana | Mandarin | Ravensara |
| Angelica Root | Davana | Manuka | Ravintsara (Ho Leaf) |
| Basil, Holy | Dill | Marjoram | Rose |
| Basil, Sweet | Elemi | Melaleuca | Rosemary |
| Benzoin | Eucalyptus (1,8-cineole species) | Melissa | Rosewood |
| Bergamot | Fir, Silver | Monarda | Sage - Sage Dalmatian/ Common Sage |
| Birch (White) | Frankincense | Myrrh | Sandalwood |
| Cajeput | Galbanum | Myrtle | Spearmint |
| Chamomile Roman | Geranium | Niaouli | Spikenard |
| Chamomile Blue (German) | Ginger | Neroli | Tarragon |
| Chamomile Maroc | Grapefruit | Nutmeg | Tea Tree |
| Camphor (White) | Helichrysum | Orange (Bitter) | Turmeric |
| Cardamom | Hyssop | Orange (Sweet) | Thyme |
| Carrot Seed | Jasmine | Oregano | Valerian |
| Cassia | Juniper | Peppermint | Vanilla |
| Cedarwood Atlas | Lavender, Spike | Pine | Vetiver |
| Cinnamon Bark | Lavender, True | Plai | Wintergreen |
| Cistus | Lemon | Petitgrain | Yarrow |
| Citronella | Lemongrass | Patchouli | Ylang Ylang |
| Clary Sage | Lemon Verbena | Palmarosa | Yuzu |
| Clove Bud | Lime | | Zdravetz |
| Copaiba | | | |
| Coriander Seed | | | |
| Cumin | | | |
| Cypress | | | |
| Cypress, Blue | | | |
Introduction
When you are starting out in aromatherapy, it's exciting to learn about all the amazing things you can do with essential oils. From blends, DIY products, household use, therapeutic properties, diffusing to support your desired emotional or mental state and more.
You quickly learn that there's a LOT of different essential oils recommended by books, professionals and reputable websites, all with different aromas, properties, effects and safety concerns.
The frustrating thing is that oils are not cheap and you might not have them all to hand, which leaves you struggling to find approved recipes and uses that align with your specific collection of oils and desired effects.
To further complicate things, people tend to develop a “healing clique” of oils they trust time and time again, and love the effects they experience.
Also, fragrance is such an innately personal thing, it’s actually not that often that two people love and trust the same oils anyway!
Perhaps more importantly, in this world of over exploitation of the plant matter, it’s becoming more necessary to avoid certain oils completely, to give Mother Earth her chance to replenish.
For example: older texts often suggest Rosewood, but the planet simply cannot sustain us using it any longer. We must leave that plant alone. Ho Wood is an excellent essential oil alternative to Rosewood, for both fragrance and therapeutic actions.
So, learning how to choose the right essential oil substitutes for recipes, blends, diffusing or therapeutic use is an extremely valuable skill.
This essential oil substitute guide is designed to help you take into consideration three different factors, depending on your motivation at the time.
- Fragrance: For the most part we can pick a group of notes for this, or perhaps the same kind of oil. So for example, replacing a floral with a floral, a citrus with a citrus, or maybe a middle note with the same. It’s not a perfect science, since blends tend to have three or more oils in that can mess it up a bit, but often good enough will do.
- Action: The best example to help communicate this is imagine you have a cold. You'll probably immediately think of eucalyptus oil but what if you don't have any to hand? What are you going to use? Lots of oils have 'similar' properties so knowing which essential oils to try as a substitute could prove really useful.
- Safety: Unfortunately, using essential oil alternatives to the recipe or recommendation you are following, is where you are most likely to make a safety slip. You’re so focused on finding the oil that does the job best, you forget to double check the safety considerations. This is critically important.
OK, let's get you reformulating blends effortlessly and with confidence!
Angelica Seed Essential Oil Substitute
Angelica archangelica
Angelica is quite an expensive oil, but also it can be extremely stimulating to the nervous system.
If someone has quite a fragile personality, (as opposed to a fragile constitution, where angelica is then indicated – it’s very useful in hospice work) then angelica can be a little tough.
Fragrance Group
Herbals. Flowery, but clinical aroma
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Relaxing and stimulating. Masculine.
Aroma Substitutes for Angelica Seed Essential Oil
Fennel, Dill, Coriander, Chamomile Roman, Chamomile Maroc, Thyme.
Therapeutic Substitutions for Angelica Seed Essential Oil
- Calming muscle rub – perhaps clary sage
- Calming stomach – Dill or coriander
- Support a specific bodily function – Cypress, Fennel or Juniper
- Support a specific bodily function – Eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, helichrysum, or carrot seed
- Supports menstruation – Sweet Basil
- Breathe – Eucalyptus, frankincense or monarda
- Cooling – Peppermint, spikenard (although it is ill advised to treat fevers with essential oils as the sudden change in temperature can be more dangerous than the fever itself. Fevers should be allowed to come down naturally)
- Nervous system – Rosemary or rose
- Stimulating/energising – Sweet Basil
- Dull congested skin – Cypress
- Support a specific skin issue – Helichrysum or Cajeput
- Aches and pains - Juniper
- Help pick you up when you are tired – Mandarin or geranium
Angelica Root Essential Oil Substitute
Angelica archangelica
You may want to find an alternative for angelica root essential oil of you are worried about phototoxicity, or if you suffer from diabetes.
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous, Green
Note
Middle to Base
Energetic
Revitalising and Comforting
Aroma Substitutes for Angelica Root Essential Oil
Lime, Lemongrass, Chamomile Roman, Dill, Fennel, Tarragon
Therapeutic Substitutions for Angelica Root Essential Oil
- Breathe - Eucalyptus, Monarda, Elemi, Frankincense
- Support the sinuses - Myrrh, Lemon, Ravensara, Myrrh
- Aches and pains - Juniper, Ginger
- Help pick you up when you are tired - Mardarin, and Ginger
- Support a specific skin issue - Cajeput
- Calming when you are worked up - Yarrow, Geranium, Melissa, Valerian and Bergamot
- Help to keep you focused to avoid bad habits - Black Pepper
Basil, Holy Essential Oil Substitute
Ocimum sanctum (Synonym: Tulsi)
Many websites speak about the basils as all being interchangeable, but whilst both Sweet Basil and Holy basil are adaptogen (Holy Basil, being far more potent in that regard) the energy of Sweet Basil is kind of kick ass masculine, where Holy Basil is softer and very much a feminine energy.
You may decide that you want to find an alternative for Holy Basil essential oil if you have any kind of blood clotting issues or on blood thinning medications.
Fragrance Group
Sour, sharp, herbal, green note
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Adaptogen, tranquil and restorative. Soft and feminine
Aroma Substitutes for Basil Holy Essential Oil
Sweet Basil, Coriander, Patchouli, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Clary Sage, Lemon Grass
Therapeutic Substitutions for Basil Holy Essential Oil
- Calming muscle rub - Clary Sage, chamomile and rosemary
- Respiratory system - Eucalyptus, niaouli, Monarda, frankincense
- Support you in times of menstruation - Clary sage, rose, jasmine, spikenard, sweet basil
- Cooling and calming to the head - sweet basil, rosemary, peppermint and lavender
Basil, Sweet Essential Oil Substitute
Ocimum basilicum
You may want to find an alternative for sweet basil essential oil because it can overwhelm blends, or because you like being the alpha and you think there might be only room for one bossy one in the friendship!
Fragrance Group
Sharp, peppery, pungent, herbaceous
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Kick ass stimulating
Aroma Substitutes for Basil Sweet Essential Oil
Rosemary, coriander, aniseed, black pepper, fennel, angelica, lovage or hyssop
Therapeutic Substitutions for Basil Sweet Essential Oil
- Respiratory system - Eucalyptus, frankincense, elemi, ravensara, lemon, myrrh, tea tree
- When you're under the weather - lemon, tea tree, manuka, kanuka, ginger, inula
- Calming breathing - myrtle, frankincense, monarda, benzoin, thyme
- Exhaustion - marjoram, mandarin, geranium, melissa
- Stomach rub - dill, coriander, carrot seed
- When you feel really under the weather - Tea tree, cinnamon, cloves, eucalyptus
- Support joints - Juniper, ginger
- Bug bites - eucalyptus, lavender, chamomile
- Help to ward off unwanted guests when you're outside - citronella, catnip, vetiver
- Tired, achy muscles - lavender, ginger, rosemary, black pepper, geranium, juniper, plai
- Aches and pains - Juniper, plai
Benzoin Essential Oil Substitute
Benzoin styrax
Alternatives to benzoin essential oil are useful if you are dealing with someone who has very sensitive or reactive skin, and benzoin carries a mild risk of skin irritation.
Fragrance Group
Resinous, sweet, bitter, balsamic and earthy
Note
Base
Energetic
Soothing, calming and masculine
Aroma Substitutes for Benzoin Essential Oil
Jasmine, amyris, sandalwood, cedarwood, myrrh, vetiver, galbanum, labdanum or patchouli
Therapeutic Substitutions for Benzoin Essential Oil
- Aches and pains - Juniper, ginger
- Breathing & respiritory system - Frankincense, eucalyptus, ravensara, inula, niaouli, myrtle, myrrh, monarda
- Skin - Chamomile, cardamom, rose, geranium, calendula, myrrh
Bergamot Essential Oil Substitute
Citrus reticulata
Alternatives to bergamot essential oil are useful if you are worried about the risk of photoxicity.
Fragrance Group
Bright, green, citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Bright, reviving, optimistic, citrus
Aroma Substitutes for Bergamot Essential Oil
Lemon, lime, melissa, lemon verbena, monarda
Therapeutic Substitutions for Bergamot Essential Oil
- Skin - jasmine, helichrysum, vetiver
- Calming when you're worried or nervous - neroli, lavender, chamomile, valerian, varrow
- Specific skin issue - Tea tree, melissa
- Pick you up when you're feeling down - Yuzu, melissa, geranium, rose
- Freshening - peppermint, spearmint
- Calming for the skin - Lavender, chamomile, yarrow
- Make you think about food - Tarragon
- Oily Skin - Lavender, helichrysum, vetiver
- Specific skin issue - Cajeput, angelica root
- Calming when you are worked up - Neroli, lavender, melissa, clary sage, geranium
Birch (White) Essential Oil Substitute
Betula alba
Fragrance Group
Bitter, resinous, masculine, sour
Note
Base
Energetic
Stabilising, invigorating
Aroma Substitutes for Birch (White) Essential Oil
Benzoin, Jasmine, amyris, sandalwood, cedarwood, myrrh, vetiver, galbanum, labdanum or patchouli
Therapeutic Substitutions for Birch (White) Essential Oil
Aches and pains - Juniper, ginger, black pepper
Skin toning - cypress, bergamot, rose
Supports bodily function - Cypress, juniper, fennel
Cajeput Essential Oil Substitute
Melaleuca cajuputi
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous clinical
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Revitalising, sharp, uplifting
Aroma Substitutes for Cajeput Essential Oil
Tea tree, manuka, kanuka, ravensara, niaouli, cypress, eucalyptus
Therapeutic Substitutions for Cajeput Essential Oil
- Breathing - Frankincense, melissa, spikenard, monarda, eucalyptus, bergamot, manuka, kanuka, tea tree, niaouli, inula
- Calm breathing - myrtle, benzoin, ravensara, inula, benzoin
- Muscle Aches - plai, lavender, juniper, black pepper, ginger, clary sage, sweet basil, rosemary
- Oily Skin - lavender, vetiver, bergamot
- Aches and pains - plai, lavender, juniper, black pepper, davana
- Support the sinuses - lemon, myrrh, tea tree, eucalyptus
- Support the throat - eucalyptus, monarda
- Skin - lavender, tea tree
Chamomile Roman Essential Oil Substitute
Anthemis nobilis
Fragrance Group
Herbal, sweet, floral
Note
Middle
Energetic
Calming, sedative, soothing
Aroma Substitutes for Chamomile Roman Essential Oil
Lavender, chamomile maroc, fennel, carrot seed, melissa, lemon verbena, lemon grass, hyssop, catnip
Therapeutic Substitutions for Chamomile Roman Essential Oil
- Specific skin issue - Galbanum, helichrysum, myrrh, benzoin
- Pollen season - melissa, lavender, helichrysum
- Aches and pains - Juniper, black pepper, ginger, davana, plai
- Specific skin issue - calendula, geranium, myrrh, benzoin, helichrysum
- Support you through menstrual times - geranium, clary sage, lavender, rose
- Stomach rub - carrot seed, coriander, dill
- Cooling and calming for the head - lavender, basil, rosemary
- Skin - rose, lavender, patchouli, geranium
- Bug Bites - lavender, eucalyptus
- Good before you go to sleep - valerian, hops, lavender, vetiver, spikenard
- If you're feeling nausious - peppermint, ginger, spearmint, mandarin
- Specific pains - rosemary, clary sage, lavender
- Aches and pains - black pepper, juniper, plai, lavender, ginger
- Sporting aches and pains - lavender, fennel, frankincense
- Calming when you are worked up - neroli, lavender, vetiver, geranium
- Skin healing - helichrysum, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus
Chamomile Blue (German) Essential Oil Substitute
Chamomilla matricaria
If you are missing beautiful blue chamomile from your box, or if you are worried about drug interactions with medications here is our list of alternatives for German chamomile
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous, sweet floral
Note
Middle
Energetic
Soothing, reassuring, gentle
Aroma Substitutes for Chamomile Blue (German) Essential Oil
Chamomile Roman, yarrow, blue cypress, fragonia, neroli
Therapeutic Substitutions for Chamomile Blue (German) Essential Oil
- As Chamomile Roman - See above
Chamomile Maroc Essential Oil Substitute
Ormenis multicaulis (Synonyms: Moroccan Chamomile)
Often misrepresented as Blue Tansy (and indeed as written as such in Schnaubelt) but the two oils are different, with different chemistry and actions.
For the most part the actions are interchangeable for Roman Chamomile, but paradoxically, since the azulene component in maroc is lower, the Moroccan chamomile is gentler than either Roman or blue. A wonderful choice for little children and less expensive than the other chamomile oils.
Fragrance Group
Herbal, sweet, floral
Note
Middle
Energetic
Kind, gentle, feminine
Aroma Substitutes for Chamomile Maroc Essential Oil
Chamomile Roman, clary sage, dill, hyssop, melissa, lemon grass, bay, laurel.
Therapeutic Substitutions for Chamomile Maroc Essential Oil
- As Chamomile Roman - See above
Camphor (White) Essential Oil Substitute
Cinnamomum camphora
Fragrance Group
Camphoraceous, herbal, clinical
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Opening, stimulating, aggressive
Aroma Substitutes for Camphor (White) Essential Oil
Eucalyptus, frankincense, tea tree, cajeput, pine, spruce fir
Cardamom Essential Oil Substitute
Elettaria cardamomum
Fragrance Group
Spicy, warm, woody
Note
Middle to Base
Energetic
Sensuous, calming and cosseting
Aroma Substitutes for Cardamom Essential Oil
Patchouli, petitgrain, cedarwood, sandalwood, vetiver, jasmine, mandarin
Therapeutic Substitutions for Cardamom Essential Oil
- Make you hungry and think of food - Tarragon, chamomile maroc, black pepper
- Dry skin - Patchouli, rose, jasmine, geranium
- Fatigue - mandarin, geranium, rosemary, peppermint
- Fresh - peppermint, bergamot
- When you are worked up - lavender, chamomiles, vetiver, melissa, clary sage
Carrot Seed Essential Oil Substitute
Daucus carota
Fragrance Group
Floral, citrus
Note
Middle
Energetic
Light, amusing, masculine
Aroma Substitutes for Carrot Seed Essential Oil
Mandarin, sweet orange, petitgrain, ginger, neroli, cardamom, davana, cypress
Therapeutic Substitutions for Carrot Seed Essential Oil
- Specific skin issue - chamomile, calendula, helichrysum, cardamom, patchouli
- Mature Skin - Neroli, frankincense, vetiver
- Detox massage - Juniper, cypress, fennel
- Bloating massage - juniper cypress, fennel
- Supports a specific bodily function - Helichrysum, eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary, chamomile maroc
Cassia Essential Oil Substitute
Cinnamomum cassia
Fragrance Group
Hot, spicy, woody, fierce
Note
Top
Energetic
Aggressive, invigorating, reassuring, masculine
Aroma Substitutes for Cassia Essential Oil
Cinnamon, ho wood, ho leaf, cedarwood, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg
Therapeutic Substitutions for Cassia Essential Oil
- Calming stomach rub - peppermint, cinnamon chamomile, mandarin, spearmint, ginger
- Bloated stomach rub - cumin, coriander, chamomile
- Calming for young ones - chamomile, mandarin, dill
- Aches and pains - juniper, ginger, black pepper, lavender
- Feeling under the weather - Eucalyptus, inula, monarda, frankincense, lemon, myrrh
Cedarwood Atlas Essential Oil Substitute
Cedrus atlantica
While cedarwood atlas may be among the most amazing essential oils, human kind's desire for its glorious straight grain and incredibly long wood, as well as its capacity to calm negative thoughts, has sadly meant it now teeters on the brink of extinction.
For this reason, Himalayan cedarwood and Cedarwood Atlas essential oil are distilled from wood taken from members of the Pinacea family, while all other cedarwoods belong to the Cupressae family.
There is enough similarity between their properties and uses to use them more or less interchangeably. For that reason, I’ll list properties once here, but please know, anything cedarwood, is cedarwood as far as aromatherapy goes.
For that reason, please refer to the below substitutes for all Cedarwood essential oils.
Fragrance Group
Woody, reassuring, meditative, masculine
Note
Middle to top although vibrationally acts as a base
Energetic
Sensuous, thoughtful, calming, removed negatives thoughts
Aroma Substitutes for Cedarwood Atlas Essential Oil
Sandalwood, Patchouli, Nutmeg, Coriander, Amyris, Vetiver, Cumin
Therapeutic Substitutions for Cedarwood Atlas Essential Oil
- Skin - Jasmine, bergamot, tea tree, helichrysum, lavender, vetiver
- Aches and pains - Juniper, black pepper, davana, ginger, lavender
- Breathe- Eucalyptus, benzoin, myrrh, Monarda
- Calm breathing- Myrtle, eucalyptus, inula
- Hair and scalp - patchouli, cardomom
- Specific skin issue - helichrysum, calendula, geranium, chamomile, helichrysm
- When you are worked up - lavender, chamomile, geranium, vetiver
Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil Substitute
Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Fragrance Group
Hot, spicy, woody, warm
Note
Middle to top
Energetic
Bright, sharp, aggressive, masculine
Aroma Substitutes for Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
Cassia, ho wood, ho leaf, cedarwood, black pepper, cloves, nutmeg
Therapeutic Substitutions for Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
- Stomach rub - Cardamon, coriander, cumin, dill
- Feel under the weather - Eucalyptus, clove, eucalyptus, frankincense, niaouli, monarda
- Scalp - Tea tree, nerolina
- Warming - Black Pepper, geranium
- Aches and pains - Lavender, juniper, ginger, black pepper
- When you are worked up - ginger, nutmeg, lavender, chamomile, geranium
Cistus Essential Oil Substitute
Cistus ladanifer L.
Fragrance Group
Fresh, balsamic, woody, herbaceous
Note
Base
Energetic
Comforting, cosseting, merry, masculine
Aroma Substitutes for Cistus Essential Oil
Myrtle, marjoram, hyssop, lavender, chamomile, tea tree, niaouli, cajeput, geranium
Therapeutic Substitutions for Cistus Essential Oil
- Crisis and trauma - Rose, vetiver, amber, valerian
- Fear - spikenard, yarrow
- Nature's first aid - tea tree, lavender
- Therapeutic - helichrysum, tea tree, cinnamon
- Skin healing - rose, lavender, neroli, geranium
- Support menstruation - Geranium, clary sage, sweet basil
- Breathe - myrrh, benzoin, eucalyptus
- Calming - lavender, chamomile, melissa, clary sage, valerian
Citronella Essential Oil Substitute
Cymbopogon nardus
Citronella is a bright fresh and zingy oil, however because it can remind people of cleaning products, sometimes it’s nice to switch it up as it can cause headaches.
Fragrance Group
Citrus, fruity
Note
Top
Energetic
Happy, bright, positive, uplifting
Aroma Substitutes for Citronella Essential Oil
Lemon, lemon verbena, Melissa, Monarda, Bergamot
Therapeutic Substitutions for Citronella Essential Oil
- Aches and pains - lavender, juniper, ginger, black pepper
- Feeling under the weather - tea tree, eucalyptus, inula, ravensara, monarda
- Excessive Perspiration – Ginger, patchouli
- Fatigue - Mandarin, lemon, bergamot, helichrysum
- Cooling - peppermint
- Specific skin therapeutic use – thyme, tea tree, myrrh, melissa
- Skin healing - lavender, peppermint
- Bites – lavender, eucalyptus, tea tree
- Ward off unwanted outdoor guests – lemongrass, vetiver, catnip
- Nature's first aid – tea tree
- Nerve related - roman chamomile, rosemary, Melissa, tuberose
- Oily Skin – lavender, grapefruit, lemon
Clary Sage Essential Oil Substitute
Salvia sclarea
Clary sage oil has a gorgeous, soft fragrance reminiscent of cold tea. It is contraindicated until the last 37 weeks of pregnancy because of its stimulant action on the uterus. (Incidentally, research shows that if you use it before the onset of full labour it slows down contractions rather than increases them, so genuinely leave it alone until you are safely in active labour in the delivery suite).
In addition, whilst it can be extremely useful for alleviating menopausal symptoms, it can exacerbate peri-menopausal flushes etc.
Finally, clary sage is contraindicated if you have been drinking alcohol. It gets you drunk very fast but can the cause absolute worst hangover in the morning as well as hallucinations.
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous floral
Note
Middle
Energetic
Relaxing, euphoric and delightful. Like lying on the grass on a summer’s day.
Aroma Substitutes for Clary Sage Essential Oil
Lavender, chamomile, hyssop, davana, juniper, pine
Therapeutic Substitutions for Clary Sage Essential Oil
- Calming for the skin – lavender, grapefruit, jasmine
- Breathe – frankincense, eucalyptus, hyssop, monarda
- Calming for kids – mandarin, dill, chamomile
- Chesty breathing - myrtle, ravensara, benzoin, frankincense
- Scalp – Nerolina, patchouli
- Dry Or Mature Skin – Rose, neroli, frankincense
- Support you during times of menstruation – lavender, rose, geranium
- Exhaustion – Helichrysum, mandarin, bergamot
- Stomach rub – chamomile, dill, coriander, peppermint
- Hair – spikenard, rosemary, lavender,cedarwood
- Could potentially affect blood pressure - ylang ylang, melissa
- Muscular Aches and Pains - lavender, juniper, ginger, rosemary
- Skin calming – lavender, chamomile
- Therapeutic – lavender, hyssop, tea tree
Clove Bud Essential Oil Substitute
Syzygium aromaticum (L.)
The sharp spice of clove is delicious but hot and can be mildly irritating.
Fragrance Group
Spice
Note
Middle
Energetic
Fierce, pungent, stimulant
Aroma Substitutes for Clove Bud Essential Oil
Cinnamon, coriander, pine, fir, ginger, nutmeg
Therapeutic Substitutions for Clove Bud Essential Oil
- Calming stomach rub - Chamomile, dill, coriander, mandarin, peppermint
- Aches and pains – Lavender, Valerian, chamomile
- Therapeutic – Cinnamon, tea tree, thyme
- Breathe - Eucalyptus, bergamot, tea tree, monarda, frankincense
- Stomach rub – Dill, peppermint, coriander, mandarin, chamomile
- Feel under the weather - Inula, ravensara, tea tree, manuka, kanuka,
- Specific skin therapeutic - Thyme, tea tree, geranium
- Muscle soreness - Lavender, juniper, ginger
- If you feel nauseous - Dill, peppermint, coriander, mandarin, chamomile
Copaiba Essential Oil Substitute
Copaifera langsdorffii
Copaiba is quickly becoming one of the most popular essential oils in the therapist’s box, but can sometimes be difficult to obtain.
Fragrance Group
Clinical, Herbaceous
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Nurturing, relaxing, comforting
Aroma Substitutes for Copaiba Essential Oil
Pine, cypress
Therapeutic Substitutions for Copaiba Essential Oil
- Breathe – Frankincense, eucalyptus, tea tree, monarda, bergamot
- Aches and pains - Helichrysum, black pepper, hemp
- Calm chesty breathing - Frankincense, eucalyptus, tea tree, monarda, bergamot, myrtle
- Feel under the weather – Tea tree, lemon, myrrh
- Perfumery Fixative – benzoin
Coriander Seed Essential Oil Substitute
Coriandrum sativum
The Earth fragrance of coriander is delicious and adds warmth to a blend, but can also be reminiscent of curry for some people.
Fragrance Group
Warm, earthy, woody spice
Note
Middle to Base
Energetic
Soothing, nurturing, familiar
Aroma Substitutes for Coriander Seed Essential Oil
Dill, coriander, angelica, cardamom, patchouli, cedarwood
Therapeutic Substitutions for Coriander Seed Essential Oil
- Aches and pains – Lavender, juniper, ginger
- Relaxing muscle rub – clary sage, roman chamomile, dill
- Therapeutic use – clove, cinnamon, tea tree
- Stomach rub – mandarin, dill, roman chamomile, peppermint
- Calming for kids - mandarin, dill lavender
- Fatigue – Mandarin, helichrysum, melissa
- When you feel nauseous - mandarin, dill, roman chamomile, peppermint
- Stimulating - Peppermint, spearmint
Cumin Essential Oil Substitute
Cuminum cyminum
Like coriander, the lovely, warm fragrance of cumin can make a blend smell a bit like curry!
Fragrance Group
Spice
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Soothing, cosseting, rejuvenating
Aroma Substitutes for Cumin Essential Oil
Coriander, dill, cardamom, fenugreek, turmeric, fennel
Therapeutic Substitutions for Cumin Essential Oil
- Detox massage – Cypress, juniper, fennel
- Warming massage to improve circulation – Cypress, black pepper, geranium
- Could potentially affect blood pressure - rosemary
- Calming for kids – Mandarin, chamomile, spearmint, coriander
- Stomach rub – peppermint, coriander, spearmint, carrot seed, dill, chamomile.
- Fatigue - Mandarin, helichrysum, bergamot, Melissa
Cypress Essential Oil Substitute
Cupressus sempervirens
I can’t think of a single reason why someone might want to substitute cypress, I’m afraid! An inexpensive but incredibly useful oil with a deliciously refreshing fragrance.
Fragrance Group
Woody, floral
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Reflective, comforting, refreshing
Aroma Substitutes for Cypress Essential Oil
Pine, ginger, fir, juniper, geranium
Therapeutic Substitutions for Cypress Essential Oil
- Skin healing – tea tree, lavender, grapefruit
- Excessive Perspiration – Ginger, patchouli
- Oily Skin – clary sage, lavender, grapefruit
- Aches and pains – Lavender, juniper, ginger, black pepper, copaiba
- Grief - Rose, Melissa
Cypress, Blue Essential Oil Substitute
Callitris intratropica RT
Native to Australia, blue cypress oil is good for breathing and great for blend.
Fragrance Group
Woody, smokey, slightly sweet
Note
Middle to Base
Energetic
Sedative, relaxing, happy
Aroma Substitutes for Blue Cypress Essential Oil
Chamomile matricaria, yarrow, lavender
Therapeutic Substitutions for Blue Cypress Essential Oil
Aches and pains - Lavender, juniper, ginger, black pepper
Respiratory system – Vetiver, frankincense, monarda, eucalyptus
Fragrance Fixative – Benzoin, copaiba
Damiana Essential Oil Substitute
Turnera diffusa
Fragrance Group
Floral
Note
Middle
Energetic
Saucy, romantic and just a little bit naughty!
Aroma Substitutes for Damiana Essential Oil
Rose, jasmine, geranium, zdravetz
Therapeutic Substitutions for Damiana Essential Oil
- Support you during menstruation - lavender, rose, geranium,clary sage
- Loss of libido – jasmine, zdravets, clary sage, blue lotus, rose
- When you are worried or nervous - lavender, chamomile, geranium, ylang ylang, clary sage, neroli, valerian, spikenard, yarrow
- When you are feeling down – Melissa, bergamot, yuzu
- Warming stomach rub - rose, ginger
Davana Essential Oil Substitute
Artemisia pallens
Despite Davana coming from a silver leaved bushy herb it smells of a deep woody orange, sultry and gorgeous!
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous, floral
Note
Middle to Base
Energetic
Comforting, seductive, delightful
Aroma Substitutes for Davana Essential Oil
Orange, neroli, petitgrain, cedarwood, Amyris, patchouli, jasmine
Therapeutic Substitutions for Davana Essential Oil
- Nature's first aid therapeutics – Tea tree, sweet basil, ravensara, inula, manuka, kanuka
- Breathing – frankincence, bergamot, tea tree, inula, monarda
- Calm chesty breathing – myrtle, benzoin, myrrh
- Feel under the weather – tea tree myrrh, lemon
- Feel really under the weather - tea tree, copaiba, cinnamon, clove
- Nervous Stomach – roman chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, mandarin, cardamom
- Bloated stomach – spearmint, peppermint, chamomile
- Feel nauseous - chamomile, dill, ginger
- Support during menstruation - Lavender, rose, geranium, clary sgae
- Support you through the Menopause – Vitex agnus castus, clary sage, rose
- When you feel worried or nervous - Lavender, bergamot, rose, neroli, sweet orange
- Irritability - Lavender, geranium, melissa
- Skin Healing – helichrysum, myrrh, galbanum
Dill Essential Oil Substitute
anethum graveolens
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous
Note
Middle
Energetic
Happy, balanced, gentle
Aroma Substitutes for Dill Essential Oil
Lavender, hyssop, chamomile, tarragon, parsley, coriander
Therapeutic Substitutions for Dill Essential Oil
- Calming for kids - Chamomile, mandarin, spearmint, coriander
- Stomach rub - carrot seed, chamomile, peppermint, coriander, mandarin
- Breathe – frankincense, monarda, hyssop
- Support during menstruation – clary sage, rose geranium, lavender
Elemi Essential Oil Substitute
Canarium luzonicum (Blume)
Fragrance Group
Resinous, woody, spicy
Note
Middle to Base
Energetic
Deeply soothing and reassuring, priest-like.
Aroma Substitutes for Elemi Essential Oil
Frankincense, myrrh, pine, cinnamon
Therapeutic Substitutions for Elemi Essential Oil
- Respiratory system – Monarda, frankincense, myrrh, hyssop
- Calm chesty breathing – hyssop, myrtle, benzoin
- Clear the airways – Eucalyptus, myrrh, hyssop
- Muscular Fatigue – black pepper, juniper, ginger
- Specific skin therapeutic use – tea tree, cinnamon
- Skin healing – helichrysum, myrrh, galbanum, lavender, chamomile, tea tree
- Fatigue – mandarin, bergamot, helichrysum
Eucalyptus (1,8-cineole species) Essential Oil Substitute
Eucalyptus globulus | Eucalyptus radiata | Eucalyptus polybractea
The familiar fragrance of eucalyptus essential oil is not to everyone’s taste and can be a little strong for little children’s delicate respiratory systems too.
Fragrance Group
Clinical, herbal
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Strident, punchy, like it means business!
Aroma Substitutes for Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Pine, frankincense, tea tree, manuka, kanuka, inula, ravensara
Therapeutic Substitutions for Eucalyptus Essential Oil
- Respiratory system – Tea tree, monarda, ravensara,manuka, kanuka, cajuput
- Breathe – Frankincense, inula, ravensara, monarda, myrrh, hyssop
- Nature's first aid – tea tree, cinnamon, clove, thyme
- Cooling – Tea tree, peppermint, spikenard, spearmint
- Support the sinuses – Lemon, myrrh, tea tree
- Muscular Aches and Pains – Lavender, juniper, ginger, black pepper, copaiba
Fir, Silver Essential Oil Substitute
Abies alba
Glorious fir brings us the fragrance of the mountains but is often not a great draw when you see it on the shelf. It tends not to be an oil that beginners will buy.
Fragrance Group
Clinical, herbal, resinous
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Opening, refreshing, releasing
Aroma Substitutes for Fir (Silver) Essential Oil
Frankincense, pine, eucalyptus, lemon, myrrh
Therapeutic Substitutions for Fir (Silver)Essential Oil
- Clear the airways – Lemon, myrrh, tea tree, hyssop
- Support the sinuses - myrrh, tea tree
- Breathe – Frankincense, monarda, eucalyptus, ravensara, thyme, inula
- Chest respiratory system – myrtle, myrrh, benzoin
- Muscular Aches And Pains – lavender, juniper, ginger, black pepper, copaiba
- Cooling – Peppermint, rose
- When you are worried or nervous - lavender, chamomile, geranium, ylang ylang, yarrow, valerian, neroli
- Winter/holiday blues - bergamot, lemon, lemon verbena, Melissa, marjoram
Frankincense Essential Oil Substitute
Boswellia carterii | Boswellia serrata
Wonderful frankincense essential oil renews our connection with the world, opening our lungs, minds and consciousness. However intensive harvesting of the resin now means it stands on the brink of being endangered. It’s imperative we try to protect it for the future generations to come. Before leaping to grab your frankincense every time you want to relax, perhaps consider if other oils will do the trick first.
Fragrance Group
Resinous, woody
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Comforting, serene, opening, expanding
Aroma Substitutes for Frankincense Essential Oil
Pine, fir, elemi, eucalyptus
Therapeutic Substitutions for FrankincenseEssential Oil
- When you are worried or nervous – valerian, spikenard, yarrow, lavender, chamomile, ylang ylang, neroli, rose
- Breathe – monarda, elemi, eucalyptus, hyssop, myrtle, bergamot, tea tree
- Calm chesty breathing – benzoin, myrtle
- Skin support and healing – helichrysum, jasmine, myrrh
- When you are worked up or overwhelmed - lavender, chamomile, bergamot
Galbanum Essential Oil Substitute
Ferula galbaniflua
Deep, sultry and almost priest-like, galbanum often turns up in skin care preparations, but not in people’s boxes!
Fragrance Group
Resin
Note
Base
Energetic
Cathartic, sedative, arcane
Aroma Substitutes for Galbanum Essential Oil
Myrrh, labdanum, spikenard, oppoponax
Therapeutic Substitutions for Galbanum Essential Oil
- Therapeutic skin uses – Geranium, myrrh, roman chamomile, helichrysum
- Skin healing & support - lavender, jasmine, bergamot, helichrysum, tea tree, myrrh
- Breathe – hyssop, eucalyptus, inula,monarda, frankincense
- Clear chesty airways - myrtle, benzoin, tea tree, frankincense
- Muscular Aches and Pains - Lavender, juniper, ginger, black pepper, clary sage
- Bloated stomach rub – Mandarin, chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, dill
- Nerve-related conditions - lavender, chamomile, Melissa, angelica root, ylang ylang, neroli, valerian, yarrow.
Geranium Essential Oil Substitute
Pelargonium graveolens
Often considered the poor man’s rose, but that sells geranium essential oil short. It is possibly one of the most useful and important essential oils available on the market today. However, since you can use it for pretty much anything, and it does not carry a particularly hefty price tag, it’s so easy to use it all up and not realise you’ve run out!
Fragrance Group
Floral
Note
Middle
Energetic
Happy, relaxing, reassuring, wise
Aroma Substitutes for Geranium Essential Oil
Rose, cistus, davana, lavender, chamomile, petitgrain, cardamon
Therapeutic Substitutions for GeraniumEssential Oil
- Support during menstruation - rose, lavender, clary sage, ylang ylang
- Support during menopause – clary sage, rose, vitex agnus castus, ylang ylang
- Circulatory System – Cypress, black pepper
- Warming – ginger, cypress, black pepper
- Nerve-related conditions – rosemary, roman chamomile, copaiba
- Skin healing and calming - lavender, chamomile, helichrysum, myrrh, galbanum
- When you feel down – bergamot, rose, Melissa, yuzu
- Fatigue - mandarin, helichrysum, bergamot
- Emotional Crisis – Rose, ylang ylang, cistus, spikenard
- Skin balancing – jasmine, bergamot, tea tree, helichrysum, lavender
- Specific skin therapeutic uses – calendula, helichrysum, chamomile, myrrh, tea tree
- Scalp - tea tree, nerolina
- Sebum Balancing - Lavender, cypress, ylang ylang
- Specific therapeuitc uses – Eucalyptus, peppermint, chamomile, rosemary, carrot seed
Ginger Essential Oil Substitute
Zingiber officinale
Ginger’s energy is smoking hot if you’d like a rather aggressive action, (either on your thermal warming, your digestion or your disposition). You might also like some of these lovely alternative essential oils.
Fragrance Group
Spice
Note
Middle to top
Energetic
Invigorating, warming, motivating
Aroma Substitutes for Ginger Essential Oil
Nutmeg, cinnamon, davana, orange
Therapeutic Substitutions for Ginger Essential Oil
- Aching Muscles - Lavender, juniper, clary sage
- Feeling nauseous – Peppermint, chamomile, spearmint
- Bloated stomach rub – peppermint, mandarin, chamomile,spearmint
- Warming to the circulatory system – Black pepper, geranium, cypress
- Nervous exhaustion - bergamot, mandarin, helichrysum
Grapefruit Essential Oil Substitute
Citrus x paradisi
The fresh zingy note of grapefruit is usually in a therapist’s box, but since you should not use old oils because of its high monoterpene content, it can often be out of date, which in turn can lead to a risk of skin sensitisation.
Fragrance Group
Citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Bright, happy, go-getter
Aroma Substitutes for Grapefruit Essential Oil
Lemon, lemon verbena, Melissa, petitgrain, bergamot, yuzu
Therapeutic Substitutions for Grapefruit Essential Oil
- Skin balancing – lavender, cypress, jasmine, bergamot, cypress, tea tree
- Oily Skin – bergamot, lavender, cypress
- Cellulite – fennel, juniper, black pepper
- Dull Skin – angelica root, geranium, carot seed
- Detoxifying massage – fennel, angelica seed, hyssop, juniper
- Bloating massage – fennel, juniper, cpress
- Nervous Exhaustion - mandarin, helichrysum, bergamot
Helichrysum Essential Oil Substitute
Helichrysum italicum
The strange early, aniseed-y, curry-like fragrance is both delightful yet disconcerting all at once! This is an important oil but can often carry a hefty price tag.
Fragrance Group
Floral, spicy, woody
Note
Middle to Base
Energetic
Steady, robust, reliable
Aroma Substitutes for Helichrysum Essential Oil
Cedarwood, sandalwood, patchouli, myrrh, calendula
Therapeutic Substitutions for HelichrysumEssential Oil
- Muscular Aches And Pains – Lavender, juniper, black pepper, ginger, copaiba
- Skin balancing – Lavender, tea tree, bergamot, jasmine
- Skin healing - Lavender, tea tree, myrrh
- Specific skin therapeutic uses – Calendula, geranium, myrrh, calendula, chamomile, cajeput,
- Skin calming – Roman chamomile, German (blue) chamomile, vetiver
- Nervous Exhaustion – Mandarin, bergamot, vetiver
Hyssop Essential Oil Substitute
Hyssopus officinalis
Beautiful hyssop is chock full of ketones which make it so gorgeous for breaking stuff down. However, ketones can make it a difficult oil to use if you have epilepsy or any problems with psychosis. The level of ketones actually drops after the plant has flowered but the majority of commercial oils are distilled from the plant before it has come into flower.
Fragrance Group
Herbaceous
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Invigorating and clearing
Aroma Substitutes for Hyssop Essential Oil
Clary sage, camphor, rosemary, Roman chamomile
Therapeutic Substitutions for HyssopEssential Oil
- Feeling under the weather - lemon, myrrh, tea tree, eucalyptus, myrtle, ravensara, inula, monarda
- Feeling very under the weather - tea tree, helichrysum, manuka, kanuka, cinnamon, oregano, thyme – oregano, eucalyptus
- Breathe - Eucalyptus, niaouli, tea tree, frankincense, bergamot, ravensara, niaouli
- Clear the airways – eucalyptus, thyme, bergamot, frankincense, monarda
- Skin healing – Geranium, helichrysum, tea tree, lavender, myrrh
- Aches and pains – Lavender, juniper, black pepper, ginger, davana, plai
- Stomach rub – coriander, dill, fennel, carrot seed, chamomile
Jasmine Essential Oil Substitute
Jasminum grandiflorum
A heady sensuous and delicious fragrance, jasmine is taken from dainty white flowers which exude their fragrance to attract moths in the evening. However, the number of flowers required to make the oil is high, and the oil needs to be extracted by one of the costliest methods too (it's an absolute rather than an essential oil). For that reason, jasmine can be very expensive.
Fragrance Group
Floral
Note
Middle to Base
Energetic
Seductive and soothing
Aroma Substitutes for Jasmine Essential Oil (absolute)
Patchouli, ylang ylang, tuberose, vetiver, sandalwood
Therapeutic Substitutions for JasmineEssential Oil (absolute)
- When you are worried or nervous – lavender, chamomile, valerian, yarrow, geranium, sandalwood, ylang ylang, rose
- When you feel down – Melissa, bergamot, rose, geranium, yuzu,
- Potentially affect blood pressure - clary sage, Melissa, ylang ylang
- Calming – ylang ylang, lavender
- Skin healing – Helichrysum
Juniper Essential Oil Substitute
Juniperus communis
Delicious juniper has a sharp fresh fragrance, but it is a very powerful oil, used mainly for flushing out toxins. For this reason, it is an oil best avoided by anyone with kidney issues.
Fragrance Group
Evergreen, herbaceous
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Stimulating, invigorating, lifting
Aroma Substitutes for Juniper Essential Oil
Pine, fir, cypress, spruce
Therapeutic Substitutions for JuniperEssential Oil
- Skin balancing - helichrysum, lavender, jasmine, tea tree
- Specific skin therapeutic uses – tea tree, fennel, clary sage, geranium, cypress
- Feeling under the weather - lemon, myrrh, tea tree – Lavender, tea tree, myrrh, ravensara
- Feeling very under the weather – oregano, cinnamon, tea tree, manuka, kanuka, niaouli, eucalyptus
- Detox massage – Fennel
Lavender, Spike Essential Oil Substitute
Lavandula latifolia
Lavender spike has a sharp camphoraceous fragrance, more lavender-y than other lavender, if that makes sense? Like hyssop though, it has high levels of ketones which can be problematic for people with epilepsy, high blood pressure and psychosis.
More people tend to complain of headaches and achy legs from using latifolia, so it isn't a common choice these days. I think it’s fair to say that you can always substitute angustifolia if you do not have latifolia, but not necessarily the other way round
Fragrance Group
Floral, herbaceous
Note
Middle to Top
Energetic
Relaxing and soothing
Aroma Substitutes for Spike Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender angustifolia, hyssop, rosemary
Therapeutic Substitutions for Spike LavenderEssential Oil
- When you are worried or nervous – rose, ylang ylang, sandalwood, camomile, geranium, yarrow, valerian, spikenard, clary sage
- Skin healing - Helichrysum
- When you feel down – bergamot, rose, ylang ylang, Melissa, yuzu
- Specific skin therapeutic uses – Calendula, geranium, helichrysum, myrrh
- Support during menstruation – clary sage, rose, geranium
- Cooling to the head – chamomile, basil, rosemary
- Calming – clary sage, geranium, ylang ylang
- Bites – eucalyptus, chamomile
- Ward off unwanted outdoor guests - vetiver, eucalyptus, tea tree
- Itching - chamomile
- Oily skin – ylang ylang, melissa
- Aches and pains – juniper, black pepper, ginger
- Sporting aches - helichrysum
Lavender, True Essential Oil Substitute
Lavandula angustifolia
The aromatherapist’s dependable pal, but many people say they just don’t like lavender essential oil, and that’s fine too.
Fragrance Group
Floral, herbaceous
Note
Middle
Energetic
Relaxing and soothing
Aroma Substitutes for Lavender Essential Oil
Hyssop, rosemary, clary sage
Therapeutic Substitutions for LavenderEssential Oil
- Similar to spike lavender
Lemon Essential Oil Substitute
Citrus limonum
Bright, fresh and clean, but often you may discover your lemon oil has become to old to use. Remember oils high in monoterpenes oxidise quickly and can cause skin sensitisation.
Fragrance Group
Citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Joyful, carefree
Aroma Substitutes for Lemon Essential Oil
Lemongrass, citronella, lemon verbena, melissa
Therapeutic Substitutions for Lemon Essential Oil
- Specific skin therapeutic uses - tea tree, helichrysum, cinnamon, geranium
- Warming - black pepper
- Feeling under the weather - lemon, myrrh, tea tree
- Dull Skin – angelica root, Melissa, carrot seed, neroli
- Feeling very under the weather – eucalyptus, cinnamon, oregano, manuka, kanuka
- Oily Skin – lavender
- Skin support - lavender, geranium, helichrysum
Lemongrass Essential Oil Substitute
Cymbopogon flexuosus
Lovely, strong and confident, lemongrass oil can be a tad bossy for some people.
Fragrance Group
Citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Victorious, confident
Aroma Substitutes for Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemon, citronella, lemon verbena, melissa
Therapeutic Substitutions for Lemongrass Essential Oil
- Skin balancing - helichrysum, lavender, jasmine, tea tree
- Stomach rub – Coriander, dill, carrot seed cardamom, jasmine, peppermint
- Bloated stomach rub – peppermint, chamomile, dill
- Ward off unwanted outdoor guests - vetiver, eucalyptus, tea tree – eucalyptus, vetiver
- Muscular Aches And Pains – lavender, juniper, ginger, geranium, rosemary, black pepper
- Physical & mental fatigue or burn out - Mandarin, melissa, lemon, lemon verbena
Lemon Verbena Essential Oil Substitute
Aloysia citrodora
Poor old lemon verbena gets a bad rap. She has become known for being a skin irritant and an adulterant for Melissa, but in fact verbena is so romantic and rejuvenating, I’d encourage you to take another look.
Fragrance Group
Citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Dreamy, sensuous
Aroma Substitutes for Lemon Verbena Essential Oil
Lemon, citronella, melissa, lemon myrtle, lemon scented eucalyptus
Therapeutic Substitutions for Lemon VerbenaEssential Oil
- Aphrodisiac – Jasmine, patchouli, neroli
- When you feel down – bergamot, yuzu, neroli
- Dull skin – angelica root, myrtle, lemon, melissa
Lime Essential Oil Substitute
Citrus × aurantifolia
Zesty, positive and strident, lime oil is reasonably inexpensive and easily accessible to most people’s pockets. However, watch your bottle does not go out of date as the oil can oxidise quickly due to the monoterpenes meaning it becomes irritable to the skin. This oil has a relatively short shelf life.
Fragrance Group
Citrus
Note
Top
Energetic
Dynamic, playful
Aroma Substitutes for Lime Essential Oil
Lemongrass, yuzu, bergamot, monarda
Therapeutic Substitutions for LimeEssential Oil
- Skin balancing - helichrysum, lavender, jasmine, tea tree
- Breathe - frankincense
- Warming – lemon, ginger
- Feeling under the weather - lemon, myrrh, tea tree ravensara, monarda
- Dull Skin – angelica root, lemon
- Specific skin therapeutic uses – geranium, helichrysum, black pepper, cypress
Mandarin Essential Oil Substitute
Citrus reticulata
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 MandarinEssential 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 Essential Oil Substitute
Leptospermum scoparium
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 ManukaEssential 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 Essential Oil Substitute
Origanum majorana
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Melaleuca quinquenervia
See tea tree for substitutes for melaleuca essential oil.
Melissa Essential Oil Substitute
Melissa officinalis
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 MelissaEssential 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 Essential Oil Substitute
Monarda fistulosa
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 MonardaEssential 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 Essential Oil Substitute
Commiphora myrrha
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 MyrrhEssential 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 MyrtleEssential 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 Essential Oil Substitute
Melaleuca quinquenervia
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 NiaouliEssential 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 Essential Oil Substitute
Citrus aurantium
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
Petigrain, orange, davana
Therapeutic Substitutions for NeroliEssential 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 Essential Oil Substitute
Myristica fragrans
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) Essential Oil Substitute
Citrus aurantium
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) Essential Oil Substitute
Citrus sinensis
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Origanum vulgare
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
Peppermint Essential Oil Substitute
Mentha piperita
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
Pine Essential Oil Substitute
Pinus sylvestris
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Zingiber cassumunar
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
Petitgrain Essential Oil Substitute
Citrus aurantium
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
Patchouli Essential Oil Substitute
Pogostemon cablin
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
Palmarosa Essential Oil Substitute
Cymbopogon martini
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
Ravensara Essential Oil Substitute
Ravensara aromatica
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) Essential Oil Substitute
Ravensara aromatica
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Rosa damascena
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, helichrysm
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Salvia rosmarinus (Synonym : Rosmarinus officinalis)
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Aniba rosaeodora
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Salvia officinalis
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Salvia officinalis
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Mentha spicata
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
- Dizzyness and light headed - vetiver
Spikenard Essential Oil Substitute
Nardostachys jatamansi
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, vertiver, 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 Essential Oil Substitute
Artemisia dracunculus
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Melaleuca alternifolia
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
Turmeric Essential Oil Substitute
Curcuma longa
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
Thyme Essential Oil Substitute
Thymus vulgaris
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 sustem – geranium, black pepper, ginger
Valerian Essential Oil Substitute
Valeriana officinalis
This one is bit like taking the foulest medication. It smells like the Foreign Legion have just taken their shoes off after traipsing across the desert. Dirty feet doesn’t even come close to describing, 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.
It's up to you to decide… sleep or seduction…you can’t have both, I’m afraid.
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Valeriana officinalis
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Vetiveria zizanioides
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, helichrsum
Wintergreen Essential Oil Substitute
Gaultheria procumbens
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Achillea millefolium
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Cananga odorata
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Citrus junos
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 Essential Oil Substitute
Geranium macrorrhizum
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, palma rosa
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. So with that in mind... over to you!
If there's an oil that you think should be added to this list, please comment the oil below along with your recommended substitutes.
Likewise, if you have any recommended substitute oils to add to the existing list, please also comment below.
Thanks for visiting the page and enjoy your day. :)
P.S You can grab a copy of Liz's book free on Kindle: The Complete Guide To Clinical Aromatherapy and The Essential Oils of The Physical Body
The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by medical practitioners. Neither Sacred Soul Holistics 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 circ*mstances should they be ingested. All content on this page is for information only.
